Space Inventor

What Space Inventor does

Space Inventor A/S is a Danish vertically integrated satellite manufacturer founded in 2015 in Aalborg and now operating from three European offices (Aalborg HQ, Copenhagen, Leuven). The company designs and builds in-house satellite platforms ranging from 6U CubeSats to 600 kg microsatellites (BIG CAT series), alongside a portfolio of modular subsystems including avionics, power systems (Modular Power Platform up to 4 kW), software-defined radios, GNC components, and antennas. Its 'Flexible Modularity' design philosophy combines standardised, flight-proven modules with bespoke payload integration, anchored by a proprietary decentralised CAN bus architecture using the CSP 2.0 protocol and a multi-layered redundancy strategy. Notable technical milestones include delivering GS-1 — the world's smallest geostationary satellite at 23 kg — and achieving TRL9 flight heritage across multiple platforms, with 685+ modules currently in orbit.

The company monetises primarily through one-time hardware sales of satellite platforms and modular subsystems, with publicly disclosed MSRPs ranging from €650K for a base 6U CubeSat up to €4.5M for a 50 kg ESM satellite platform, plus individual module pricing of €4K-€9K. Secondary revenue comes from Mission Services covering LEOP, commissioning, and routine operations, and direct defence and government contracts for sovereign space capability. Go-to-market is direct enterprise sales with no reseller channel, targeting governments, defence ministries, national space programmes, and commercial satellite operators. Primary customers include Danish DALO and Swedish FMV (BIFROST consortium), Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence (BEACONSAT), DARPA/NRL/DIU (SIGHT in-orbit servicing), NASA ($6.5M WindCube funding via UCAR), ESA (Edison IOD), and commercial operators such as Gravity Space, OQ Technology, Hiber, and Sternula. Distribution is exclusively direct, supplemented by a B2B content marketing approach via LinkedIn, newsletter (Space Corner), industry events, and press releases.

Name

Space Inventor

Legal name

Space Inventor A/S

Website

https://space-inventor.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Satellite Manufacturing

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

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

Military Space Systems (Defense Spacecraft) (IMABACAC), Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software (IMABACAI), Space Logistics & In-Orbit Servicing (Refueling, Tug, Debris Removal) (IMABACAM)

Keywords

• Satellite manufacturing
• Microsatellite platforms
• Cubesat systems
• Defence turnkey solutions
• Satellite mission services

Headquarters

HQ city

Aalborg

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 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 Platform Sales: Sale of satellite platforms including Big Cat series (100, 300, 600), CubeSats (6U, 8U, 12U, 16U), and turnkey solutions. Revenue is generated through one-time hardware sales with configurable pricing based on platform size and specifications.
2. Satellite Module/Equipment Sales: Sale of individual satellite modules and subsystems including batteries, power distribution units, antennas, reaction wheels, on-board computers, and communication subsystems. Modular components priced individually.
3. Mission Services: End-to-end lifecycle support including Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP), commissioning, routine operations, and mission management. Services provided throughout satellite operational lifetime.
4. Defense and Government Contracts: Direct contracts with governments and defence organisations for surveillance, security, and defence satellite systems. Includes sovereign space capability development and strategic defence partnerships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Space Inventor designs and manufactures vertically integrated satellite platforms ranging from 6U CubeSats to 600 kg microsatellites (BIG CAT series), along with modular satellite subsystems and turnkey defence solutions. The company leverages a "Flexible Modularity" design philosophy combining flight-proven standardized modules with bespoke customization, and provides end-to-end mission services from launch and early orbit operations through decommissioning.

