What Pumpkin Space Systems does

Pumpkin Space Systems (legal entity: Pumpkin, Inc.) is a privately held San Francisco-based aerospace hardware company that designs, manufactures, and sells modular nanosatellite components and complete CubeSat platforms to government, commercial, and academic customers. Founded in 2000 and operating continuously since, the company pioneered the use of sheet metal for CubeSat structures and has built a vertically integrated product portfolio centered on the CubeSat Kit family, which includes 0.5U-to-6U mechanical structures, the intelligent BM2 Li-Ion battery module with coulomb-counting State-of-Charge reporting, the FPGA- and GaNFET-based EPSM1 high-power multi-channel electrical power system with perturb-and-observe MPPT, the GPSRM 1 GNSS receiver module integrating NovAtel's OEM719 with COCOM-unblocked operation and dual orbit propagators, fixed and deployable PMDSAS solar panels using triple-junction cells above 32% AM0 efficiency, pluggable processor modules supporting Microchip PIC24/dsPIC, TI MSP430, and Silicon Labs C8051, and supporting accessories such as the Rackmount SUPERNOVA Satellite Simulator (RS3), development boards, the Salvo RTOS, and GUTS flight software. All hardware interoperates through a standardized 104-pin PC/104-compatible bus connector.

The company monetizes primarily through direct e-commerce sales of flight hardware, developer tools, and software licenses, with per-unit pricing spanning roughly $65 for thermal shields to $60,485 for fully configured RS3 simulators, and flagship items such as the EPSM1 ($48,000), BM2 ($10,500-$12,500), GPSRM 1 ($11,485-$20,026), and Pro Chassis Walls ($22,500-$39,500) anchoring the catalog. Customer segments span government and defense (NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative and unspecified defense buyers), commercial satellite operators building constellations and Earth observation systems, and academic and research institutions running university CubeSat programs. Pumpkin sells globally subject to U.S. export controls on items like the GPSRM 1 (ECCN 7A105), maintains integration partnerships with NovAtel, ISIS, Rocket Lab, Maverick Space Systems, Microchip, Total Phase, HCC-Embedded, and Stanford Research Systems, and reports 600+ PMDSAS solar panels delivered with a claimed 100% on-orbit success rate from LEO to GTO. No external funding rounds, parent companies, or public listings have been disclosed.

Name

Pumpkin Space Systems

Legal name

Pumpkin, Inc.

Website

https://pumpkinspace.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Pumpkin Space Systems (Pumpkin, Inc.) designs and manufactures modular nanosatellite components and CubeSat kits—including structures, power systems, GNSS receivers, solar panels, and software—for government, commercial, and academic customers via direct e-commerce sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Small Satellite Hardware

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)

akta.pro primary industry

Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Space Power Systems (Solar Arrays, Batteries, EPS) (IMABACAH), Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software (IMABACAI), Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) for Space Systems (IMABACAG)

Keywords

• CubeSat components
• Nanosatellite hardware
• Small satellite structures
• Deployable solar arrays
• Satellite power systems

Headquarters

HQ city

San Francisco

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Flight Hardware Sales: One-time sales of flight-qualified satellite components including structures, power systems, GPS receivers, solar panels, and complete CubeSat kits. Products are sold directly through the company website with prices ranging from under $100 to over $60,000 depending on complexity.
2. Development Tools and Software: Sales of development boards, programming adapters, debug adapters, RTOS software licenses (Salvo), and file system libraries for satellite development.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Pumpkin Space Systems designs, manufactures, and sells modular CubeSat and nanosatellite components and complete CubeSat kits. Its product families include sheet-metal structures (0.5U to 6U), battery and electrical power system modules, pluggable processor boards, GNSS receiver modules, fixed and deployable solar panels, and supporting accessories that interconnect via a standardized 104-pin PC/104-compatible bus. The company also provides development tools, the Salvo RTOS, and the Rackmount SUPERNOVA Satellite Simulator (RS3) for spacecraft software development and testing.

Product overview

Pumpkin Space Systems (Pumpkin, Inc.) provides a comprehensive modular nanosatellite/cubesat platform called the CubeSat Kit™. The product portfolio includes mechanical structures (available in 0.5U to 6U form factors with solid-wall and skeletonized versions), electronic modules (battery modules, power systems, GNSS receivers, motherboard modules), processor boards supporting multiple MCU families (Microchip PIC24, dsPIC, TI MSP430, Silicon Labs C8051), solar panel solutions (fixed, deployable, custom PMDSAS), and software tools including Salvo RTOS. All components interconnect via a standardized 104-pin PC/104-compatible bus. The platform serves both development/testing (non-spaceflight hardware) and flight-qualified applications, with some products space-proven across multiple missions. Additional offerings include development boards, programming adapters, protocol analyzers, and the Rackmount SUPERNOVA Satellite Simulator (RS3) for spacecraft software development and testing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CubeSat Kit: Modular nanosatellite/spacescraft bus system with interchangeable components
• SUPERNOVA
• PMDSAS
• Salvo RTOS
• GUTS

