ThrustMe
ThrustMe is a French space propulsion company that designs and manufactures iodine-based electric propulsion systems for small satellites and CubeSats, serving constellation operators, satellite manufacturers, and space agencies worldwide with a flight-proven portfolio including the NPT30-I2 gridded ion thruster.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersParis, France
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What ThrustMe does
ThrustMe is a French space propulsion company founded in 2017 by Dr. Ane Aanesland and Dr. Dmytro Rafalskyi, spun out of the Laboratory of Plasma Physics at Ecole Polytechnique and CNRS. The company designs and manufactures turnkey electric propulsion systems for small satellites and CubeSats, with a core technological differentiator being the use of solid iodine as propellant instead of conventional xenon. Iodine transitions directly from solid to gas when heated, eliminating high-pressure storage tanks and delivering a claimed 72% reduction in direct and indirect cost versus Hall Effect Thrusters (HET) and a 56% reduction in orbit-raising time versus Field Emission Electric Propulsion (FEEP). The product portfolio spans the NPT30-I2 gridded ion thruster (the flagship, with the 200th unit expected to become the most populous gridded ion thruster design on orbit), the I2T5 iodine cold gas thruster (the first iodine propulsion system ever tested in space, in 2019), the upcoming JPT150 iodine Hall thruster (slated for 2026 in-orbit demonstration), a water-based RCS reaction control system, and the LTA100 ionosphere generator for ground testing.
The company operates a B2B enterprise sales model, selling propulsion hardware directly to satellite constellation operators, satellite manufacturers, and space agencies worldwide. Distribution is supported by integration into SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare missions (Transporter-7, Transporter-14, and others). Customers include Spire Global (propulsion on a 100+ satellite constellation), Spacety (Chinese SAR constellation), CNES, Norwegian Space Agency, Airbus Defence and Space, and a growing roster of North American startups and Terran Orbital (a Lockheed Martin subsidiary). Revenue comes primarily from hardware sales, supplemented by research collaborations with academic institutions and sales of ground testing instruments.
By EOY 2024, ThrustMe had delivered over 150 propulsion systems with 50 in orbit and reached a 365-unit-per-year industrial production capacity at its 900 m2 facility in Verrières-le-Buisson (Paris region). Headcount has grown from a core founding team to 40+ employees with plans to reach 60 by 2025. The company has raised over €5M cumulatively through a mix of public grants (European Commission Horizon 2020, ESA ARTES, BPIFrance I-LAB, French Tech Ticket, European Innovation Council) and private capital, and is backed operationally by technology transfer from SATT Paris-Saclay.
ThrustMe firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ThrustMe
- Legal name
- ThrustMe
- Website
- https://thrustme.fr
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- ThrustMe is a French space propulsion company that designs and manufactures iodine-based electric propulsion systems for small satellites and CubeSats, serving constellation operators, satellite manufacturers, and space agencies worldwide with a flight-proven portfolio including the NPT30-I2 gridded ion thruster.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ThrustMe industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Space Propulsion Systems
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing (336415)
- SIC
- Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters (IMABACAE)
Keywords
Where ThrustMe is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Paris
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
ThrustMe business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Propulsion Systems Sales: Sale of turnkey electric propulsion systems including NPT30-I2, I2T5, JPT150, and RCS systems to satellite operators, constellation operators, and space agencies globally.
- Scientific Instruments: Sale of ground testing equipment including LTA100 ionosphere generators for space simulation chambers and testing facilities.
- Research Collaborations: Research agreements with academic institutions including ANU for electrothermal plasma systems and alternative propellants.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
ThrustMe product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ThrustMe designs, manufactures, and sells iodine-based electric propulsion systems for small satellites. Its portfolio includes gridded ion thrusters (NPT30-I2), Hall thrusters (JPT150), cold gas thrusters (I2T5), water-based reaction control systems (RCS), and scientific instruments (LTA100), enabling constellation deployment, orbit maintenance, collision avoidance, and end-of-life deorbiting.