Product overview

Space Inventor is a Danish satellite manufacturer offering a vertically integrated portfolio of satellite platforms and modules. The product architecture follows a 'Flexible Modularity' approach combining standardized, flight-proven modules with bespoke customization. Core satellite platforms include the BIG CAT series (BIG CAT 100, BIG CAT 300, BIG CAT 600) for microsatellite missions ranging 50-600 kg, and CubeSat platforms (6U, 8U, 12U, 16U) for smaller form-factor missions. Turnkey solutions include the Apex Predator series (BC LYNX for SIGINT, BC LEOPARD for Earth Observation) implementing 'Tip and Cue' satellite intelligence. Supporting modules encompass Guidance/Navigation/Control systems, On-Board Data Handling, Power Management (Battery, MPPT, PDU), Communication subsystems (SDR radios, antenna systems in L/S/X-band), and Reaction Wheels. The company also offers Mission Services for complete lifecycle support from launch through operations and decommissioning, serving government, defence, and commercial customers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• BIG CAT 100 ESPA-class microsatellite platform with quarter-plate payload adapter, delivering up to 100 kg total spacecraft mass with 20-45 kg payload capacity, 3-axis attitude control with <16 arcsec pointing knowledge, electric propulsion for orbit transfers, and up to 400W peak power.
• BIG CAT 300 ESPA-class microsatellite platform with half-plate payload adapter, delivering up to 300 kg total spacecraft mass with 110 kg payload capacity, 3-axis attitude control, <16 arcsec pointing knowledge, and chemical/electric propulsion options.
• BIG CAT 600 ESPA Grande-class microsatellite platform with full-plate payload adapter, delivering up to 600 kg total spacecraft mass with 400 kg payload capacity, up to 2000W peak power, dual-redundant avionics, 7-year lifetime across LEO/MEO/GEO, and hybrid chemical/electric propulsion.
• 6U CubeSat Flight-proven TRL9 6U CubeSat platform with 3-6 kg payload mass, 10-year mission life, AES-256 encryption, radiation/EMI shielding, and customizable subsystems. Starting price €650,000.
• 8U CubeSat High-performance 8U CubeSat with dual star trackers for enhanced pointing accuracy, 100 mNms reaction wheels, X-band high-speed communication, and generous payload space for mission-critical upgrades.
• 12U CubeSat Advanced 12U platform with electric propulsion, four 100 mNms reaction wheels, optional dual star trackers (10-20 arcseconds), 6-8 unit payload volume, 6-9 kg payload mass, and 100 Mbps X-band downlink. Starting price €750,000.
• 16U CubeSat Highest-performing CubeSat in portfolio with proven GEO and LEO heritage, 100 mNms momentum capacity, 200W peak payload power, 10-12 kg payload mass, and advanced AOCS technology. Starting price €800,000.
• 16U GEO for BIU First company to make such a small satellite capable of raising orbit by 1200 km to geostationary orbit. Equipped with Ka, Ku, Q/V band transceivers, electric propulsion for orbital maneuvers, and star trackers. Starting price €3,000,000.
• BC LYNX (Apex Predator Series) Turnkey microsatellite for SIGINT (Signal Intelligence) configured as the system's early warning mechanism. Detects, intercepts, and geolocates electronic emissions of interest. Available in 16U and BIG CAT sizes.
• BC LEOPARD (Apex Predator Series) Turnkey microsatellite for premium Earth Observation (EO). Receives cues from BC LYNX and targets identified coordinates using advanced optical, infrared, or active SAR subsystems with high-fidelity visual/thermal intelligence capture.
• ESM Satellite Platform 50 kg satellite for optical and RF reconnaissance and surveillance with GEO positioning of RF emissions, ship radar signature classification, 1 km CEP from LEO, instant target detection via Inmarsat, and battle management system integration. Starting price €4,500,000.
• 6U AIS/VDES Maritime Communications Platform Maritime communication satellite enabling VDES (VHF Data Exchange System) for ship-to-shore communication, real-time vessel positions, ice reports, and security threat detection. Features high-gain deployable yagi antenna. Starting price €870,000.
