Apollo Fusion
Apollo Fusion, founded in 2016, developed Hall-effect electric propulsion systems for satellite constellations using xenon and krypton propellants. Acquired by Astra in June 2021, its technology now underpins Astra's Spacecraft Engine product serving US government agencies and commercial constellation operators.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersMountain View, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Apollo Fusion does
Apollo Fusion was a satellite propulsion company founded in 2016 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, that developed electric propulsion systems for satellite constellations. The company's core technology centered on xenon and krypton Hall-effect thrusters featuring a proprietary heaterless, center-mounted instant-start cathode, novel magnetic lensing and magnetic circuit design, a radiation-hardened power processing unit (PPU) achieving 95% efficiency, and a compact permanent-magnet thruster design ground-tested to 12,000 operational cycles. Thrusters were offered in multiple configurations (2-string, 3-string, 4-string) to match varying mission delta-v requirements across both xenon and krypton propellants. Apollo Fusion was acquired by Astra Space, Inc. in June 2021, and its propulsion capabilities became the foundation for Astra's Spacecraft Engine product line, supported by an Astra mobile, containerized launch system deployable worldwide without fixed infrastructure.
Following the acquisition, the former Apollo Fusion operations were integrated into Astra's vertically consolidated enterprise, headquartered in a 250,000 square-foot manufacturing facility on a 15-acre campus in Alameda, California. The combined business serves two primary customer segments: government defense and space agencies — notably the US Space Force, Department of Defense, and NASA — requiring tactically responsive launch and propulsion capabilities for national security and scientific missions; and commercial satellite operators and manufacturers — including Planet, Spaceflight, LeoStella (a Thales Alenia Space / BlackSky joint venture), Apex, and Astroscale — needing reliable electric propulsion and dedicated launch services for constellation deployment and orbital services.
The revenue model is a hybrid of hardware sales (electric propulsion systems delivered as flight hardware) and one-time launch service contracts, with revenue recognized upon delivery. Go-to-market is direct enterprise sales targeting government agencies and constellation operators, with mission-specific configuration of propulsion and launch systems. Multi-year IDIQ contracts (NASA VADR up to $300M, Space Force OSP-4 up to 20 missions over 9 years, DoD up to $44M) anchor the backlog, while commercial engine sales provide diversified volume. Headcount stands at approximately 100 employees as of 2026, with Rocket 4.0 development and a planned 2026 test flight representing the next major product milestone.
Apollo Fusion firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Apollo Fusion
- Website
- https://apollofusion.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Apollo Fusion, founded in 2016, developed Hall-effect electric propulsion systems for satellite constellations using xenon and krypton propellants. Acquired by Astra in June 2021, its technology now underpins Astra's Spacecraft Engine product serving US government agencies and commercial constellation operators.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Apollo Fusion industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Space Propulsion Systems
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing (336415), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414)
- SIC
- Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters (IMABACAE)
Keywords
Where Apollo Fusion is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mountain View
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Apollo Fusion business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations
Revenue model
- Satellite Engine Sales: Sale of electric propulsion systems (satellite engines) for constellation satellites. Systems sold with various configurations (2-string, 3-string, 4-string) to meet different mission delta-v requirements. Revenue recognized upon delivery of flight hardware.
- Launch Services: Dedicated orbital launch services for small satellites. Revenue from launch contracts with government (Space Force, DoD, NASA) and commercial customers. Launch services include mission-specific orbital delivery to customer-specified inclinations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Target payload capacity: 1 tonne to mid-inclination LEO |
| Other | Annual | 2025 Revenue: $45M GAAP revenue (forecast) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Apollo Fusion product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Apollo Fusion develops and manufactures electric space-propulsion systems, specifically Hall-effect thrusters for satellites. Its propulsion products support constellation station-keeping, orbit raising, and deorbiting, with offerings in multiple thruster configurations (2-string, 3-string, 4-string) to meet varying mission delta-v requirements. The company was acquired by Astra Space, Inc. in June 2021 and its technology now forms the basis of Astra's Spacecraft Engine product line.
Product overview
Apollo Fusion was acquired by Astra in June 2021. Astra operates two primary product lines: (1) Launch Services featuring Rocket 4.0 and Launch System 2/Rocket 3.3 rockets, supported by a mobile containerized launch system for responsive deployment worldwide; and (2) Satellite Products featuring the Astra Spacecraft Engine - a flight-proven electric propulsion system for satellite constellations, available in multiple thruster configurations (2-string, 3-string, 4-string) with xenon and krypton propellant options. The company also offers a mobile, containerized spaceport designed for tactically responsive launch operations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Astra Spacecraft Engine (originally Apollo Fusion electric propulsion) Flight-proven electric propulsion system for satellite constellations, using xenon and krypton Hall-effect thrusters with a heaterless instant-start cathode, novel magnetic lensing, and radiation-hardened PPU. Designed for satellite manufacturers and constellation operators needing reliable, scalable propulsion for orbit-raising, station-keeping, and deorbiting.
Quantifiable outcome
- Fastest company to reach orbit (5 years from founding in 2016)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Apollo Fusion
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Apollo Fusion technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Apollo Fusion partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and planned.
- NASAcoreAwarded VADR (Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare) IDIQ contract with maximum value of $300 million over 5-year ordering period for launch services. NASA Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center managing the contract.