Product overview
ThrustMe is a space propulsion company offering a complete portfolio of turnkey propulsion products for satellites, including electric propulsion systems (NPT30-I2 gridded ion thruster, JPT150 Hall thruster), cold gas systems (I2T5), water-based reaction control systems (RCS), and scientific instruments (LTA100). Founded in 2017 and headquartered in France, the company pioneered the world's first iodine-fuelled electric propulsion system demonstrated in orbit (2020). Their propulsion solutions enable satellite constellation deployment, orbital maneuvers, collision avoidance, and end-of-life debris removal.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- NPT30-I2 Iodine electric space propulsion system using solid iodine propellant for next-generation cost-capped satellites. Provides high total impulse for constellation deployment, orbit changes, collision avoidance, and end-of-life removal. Delivered pre-filled and ready for integration.
- NPT30 Clusters Clustered configuration of NPT30-I2 propulsion systems for increased thrust requirements. Completes ThrustMe's space propulsion portfolio with higher thrust capability.
- JPT150 Iodine Hall thruster providing unmatched total impulse and superior performance-to-cost ratio. World's first low-power iodine Hall thruster system, fully iodine compatible, for smallsat constellation sustainability.
- RCS Water propulsion and reaction control system providing fine maneuvering, reaction wheel desaturation, and full orbit and attitude control capabilities in a single 1U package.
- LTA100 Ionosphere and upper atmosphere generator (particle flow generator) for testing space hardware performance in simulated ionospheric conditions. Plug-and-play particle generator for evaluating effects of ionosphere on satellites.
- Scientific Instruments Ground and space equipment including plasma sources and testing systems, allowing scientists to focus on physics research instead of developing equipment.
- I2T5 Iodine cold gas thruster for CubeSats. First ever iodine propulsion system tested in space (2019). Non-pressurized system using solid iodine for safe ride-share missions.
Quantifiable outcome
- 72% reduction in direct and indirect cost compared to HET (Hall Effect Thruster)
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use ThrustMe
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
ThrustMe technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
ThrustMe partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Marble ImagingcoreStrategic three-way partnership for 2026 in-orbit demonstration of JPT150 iodine Hall thruster integrated into MIRI high-performance Earth observation satellite.
- Reflex AerospacecoreStrategic partnership with Marble Imaging and ThrustMe for 2026 in-orbit demonstration of JPT150 propulsion system on MIRI satellite.
- U-SpacemajorIndustrial partnership to equip new generation of French satellites, contributing to technological autonomy of France and Europe.
- ONERAmajorIPISC project (Iodine Propulsion Interaction with Satellites and Components) supported by ESA and CNES to evaluate iodine as propellant for satellites over 500 kg.
- Airbus Defence and SpacecoreIPISC project partnership with ONERA and ThrustMe to evaluate iodine-based propulsion for large satellites over 500 kg.
- CNEScoreDirect order for several off-the-shelf propulsion systems. Contract symbolizes evolution of space industry and fading barriers between old and new space sectors.
- Norwegian Space AgencycoreNPT30-I2 propulsion system selected for NorSat-TD satellite to demonstrate just-in-time collision avoidance maneuvers and orbit raising capabilities.
- Von Karman InstitutemajorCollaboration to integrate LTA100 particle generator into DRAG-ON facility for reproducing ionosphere and upper atmosphere environments for testing space hardware.
- Spire GlobalcoreDelivery of 7 propulsion systems for LEMUR 3U satellites as part of Spire's fully deployed constellation of 100+ satellites. First integration of propulsion on LEMUR satellites.
- Australian National University (ANU)majorResearch agreement with ANU Research School of Physics to study electrothermal plasma systems and alternative propellants for space applications including spacecraft propulsion and LEO environment simulation.
- European Space Agency (ESA)coreESA ARTES C&G program contract for world's first iodine electric propulsion demonstration in space. Supported development of NPT30-I2 for satellite constellation applications.
- SpacetycoreHistoric collaboration for first iodine-propelled spacecraft launch (2019). Spacety's Xiaoxiang-1 and Beihangkongshi-1 satellites carried ThrustMe's I2T5 and NPT30-I2 systems respectively. Spacety ordered multiple NPT30-I2 systems for SAR constellation deployment.