• 6U Tactical Communications Platform Secure tactical communication satellite with 10-year mission life, AES-256 encryption, SSH/WebAPI access, sun synchronous LEO orbit, and unrestricted payload access via CSH shell. Starting price €1,200,000.
• Astro Observatory Microsatellite Microsatellite configured for astro observatory with cutting-edge 300mm aperture telescope, high-resolution imaging for star surface/atmospheric analysis, exoplanet transit studies, and spectroscopic analysis. Redundant TMTC on S/X band. Price €2,000,000.
• 16U Hyperspectral 200mm Telescope Platform 16U satellite with hyperspectral 200mm telescope for broad wavelength range imaging, precision agriculture monitoring, environmental hazard detection, and stellar spectroscopy. Fully redundant avionics bus with onboard processing. Price €1,100,000.
• Space Domain Awareness Microsatellite Microsatellite with SDA capabilities for real-time tracking, detection, and characterization of space objects, collision avoidance, and strategic decision-making. Features redundant TMTC, 250W solar arrays, 45 kg wet mass. Price €2,100,000.
• Geostationary BIU Microsatellite ESPA-class microsatellite for geostationary communications services with onboard propulsion for maneuvering from GTO or LEO to GEO in 6-8 months. Features Ka/Ku band transponders, 500mm deployable reflectors, 60-70 kg wet mass.
• Modular Power Platform (MPP) Scalable power architecture combining battery chargers, battery modules, power distribution units, and safety modules (FPP, KS, BPU) into one seamless system with shared power backbone bus supporting up to 4kW.
• Battery Module (BAT) Lithium-Ion battery modules in 4-cell (14.4V, 50Wh) and 8-cell (28.8V, 100Wh) variants with daisy-chaining, automatic cell balancing, redundant MCUs, and CAN bus. Price €9,000.
• Power Distribution Unit (PDU) PDU with four variants: 12V, 5V, VBAT, and BAT-HP (up to 1500W). Features redundant MCUs, redundant CAN interface, current sensing on 8 outputs, and programmable protection. Price €7,000.
• Software-Defined Radio (SDR-SS-P4 and SDR-SX-P4) Software-Defined Radio (SDR) P4 series with System on a Chip architecture. SDR-SS-P4 features dual full-duplex S-band channels; SDR-SX-P4 combines S-band with dedicated X-band transmit for high-speed data downlinking. 64GB storage, CCSDS compliant.
• L-Band Single Patch Antenna (PATCH1-L-R) Compact L-band antenna for GPS systems, satellite communication, and remote sensing. Covers 1518-1560 MHz uplink and 1626-1675 MHz downlink with 6 dBi gain. Price €4,000.
• S-Band Single Patch Antenna (PATCH1-S-R) Compact single-port S-band antenna for 2025-2110 MHz uplink and 2200-2290 MHz downlink. 7-7.5 dBi gain, RHCP polarization. Price €4,000.
• S-Band 2x2 Antenna Array (PATCH2X2-S-R) Compact 4-element S-band antenna array for enhanced gain (12.5-13 dBi) and improved signal integrity. Covers 2025-2100 MHz uplink and 2200-2290 MHz downlink. Price €6,000.
• X-Band 4x4 Antenna Array (PATCH4X4-X-R) High-density X-band array for radar systems, satellite communication, and high-frequency applications. 7250-7750 MHz, 13-14.5 dBi gain, 17-18 degree HPBW. Price €8,000.
• Reaction Wheels (WHL 100/1000) Ultra-low microvibration reaction wheels for precise attitude control. Available in multiple thrust classes for different mission requirements.
• Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Suite Fully-integrated, flight-proven GNC system including reaction wheels, sun sensors, star trackers, magnetorquers, IMU, and GNSS for complete attitude determination and control.
• On-Board Data Handling (OBDH) Computing platforms with four independent ARM Cortex-M7 modules, each with separate power supply, interfacing, and storage for mission-critical operations.
• Mission Services End-to-end lifecycle support including Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) management, commissioning, routine operations, ground segment management, and data processing. Full quality control from factory to end-of-life decommissioning.
• Defence Turnkey Solutions Complete satellite solutions for government and defence missions including sovereign space capability, surveillance systems (SAR, ESM, optical/IR), and integration into military infrastructures and command environments.

