NanoAvionics

What NanoAvionics does

NanoAvionics (legal entity Kongsberg NanoAvionics UAB) is a small satellite bus manufacturer and mission integrator headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania, with subsidiary operations in the United States (Columbia/Riverdale, Maryland), the United Kingdom (Didcot, Oxfordshire), and the United Arab Emirates (Dubai). Founded in 2014 and acquired by Norwegian defense contractor Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace in July 2022, the company designs and manufactures standardized satellite platforms spanning 3U CubeSats to ESPA-class microsatellites (MP42, MP42H, MP42D), offered in 21 standard configurations across seven form factors and three performance tiers (Light/Mid/Max). Across more than 60 satellites launched and 300+ in development for 140+ customers in over 50 countries, the company claims the largest standardized smallsat bus portfolio in the market, with a peer-reviewed 100% first-contact success rate and 95.08% mission lifetime success rate (versus industry averages of 95.6% and 72.69%, respectively, per CEAS/Springer research).

The company's technology stack rests on flight-proven modular subsystems — including ADCS, power, communications, and payload controllers — plus an in-house radiation engineering department that tests electronics under 200 MeV proton beam for TID, heavy ion, and SEE qualification. Business model combines (1) unit-priced hardware sales of standardized and custom satellite buses via an online configurator tool and direct enterprise sales, (2) professional services covering MAIT (manufacturing, assembly, integration, testing), launch logistics, and mission operations, (3) managed-services constellation outsourcing bundling bus, integration, launch, and operations under multi-year contracts, and (4) subsystem/component sales including avionics kits for large-quantity orders. Pricing is non-public; custom engineering contracts and government deals are quote-based, and standard bus lead times start at four to seven months.

Go-to-market is hybrid direct sales and self-serve: enterprise field sales target constellation operators, government/defense, and research institutions, while the online satellite configurator captures demand for standard buses. The customer base spans commercial constellation operators (SpinLaunch/Meridian Space, Kepler, OQ Technology, Lacuna Space, Sen, Eycore, Startical), prime contractors (Thales Alenia Space, OHB), government/defense (NASA, MBRSC, Norwegian FFI, LANL, DEWA, Flexell/K-LEO), and universities/labs (ONERA, RIKEN, NTNU, IBS, Wichita State). The €122.5M SpinLaunch contract for 280 satellites, NASA Rapid IV On-Ramp III supplier status, and KSAT strategic partnership anchor a backlog that positions the company for serial production scaling, supported by Kongsberg ecosystem distribution channels (ground stations via KSAT, defense procurement, classified Cosmos facilities).

Name

NanoAvionics

Legal name

Kongsberg NanoAvionics UAB

Website

https://nanoavionics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

NanoAvionics builds standardized small satellite buses (3U CubeSats to ESPA-class microsatellites) and provides end-to-end mission integration for 140+ commercial, government, and research customers globally, operating as a subsidiary of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Small Satellite Manufacturing

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software (IMABACAI), Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR) (IMABACAD), Satellite Network Operations & Capacity Services (NOC, Capacity Leasing, Managed Payload Services) (HDAIAJAI)

Keywords

• Small satellite buses
• CubeSat manufacturing
• Microsatellite platforms
• Mission integration services
• Constellation management

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Satellite Bus Sales: Sale of standardized and custom small satellite platforms ranging from 3U CubeSats to microsatellites. Revenue recognized upon delivery of spacecraft, with pricing varying by configuration tier (Light/Mid/Max), form factor, and payload integration scope.
2. Mission Integration Services: Full mission lifecycle services including manufacturing, assembly, payload integration, and testing (MAIT). Also covers launch provision, logistics, documentation, on-site integration, and mission operations. Services bundled with bus sales or sold independently.
3. Constellation Management: End-to-end constellation management outsourcing covering satellite buses, payload integration, launch coordination, and mission operations. Represents the highest-involvement partnership model for constellation customers.
4. Subsystem and Component Sales: Sale of modular subsystems including power systems, communications systems, ADCS, and payload controllers. Components integrated into customer-built spacecraft or sold as standalone avionics kits for large-quantity orders.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