Products and services

• CubeSat Kit™ Complete modular nanosatellite/CubeSat development platform with mechanical structures, electronic modules, processor boards, software tools (Salvo RTOS), and development/debugging accessories that interconnect via a standardized 104-pin PC/104-compatible bus connector. Targeted at government, commercial, and academic satellite builders.
• CubeSat Kit™ Structures Sheet-metal CubeSat mechanical structures in solid-wall and skeletonized versions, supporting 0.5U to 6U form factors. Components include Chassis Walls, Base Plate Assemblies, Cover Plate Assemblies, and Payload Adapter Plates. Pricing ranges from $495 (cover plates) to $39,500 (Pro chassis walls).
• Battery Module 2 (BM2) High-power intelligent Li-Ion battery module with coulomb-counting State-of-Charge (SoC) reporting, supporting 2S4P, 3S2P, and 4S2P configurations up to 160W and 100Wh. Features OV/UV/OC/OT protection and SupMCU-based telemetry via I2C. Priced at $10,500–$12,500 depending on configuration.
• High-power Multi-channel Electrical Power System Module (EPSM1) FPGA-driven, GaNFET-based multichannel power system with 12 switching blocks including 6 solar array inputs (up to 480W total), 2 battery channels (up to 112W each), and 4 regulated outputs (3V3, 5V, 12V, 28V up to ~300W total). Each SAI runs perturb-and-observe MPPT. Priced at $48,000.
• Linear EPS Module (LEPSM1) Low-cost Electrical Power System with 10–20Wh battery energy for prototyping and testing. Provides +7.4Vdc nominal, +5Vdc and +3.3Vdc rails via linear regulators; recharges via microUSB. Not intended for space use. Priced at $980–$1,145 depending on configuration.
• GNSS Receiver Module (GPSRM 1) Space-grade GNSS receiver kit using NovAtel OEM719 555-channel receiver with COCOM-unblocked operation, dual orbit propagators (Vinti7 and SGP4), and SupMCU-based telemetry via I2C/SCPI. Export-controlled (ECCN 7A105). Priced at $11,485–$20,026 depending on constellation/frequency configuration.
• Pumpkin Modular Deployable Solar Array System (PMDSAS) Deployable and body-mounted solar panels using proprietary construction methods with triple-junction cells achieving better than 32% AM0 efficiency. Custom panels are priced at $1,250 (body-mounted) and $1,500 (deployable) per cell. Every panel undergoes vacuum bakeout and irradiance testing.
• 135W Dual Articulated Deployable Solar Array High-power 135W dual articulated deployable solar array system for larger satellite platforms requiring substantial on-orbit power generation.
• 220W Deployable Clamshell Solar Array (DCSA) High-power 220W deployable solar array featuring clamshell deployment mechanism for satellite power generation.
• Motherboard Module 2 (MBM2) Advanced motherboard module providing the core bus infrastructure for CubeSat Kit stacks with 104-pin connector compatibility.
• Rackmount SUPERNOVA Satellite Simulator (RS3) 2U rackmount unit hosting satellite simulator electronics stack with Pumpkin's GUTS flight software. Used for development and testing of spacecraft bus stacks, with options for GNSS receiver and expanded serial interfaces. Priced at $45,000–$60,485 depending on configuration.
• Development Board (DB) Development platform for CubeSat Kit-compatible modules conforming to the 104-pin CubeSat Kit Bus standard. Compatible with various processor modules (PPM A1/A2/A3, B1, D1/D2, E1).
• Development Board 2 (DB2) Simple development board with two interconnected 104-pin CubeSat bus connectors for testing modules under power, with banana jacks for power buses and header for I2C/SPI protocol analyzers.
• Salvo RTOS Real-time operating system for embedded spacecraft applications. Available in Lite (free), Pro, and other tiers supporting various processor families including PIC24, dsPIC, MSP430, 8051, and C8051.
• Salvo Pro for PIC24 MCUs and dsPIC DSCs Professional version of the Salvo RTOS for Microchip PIC24 microcontrollers and dsPIC digital signal controllers, with one-time perpetual licensing.
• Pluggable Processor Module A1 (PPM A1) with TI MSP430F1612 Flight-qualified processor module with TI MSP430F1612 16-bit MCU (55KB Flash, 5KB RAM) running at 7.3728MHz, plug-compatible with the Motherboard Module (MBM).
• Pluggable Processor Module D1 (PPM D1) Flight-qualified processor module with Microchip PIC24FJ256GA110 16-bit MCU (256KB Flash, 16KB RAM) running up to 16MIPS, with AT25DF641 64Mbit SPI Flash.
• Pluggable Processor Module D2 (PPM D2) Flight-qualified processor module with Microchip dsPIC33FJ256GP710 16-bit DSC (256KB Flash, 30.7KB RAM) running up to 20MIPS, with AT25DF641 64Mbit SPI Flash.
• Pluggable Processor Module E1 (PPM E1) Flight-qualified processor module with Microchip PIC24FJ256GB210 16-bit MCU (256KB Flash, 96KB RAM) running up to 16MIPS, with AT25DF641 64Mbit SPI Flash and micro-B USB connector.
• Pluggable Socketed Processor Module D (PSPM D) Development-compatible processor module accepting either PIC24FJ256GA110 or dsPIC33FJ256GP710 in a 100-pin ZIF socket, enabling up to 20MIPS operation with AT25DF641 64Mbit SPI Flash.