Quantifiable outcome

• 685+ modules operating successfully in orbit
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 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

AI capability7 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and standard.

• GATE SpacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 March 2026GATE Space partnered with Space Inventor on the BEACONSAT mission - Austria's first military satellite. GATE Space develops the chemical propulsion system, thermal control, and structural subsystem while Space Inventor delivers the complete satellite platform.
• TermacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2025Terma joined the BIFROST satellite development project alongside Space Inventor for Danish-Swedish surveillance mission. Terma contributed to the development of the pioneering satellite system combining AI, advanced sensors, and modern satellite design.
• Gatehouse SatComcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2025Gatehouse SatCom joined the BIFROST consortium contributing to the Danish-Swedish surveillance satellite development project.
• Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2025DTU joined the BIFROST development consortium contributing to the Danish-Swedish defence satellite mission for Arctic surveillance.
• Unibap Space Solutions (Sweden)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2025Swedish partner Unibap Space Solutions joined the BIFROST consortium for the Danish-Swedish surveillance satellite project.
• Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2025DALO under the Danish Ministry of Defence provided financial support for BIFROST satellite development as the primary government customer.
• Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2025FMV under the Swedish Ministry of Defence co-funded the BIFROST satellite development for joint Danish-Swedish surveillance capabilities.
• Gravity SpacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2024Gravity Space contracted Space Inventor to build the world's smallest geostationary satellite (GS-1) for bring-into-use services. Space Inventor continues to operate and maintain the satellite.
• UCAR (University Corporation for Atmospheric Research)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024UCAR's High Altitude Observatory leads the WindCube mission with Space Inventor designing and developing the 12U platform specifically for thermospheric wind measurements.
• NASAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024NASA provides $6.5M funding for the WindCube mission through its Heliophysics programme. Space Inventor builds the satellite platform for this NASA Decadal Survey priority mission.
• Aarhus UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Aarhus University contracted Space Inventor for the STEP mission including full satellite solution and launch for exoplanet research.
• LASP (Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics)standardTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024University of Colorado's LASP listed as a trusted partner in Space Inventor's partner ecosystem.
• VeowarestandardTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Veoware listed as a trusted partner in Space Inventor's partner ecosystem for space technology collaboration.
• OQ TechnologystandardStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2023OQ Technology contracted Space Inventor to deliver two 6U satellites for their 5G IoT satellite constellation enabling network coverage in rural areas.
• Katalyst Space TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2022Katalyst Space Technologies contracted Space Inventor to develop the hosting satellite platform for SIGHT payload in DARPA/NRL in-orbit servicing mission.
• Infinite OrbitsstandardStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Infinite Orbits contracted Space Inventor to design and manufacture a 16U satellite for bring-into-use services and space situational awareness in geostationary orbit.
• QSTCstandardStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Canadian-based QSTC contracted Space Inventor to manufacture and deliver a 16U satellite for bring-into-use purposes in geostationary orbit.
• Visiona Tecnologia Espacial (Brazil)standardStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Visiona contracted Space Inventor to manufacture solar panels, power solutions, and custom UHF equipment for Brazil's VCUB1 satellite.
• Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021DARPA and NRL developed the robot arm for the in-orbit servicing mission where Space Inventor's platform hosts the SIGHT sensor payload.
• Northrop Grumman (SpaceLogistics)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021SpaceLogistics, a Northrop Grumman subsidiary, builds the Mission Robotics Vehicle for the in-orbit servicing mission using Space Inventor's hosting platform.
• Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021DIU oversees the satellite upgrade project and selected companies including Space Inventor and Katalyst Space Technologies.
• SternulastandardStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Danish VDES company Sternula contracted Space Inventor to build Denmark's first commercial satellite with VDES payload for maritime communication.
• HiberstandardStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Dutch IoT company Hiber contracted Space Inventor to manufacture and deliver two 3U satellites for their IoT constellation.
• European Space Agency (ESA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015ESA serves as a key partner across multiple missions including Edison IOD mission, STEP mission support through ESA's Marketplace program, and general European space collaboration.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• GomSpace: Swedish/Danish smallsat manufacturer offering CubeSat platforms, subsystems and mission services for commercial, academic and defense customers. Highly comparable in product portfolio, Nordic footprint, defense/government customer mix, and listed status that provides transparent industry benchmarks.
• AAC Clyde Space: Swedish smallsat platform and subsystem manufacturer serving Earth observation, IoT and defense markets with CubeSat and microsatellite buses. Closely comparable in product range, end-markets and Northern European customer base.
• NanoAvionics: Lithuanian/Polish smallsat platform manufacturer with CubeSat and microsatellite buses and turnkey mission services for commercial and defense customers. Directly comparable in modular platform philosophy and recent European scale-up.
• SSTL (Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd): UK-based smallsat pioneer owned by Airbus, offering microsatellite platforms and mission services across commercial, scientific and defense segments. Comparable as a long-heritage, platform-based European smallsat manufacturer with deep government and ESA ties.
• EnduroSat: Bulgarian smallsat platform and CubeSat subsystem manufacturer offering modular buses and shared/custom satellite services to commercial and academic customers. Comparable in modular architecture and broad-segment targeting.
• Terran Orbital: US smallsat manufacturer offering microsatellite and CubeSat platforms plus mission services for defense and commercial customers (e.g., Lockheed Martin/SDA work). Comparable in product mix and defense-led strategy, though larger and US-based (ITAR-bound).
• York Space Systems: US smallsat manufacturer focused on standardized, mass-producible satellites for defense (SDA Tranche programs) and commercial customers. Comparable in standardized-bus philosophy targeting defense volume, but at a much larger scale and US footprint.

Emerging players

• ICEYE: Finnish SAR satellite operator/manufacturer operating a growing commercial SAR constellation plus custom satellite programs. Compared as an emerging Nordic SAR-focused player with overlapping defense customer interest, but SAR-payload-led rather than broadly modular.

Broad incumbents

• OHB SE: Larger German satellite manufacturer (OHB System AG) operating across science, Earth observation, navigation, communications and defense satellite programs for ESA and EU. Comparable as a European satellite prime, but substantially broader in scale and product portfolio.
• Thales Alenia Space: Major European satellite manufacturer and operator serving telecom, navigation, EO, science and defense. Comparable as an established European prime competing for the same national and ESA defense/surveillance missions, though orders of magnitude larger than Space Inventor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/space-inventor
• Facebookfacebook.com/spaceinventorcom

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Space Inventor