NanoAvionics designs, manufactures, and sells standardized small satellite bus platforms (3U to microsatellite class) for commercial constellation operators, governments, defense agencies, and research institutions. The company provides end-to-end mission lifecycle services including manufacturing, assembly, payload integration, testing (MAIT), launch provision, and on-orbit mission operations. It also offers standalone avionics subsystems (power, communications, ADCS, payload controllers) and full constellation management outsourcing for customers scaling to hundreds of satellites.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Standardized Small Satellite Bus Portfolio A portfolio of 7 standardized satellite bus form factors (3U, 6U, 8U, 12U, 16U, MP42, MP42H, MP42D) each offered in Light, Mid, and Max performance configurations, totaling 21 standard configurations. Modular subsystems enable payload integration from 3U CubeSats to 100 kg microsatellites for commercial, government, defense, and research customers.
• Mission Integration Services

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% first-contact success rate (vs 95.6% industry average) and 95.08% mission lifetime success rate (vs 72.69% industry average)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers31 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• EycorecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2026Partnership for Eycore-1 SAR satellite launch using NanoAvionics MP42 microsatellite bus. Eycore became second fully private European company to own SAR satellite. Mission strengthens NATO surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and marks NanoAvionics' platform debut for SAR applications.
• Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 April 2026Strategic partnership for 24/7 mission operations integrating NanoAvionics' satellite platforms with KSAT's global ground infrastructure. Delivers turnkey service covering global ground connectivity, mission operations, and near real-time data delivery under one roof. Reduces operational complexity and costs for satellite owners. Part of broader Kongsberg ecosystem.
• Flexell SpacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Multi-million-euro contract to design and build deployable solar arrays for South Korea's K-LEO national security constellation. Delivery expected in H2 2027. Companies exploring integration of Flexell's CIGS and perovskite solar cells into NanoAvionics' CubeSat and microsatellite platforms to reduce costs and increase flexibility.
• Kepler CommunicationsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2026Partnership to expand Kepler's optical communications network in Europe. NanoAvionics provides satellite bus services to facilitate real-time high-capacity data transfer. Supports European sovereign and institutional satellite projects.
• HelsingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025German defense-tech company partnering with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to develop ISR satellite constellation targeting deployment by 2029. Hensoldt provides satellite sensors. Second German-Norwegian space collaboration following Rheinmetall/Andoya Space LoI.
• HensoldtcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025German sensor provider partnering with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Helsing for ISR constellation targeting 2029 deployment. NanoAvionics (Kongsberg subsidiary) provides satellite platforms for the constellation.
• Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025Contract signed November 2025 to develop five 12U CubeSats for MBRSC's Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI), delivering individually from 2026 to 2030. Satellites support PHI's mission to provide countries and institutions opportunities to test innovative technologies in orbit.
• SpinLaunch / Meridian SpaceflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2025€122.5M contract (April 2025) for 280 satellites for Meridian Space global broadband constellation. Includes two prototype satellites, including an in-orbit demonstrator planned for 2026. Satellites ~70 kg each, optimized for SpinLaunch's unique architecture. Constellation expected to grow to 1,200+ satellites. Represents NanoAvionics' transition from small-scale to serial satellite production.
• OHB (investor in Constellr)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2025OHB is both an investor in Constellr (thermal infrared payload developer for water monitoring satellites) and partner providing thermal infrared payloads for NanoAvionics-built Constellr satellites. OHB also develops Venus missions referenced in NanoAvionics communications.
• L3HarrisminorOthersL3Harris acquired Aerojet Rocketdyne (propulsion technology provider) in June 2023. Not a direct NanoAvionics partnership but relevant market context for propulsion system sourcing.