• Pluggable Socketed Processor Module E (PSPM E) Development-compatible processor module with Microchip PIC24FJ256GB210 16-bit MCU in a 100-pin ZIF socket (256KB Flash, 96KB RAM), with AT25DF641 64Mbit SPI Flash and micro-B USB connector.
• USB Debug Adapter USB serial interface adapter for Pumpkin modules with 4-pin FPC serial terminal/debug connector. I/O level selectable to 3.3V or 5V, with selectable power output to connected device.
• Protoboard Module Kit Prototyping module with 0.100" grid (~500 plated holes) for through-hole components, providing power buses for +5V_SYS, VCC_SYS, and GND. Compatible with the CubeSat Kit Bus Connector; priced around $100.
• 104-pin Bus Reversing Adapter Development accessory allowing CubeSat Kit-compatible modules to be installed upside-down for debugging. Passes all 104 pins through from header to header with plastic support brackets.
• 6U CubeSat Display Model Full-size (360.5mm x 200mm x 100mm) plastic display model of a 6U CubeSat for Rocket Lab CSD deployer, reproducing SUPERNOVA 6U structures with simulated solar panels for trade shows and fundraising. Non-functional.
• CubeSat Kit™ Fixed Solar Panels 0.031in/0.8mm thick fixed solar panels for CubeSat Kit structures using triple-junction cells with better than 32% AM0 efficiency. Available in 1U, 1.5U, 2U, and 3U configurations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% on-orbit success rate for PMDSAS solar panels across 600+ units delivered
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NovAtelcoreTechnology or IntegrationNovAtel supplies OEM719-series high-performance 555-channel space-grade GNSS receivers used in Pumpkin's GPSRM 1 module. The GPSRM 1 combines NovAtel's receiver with Pumpkin's SupMCU and orbit propagators.
• PelicanminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPumpkin resells Pelican ruggedized transport cases as accessories for CubeSat Kit development and storage.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• EnduroSat: EnduroSat designs and manufactures modular CubeSat platforms, subsystems, and components for commercial and government customers. It is a direct competitor in CubeSat structures, power systems, and avionics, targeting overlapping university, commercial, and defense buyers.
• GomSpace: GomSpace provides CubeSat and small-satellite subsystems including structures, power, communication, and avionics, plus full mission services. It is one of the closest comparables to Pumpkin in terms of modular CubeSat component offerings and customer segments.
• AAC Clyde Space: AAC Clyde Space (formerly Clyde Space) manufactures CubeSat subsystems and small satellite platforms. It directly competes with Pumpkin in power systems, structures, and avionics sold into commercial and academic CubeSat missions.
• Innovative Solutions In Space (ISIS): ISIS designs and manufactures CubeSat structures, deployers, antennas, and ground station equipment. It overlaps with Pumpkin in CubeSat structures and is already a Pumpkin partner via the AntS antenna integration.
• NanoAvionics: NanoAvionics (now part of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace) builds small satellite buses and subsystems for commercial and government constellations. It competes with Pumpkin's modular approach with increasingly integrated CubeSat and microsat platforms.
• Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems: Tyvak (a Terran Orbital company) produces CubeSat and small-satellite buses, components, and integrated solutions for commercial and defense customers. It is a comparable competitor in modular satellite subsystems and end-to-end mission offerings.
• Blue Canyon Technologies: Blue Canyon Technologies manufactures small satellite components, buses, and attitude control systems, including CubeSat-class platforms. It competes with Pumpkin in high-performance CubeSat subsystems for government and commercial missions.

Broad incumbents

• Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL): SSTL is an established small-satellite manufacturer offering a broad range of platforms from CubeSats to larger microsatellites. It is a broader incumbent with deeper resources than Pumpkin, addressing overlapping government and commercial customers.
• Rocket Lab: Rocket Lab designs and operates small launch vehicles and acquired SolAero (high-efficiency solar cells) plus Sinclair Interplanetary, making it both a launch customer of Pumpkin-compatible deployers and a growing competitor in satellite hardware and components.

Emerging players

• Space Inventor: Space Inventor designs and manufactures small satellite platforms, subsystems, and complete microsatellite missions. It is an emerging competitor in the CubeSat and microsat bus market, comparable to Pumpkin's modular hardware approach but with broader mission integration capabilities.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Pumpkin Space Systems