Viridian Space
Viridian Space Corporation is an early-stage El Segundo-based startup developing the patent-pending Air-Scooping Electric Thruster (ASET) to enable refuelable satellites operating in Very Low Earth Orbit, targeting satellite operators in Earth observation, broadband communications, and in-space servicing markets.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersCulver City, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Viridian Space does
Viridian Space Corporation is an early-stage, privately held space technology company founded in 2021 and headquartered in El Segundo, California. The company is developing the Air-Scooping Electric Thruster (ASET), a patent-pending propulsion technology designed to enable satellites to operate sustainably in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) by converting residual atmospheric particles into propellant at altitude. The company is led by co-founders Rostislav Spektor (CEO) and Matthew Feldman (CTO), both PhDs from Princeton's Electric Propulsion Lab with subsequent tenure at The Aerospace Corporation.
ASET addresses a propulsion challenge that aerospace researchers have pursued since the 1960s: achieving thrust that overcomes drag in the upper atmosphere to enable persistent VLEO flight and infinite on-orbit refueling. The technical foundation is documented in the company's published white paper, IEPC-2022-468, 'Basic Analysis of an Air Breathing Electric Propulsion Concept.' Beyond its own satellite platforms, Viridian plans to sell ASET-enabled electric propulsion systems as standalone modules to third-party satellite operators and to support refueling fleets. Stated target applications span Earth observation, broadband satellite communications (including direct-to-cellphone), and the In-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) market including active debris removal.
Viridian's go-to-market is enterprise B2B, conducted through direct outreach, conference participation, and lab tours for prospective partners in the satellite industry. Revenue mechanics are expected to combine hardware sales of propulsion systems with potential technology licensing, though the company is pre-revenue and has not disclosed pricing. Strategic advisory is provided by Mandala Space Ventures (founded by ex-JPL Technical Fellow Leon Alkalai), with a secondary relationship noted with Contin. The company publicly states it is 'not currently in financing mode,' though it has accepted a ~$517K investment from Gaingels (Nov 2025) and engaged Seraphim Space (May 2024).
Viridian Space firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Viridian Space
- Legal name
- Viridian Space Corporation
- Website
- http://www.viridianspace.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Viridian Space Corporation is an early-stage El Segundo-based startup developing the patent-pending Air-Scooping Electric Thruster (ASET) to enable refuelable satellites operating in Very Low Earth Orbit, targeting satellite operators in Earth observation, broadband communications, and in-space servicing markets.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Viridian Space industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Space Propulsion Systems
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing (336415), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419)
- SIC
- Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters (IMABACAE)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Space Logistics & In-Orbit Servicing (Refueling, Tug, Debris Removal) (IMABACAM)
Keywords
Where Viridian Space is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Culver City
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Viridian Space business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Electric Propulsion Systems Sales: Viridian plans to offer ASET-technology enabled electric propulsion systems to companies with their own satellite platforms to improve satellite lifecycles and enable VLEO orbit capabilities, as well as refueling fleets. Revenue would come from system sales and potentially licensing of the technology.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
Viridian Space product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Viridian Space develops and plans to sell Air-Scooping Electric Thruster (ASET) technology and the electric propulsion systems built around it, enabling satellites to operate sustainably in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) by converting upper-atmosphere particles into propellant. The company targets satellite operators and aerospace companies that own satellite platforms, offering ASET-enabled propulsion hardware and supporting capabilities for satellite broadband communications, Earth observation, and in-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM).
Product overview
Viridian Space offers a unified product portfolio centered on its proprietary ASET (Air-Scooping Electric Thruster) technology, which enables the first air-breathing and refuelable satellite platform capable of operating in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). The core ASET technology transforms upper atmosphere particles into an infinite propellant supply, revolutionizing satellite lifecycles. The company complements this with Electric Propulsion Systems offered to third-party satellite manufacturers to enhance their platforms with VLEO capabilities. Additionally, the company publishes technical white papers such as the 'Basic Analysis of an Air Breathing Electric Propulsion Concept' to support industry research and partnership development.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ASET (Air-Scooping Electric Thruster) Technology Patent-pending air-breathing electric propulsion technology that scoops atmospheric particles at the edge of space and converts them into propellant for electric thrusters, creating an effectively infinite fuel supply and enabling satellites to fly and maneuver sustainably in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). Targeted at satellite operators, Earth observation providers, broadband communications providers, and ISAM service companies.
- Electric Propulsion Systems Electric propulsion hardware systems built around Viridian's ASET technology, offered to satellite platform owners to improve satellite lifecycles, enable Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) mission capabilities, and support spacecraft refueling fleets. Targeted at enterprise customers in Earth observation, satellite broadband communications, and in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM).
Quantifiable outcome
- Order of magnitude better active sensing capability compared to traditional orbits
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Viridian Space
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Viridian Space technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Viridian Space partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered key and minor.
- Mandala Space VentureskeyAdvisory partner with founder Leon Alkalai, a recently retired Technical Fellow of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (32 years at JPL/Caltech). Dr. Alkalai led the GRAIL mission to the Moon and INSIGHT lander on Mars. Created Mandala to support new startups in the new space economy. Provides strategic advisory services to Viridian.
- ContinminorListed as a key partner on the company website with a logo displayed, though limited specific information about the partnership nature is available.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Viridian Space competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Viridian Space social profiles
Digital presenceViridian Space financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Viridian Space leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Viridian Space funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Viridian Space 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 Viridian Space
What does Viridian Space do?
Viridian Space develops and plans to sell Air-Scooping Electric Thruster (ASET) technology and the electric propulsion systems built around it, enabling satellites to operate sustainably in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) by converting upper-atmosphere particles into propellant. The company targets satellite operators and aerospace companies that own satellite platforms, offering ASET-enabled propulsion hardware and supporting capabilities for satellite broadband communications, Earth observation, and in-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM).
Is Viridian Space a public or private company?
Viridian Space is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Viridian Space founded?
Viridian Space was founded in 2021. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Viridian Space based?
Viridian Space is headquartered in Culver City, United States, in the North America region.
How does Viridian Space make money?
One revenue line is on record: electric Propulsion Systems Sales.
Does Viridian Space have an API?
No public API is recorded for Viridian Space.
What industry is Viridian Space in?
Viridian Space's product category is Space Propulsion Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABACAE, Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters, with a secondary code of IMABACAM, Space Logistics & In-Orbit Servicing (Refueling, Tug, Debris Removal). Its NAICS code is 336415 and its SIC code is 3760.