- CNEScoreFrench Space Agency supported iodine technology development via R&T program. Provided support for NPT30-I2 development.
- Ecole PolytechniquecoreResearch institution where founders developed expertise in plasma physics and electric propulsion. Company emerged from joint research lab with CNRS.
- CNRScoreFrench National Center for Scientific Research. Founders conducted research at Laboratory of Plasma Physics. Company spun out from joint research lab.
- La French TechminorFrench tech ecosystem support for startups.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
ThrustMe competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Momentus Space: US in-space transportation services company using plasma-based propulsion. Comparable in targeting smallsat mobility and constellation deployment needs, though operating more as a service provider than hardware vendor like ThrustMe.
- Morpheus Space: German smallsat electric propulsion startup offering nano-propulsion systems for CubeSats and smallsats. Comparable European peer in target segment with overlapping smallsat propulsion customer base.
- Accion Systems: US startup developing electrospray/ionic liquid propulsion for smallsats. Comparable in scale and New Space propulsion focus, with overlapping smallsat target customers though using different underlying technology.
- Apollo Fusion (Astra): US-based electric propulsion company acquired by Astra Space, developing Hall-effect thrusters for small satellites and constellations. Comparable propulsion technology and target market, with the advantage of Astra's launch and platform integration capabilities.
Broad incumbents
- Safran: Global aerospace propulsion leader with significant space propulsion activities (Safran Aircraft Engines, Safran Electronics & Defense). Broad incumbent offering electric and chemical propulsion across satellite platforms with far greater scale and resources.
- Aerojet Rocketdyne (L3Harris): Large US aerospace propulsion manufacturer producing a wide portfolio including electric and chemical propulsion for spacecraft. Broad incumbent in space propulsion with extensive flight heritage and much larger balance sheet than ThrustMe.
Direct peers
- Sitael: Italian smallsat propulsion and platform company offering electric propulsion including Hall-effect thrusters for small satellites. Comparable European peer with overlapping technology and customer base.
- Busek: US smallsat electric propulsion specialist producing Hall thrusters, iodine thrusters, and electrospray systems. Directly competes in the same propulsion technology category as ThrustMe, particularly in iodine and Hall thrusters.
- ENPULSION: Austrian manufacturer of electric propulsion systems (IFM Nano, IFM Micro) for smallsats and CubeSats. Most direct competitor to ThrustMe's NPT30-I2 in the gridded ion thruster category for New Space constellation customers.
- Phase Four: US-based developer of RF thrusters for small satellites, using a similar RF plasma technology approach. Closely comparable to ThrustMe in propulsion technology category and smallsat target market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ThrustMe social profiles
Digital presenceThrustMe financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ThrustMe leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
ThrustMe funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors5 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ThrustMe M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ThrustMe
What does ThrustMe do?
ThrustMe designs, manufactures, and sells iodine-based electric propulsion systems for small satellites. Its portfolio includes gridded ion thrusters (NPT30-I2), Hall thrusters (JPT150), cold gas thrusters (I2T5), water-based reaction control systems (RCS), and scientific instruments (LTA100), enabling constellation deployment, orbit maintenance, collision avoidance, and end-of-life deorbiting.
Is ThrustMe a public or private company?
ThrustMe is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was ThrustMe founded?
ThrustMe was founded in 2017. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is ThrustMe based?
ThrustMe is headquartered in Paris, France, in the Europe region.
How does ThrustMe make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Propulsion Systems Sales are the primary driver. The others are scientific Instruments and research Collaborations.
Who are ThrustMe's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Momentus Space, Morpheus Space, Accion Systems and Apollo Fusion (Astra). Broad incumbents are Safran and Aerojet Rocketdyne (L3Harris). Direct peers are Sitael, Busek, ENPULSION and Phase Four.
Does ThrustMe have an API?
No public API is recorded for ThrustMe.
What industry is ThrustMe in?
ThrustMe's product category is Space Propulsion Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABACAE, Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters. Its NAICS code is 336414 and its SIC code is 3760.