- United States Space ForcecoreOSP-4 (Orbital Services Program) IDIQ contract from Rocket Systems Launch Program allowing rapid acquisition of launch services for payloads >400 lbs. Approximately 20 missions over 9-year ordering period.
- Apollo FusioncoreAstra acquired Apollo Fusion, a leading electric space-propulsion company, to expand propulsion capabilities and reach new destinations in space. Technology combined with Astra's launch services.
- Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)coreDefense Innovation Unit awarded Astra a contract valued at up to $44 million to advance tactically responsive launch capabilities and scale Rocket 4 production. Supports demonstration of automated laser welding and advanced ground infrastructure concepts.
- PlanetmajorMulti-launch contract holder for Planet's satellite constellation deployment needs. Planet is a leading provider of global, daily satellite imagery and geospatial solutions requiring frequent, affordable access to orbit.
- SpaceflightmajorCommercial launch customer deploying satellites for Spaceflight's customers including Portland State Aerospace Society and NearSpace Launch. Spaceflight serves as a launch services aggregator and satellite deployment coordinator.
- LeoStellamajorContract for Astra to provide Spacecraft Engines for LeoStella satellites. LeoStella designs and manufactures operational satellites cost-effectively at scale (joint venture between Thales Alenia Space and BlackSky).
- ApexmajorSpacecraft engine contracts for Apex satellite platforms. Apex designs and manufactures satellite buses for constellation operators.
- AstroscalemajorSpacecraft engine contracts for Astroscale's orbital services and debris mitigation platforms.
- Space Launch Delta 45corePartnership with US Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45 to enable Astra launches from Cape Canaveral. Shortened multi-year approval timeline to months for launch operations at SLC-46.
- SaxaVord UK SpaceportplannedPlanned partnership for Astra to operate from SaxaVord UK Spaceport, expanding European launch capabilities. Covers 75-96 degree orbital inclinations.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Apollo Fusion competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Rocket Lab: Operates both the Electron small launch vehicle and the in-space Solar/Electric Propulsion (SEP) product line, directly competing with Astra in dedicated small launch and electric satellite propulsion.
- Firefly Aerospace: Operates the Alpha small launch vehicle with similar DoD/NASA responsive launch customer focus, and is developing the Beta vehicle for medium-class payloads, directly overlapping Astra's Rocket 4.0 target market.
- Relativity Space: Develops the Terran and Terran R launch vehicles for commercial and government small-to-medium payloads, competing head-to-head with Astra for responsive launch contracts and DoD business.
- Busek: Specialty electric propulsion manufacturer producing Hall-effect thrusters and cathode technologies for small satellites, directly competing with Apollo Fusion's thruster product line for constellation customers.
- ABL Space Systems: Develops the RS1 small launch vehicle for responsive, containerized launch from austere locations, directly overlapping Astra's mobile launch system value proposition for government customers.
- Sitael: Italian space propulsion manufacturer producing Hall-effect and electric thrusters for satellite platforms, competing with Apollo Fusion in European and international satellite propulsion programs.
Broad incumbents
- Aerojet Rocketdyne (L3Harris): Established space propulsion incumbent producing electric and chemical propulsion for satellites and launch vehicles; competes directly with Apollo Fusion-derived thrusters across civil, commercial, and defense satellite programs.
- Northrop Grumman (Space Systems): Major space prime operating the Pegasus and Minotaur air-launched/small launch vehicles and producing spacecraft bus and propulsion subsystems, overlapping with Astra across launch services and in-space propulsion.
- SpaceX: Dominant launch provider whose Falcon 9 and rideshare programs set the competitive baseline for small/medium launch pricing, and whose Starlink constellation creates both supply and demand dynamics in electric propulsion adjacencies.
Emerging players
- Phase Four: Develops RF thruster-based electric propulsion for small satellites as an alternative to Hall-effect thrusters, competing with Apollo Fusion products for emerging constellation and rideshare missions.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks4 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Apollo Fusion financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Apollo Fusion leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Apollo Fusion funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Apollo Fusion 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 Apollo Fusion
What does Apollo Fusion do?
Apollo Fusion develops and manufactures electric space-propulsion systems, specifically Hall-effect thrusters for satellites. Its propulsion products support constellation station-keeping, orbit raising, and deorbiting, with offerings in multiple thruster configurations (2-string, 3-string, 4-string) to meet varying mission delta-v requirements. The company was acquired by Astra Space, Inc. in June 2021 and its technology now forms the basis of Astra's Spacecraft Engine product line.
Is Apollo Fusion a public or private company?
Apollo Fusion is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Apollo Fusion founded?
Apollo Fusion was founded in 2016. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Apollo Fusion based?
Apollo Fusion is headquartered in Mountain View, United States, in the North America region.
How does Apollo Fusion make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Satellite Engine Sales are the primary driver. The others are launch Services.
Who are Apollo Fusion's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Rocket Lab, Firefly Aerospace, Relativity Space, Busek, ABL Space Systems and Sitael. Broad incumbents are Aerojet Rocketdyne (L3Harris), Northrop Grumman (Space Systems) and SpaceX. Phase Four is listed as an emerging player.
Does Apollo Fusion have an API?
No public API is recorded for Apollo Fusion.
What industry is Apollo Fusion in?
Apollo Fusion's product category is Space Propulsion Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABACAE, Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters. Its NAICS code is 336415 and its SIC code is 3760.