• Safran Electronics & DefenseminorOthersSafran entered MoA with Terran Orbital (June 2023) for electric propulsion systems development and US manufacturing. Related to propulsion technology landscape, not a direct NanoAvionics partnership.
• SES S.A.minorOthersSES acquired Intelsat (2024/2025) as major satellite industry consolidation. Relevant market context for constellation operator landscape and competitive dynamics.
• Lithuanian Government / ESAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLithuania's space sector targeting 1% contribution to national GDP by 2027, backed by 40+ space-related companies. Kongsberg NanoAvionics as anchor company supported by ESA, France's CNES, and UK Space Agency partnerships.
• ExolaunchcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman-US NewSpace company providing deployment systems (EXOpod Nova deployer, CarboNIX separation system) and launch services for NanoAvionics satellites. Multiple missions including Lacuna Space IoT satellite and Constellr SkyBee-1.
• ESA (European Space Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerESA partnerships support NanoAvionics customer programs (Lacuna Space IoT constellation co-funded by UK Space Agency and ESA; Constellr HiVE constellation co-funded by ESA Φ-lab InCubed Programme). NanoAvionics serves as supplier to ESA-backed missions.
• Zentrum für Telematik Würzburg (ZfT) / OHB System AG / DLRminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research initiative of German Federal Ministry for Research (BMFTR) on Quantum Communication. ZfT leads satellite system, OHB coordinates overall system including payloads from DLR, LMU Munich, and FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg. NanoAvionics provides 8U bus for QUBE-II quantum key distribution satellite.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Rocket Lab USA: Public NewSpace company operating both launch services (Electron, Neutron) and a satellite systems business (formerly Sinclair Interplanetary, SolAero). Directly competes with NanoAvionics in small satellite bus manufacturing, serving commercial constellation operators and government customers with standardized satellite platforms.
• Terran Orbital: Public smallsat manufacturer acquired by Lockheed Martin. Designs, manufactures, and operates small satellites and CubeSats for commercial and defense customers. Directly competes with NanoAvionics in the standardized small satellite bus market, with significant US government and constellation operator relationships.
• York Space Systems: US-based small satellite manufacturer focused on standardized bus platforms for government and commercial constellations. Direct competitor with strong SDA (Space Development Agency) contracts and a serial production model similar to NanoAvionics' NewSpace 3.0 approach.
• AAC Clyde Space: Swedish small satellite manufacturer specializing in CubeSat and smallsat platforms for commercial and government customers. Direct competitor in the European smallsat market with similar customer base (constellation operators, research institutions, defense). Acquired by Saab's subsidiary AAC Technologies.
• GomSpace: Danish small satellite manufacturer focused on nanosatellites and CubeSats for scientific, commercial, and governmental applications. Direct competitor with similar standardized platform strategy, particularly in the European research and science mission market.
• Blue Canyon Technologies: US smallsat manufacturer owned by Raytheon (RTX), producing CubeSats and microsatellite buses. Direct competitor with strong NASA and US defense customer base, comparable standardized platform strategy to NanoAvionics.
• SSTL (Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd): British small satellite manufacturer owned by Airbus Defence and Space. Pioneered the smallsat industry and remains a direct competitor in microsatellite platforms, Earth observation missions, and institutional contracts.
• Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems (Terralogi): Subsidiary of Terran Orbital producing CubeSat and smallsat platforms. Direct competitor in the standardized smallsat bus market with comparable technology and customer segments.

Broad incumbents

• OHB System AG: Major European space prime contractor offering satellite systems, including smallsat capabilities. Broader incumbent in the space industry that also partners with NanoAvionics (e.g., as thermal infrared payload provider for Constellr). Competes in European institutional and defense markets.

Emerging players

• Plan-S Satellite and Space Technologies: Turkish satellite operator and manufacturer building IoT and EO constellations using smallsat platforms. Emerging player that could either become a competitor or customer for NanoAvionics' bus offerings in regional markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Nano_avionics
• Facebookfacebook.com/NanoAvionics
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nanoavionika-uab

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds5 records

Investors6 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about NanoAvionics