What Craft Prospect does

Craft Prospect is a Glasgow-based space engineering practice founded in 2017 that designs and delivers technology building blocks for small satellite (CubeSat/SmallSat) missions, with a particular focus on onboard AI-driven autonomy and quantum-secure communications. The company builds a portfolio of proprietary hardware and software products including the Astral Intelligence Toolbox (AITB) for onboard data prioritisation and decision-making, a Cloud Detector payload (97% classification accuracy with up to 4-minute look-ahead), a compact SpaceWire Router, a Quantum Key Distribution payload and Single Photon Source for 6U CubeSats using the BB84 protocol, and the Context Imager (an AI-enabled Earth observation camera developed with XCAM). Its flagship is the OPS-SAT VOLT mission, a €19M ESA/UKSA-funded 16U CubeSat led by Craft Prospect as prime contractor, integrating classical and quantum optical communications, an intelligent hyperspectral imager, and a third-party experimenter platform with a planned 2026 launch.

The company generates revenue through bespoke multi-year institutional contracts (predominantly with the European Space Agency and UK Space Agency under programmes such as ARTES ScyLight, InCubed, SBRI, and ESA OPS-SAT), prime contractor mission delivery, and direct sales of spacecraft hardware and AI/ML software licences to commercial satellite operators including SSTL, GMV, and Simera Sense. Pricing is fully custom with multi-year contract cadences and no public price list. Customers are exclusively governmental space agencies, institutional research entities, and commercial space operators in the UK, Europe, and increasingly Australia (per IAC 2025 engagements). The firm holds ISO 27001, ISO 9001, Cyber Essentials Plus, and JOSCAR certifications, and is employee-owned (over 20% of the business in employee hands as of 2024) with Capital for Colleagues as lead investor. The company was selected for The Sunday Times Scotland Fast 50 in 2026, confirming sales of at least £2M with average annual growth exceeding 20%.

Geographically, Craft Prospect operates from a multi-floor headquarters with lab and clean-room facilities at the Fairfield Heritage Centre in Govan, Glasgow — placing it at the centre of Scotland's space industry cluster. Beyond its Glasgow base, it actively engages with partners in Australia (CSIRO, QuantX Labs, University of Western Australia following IAC 2025) and continental Europe through ESA programme structures. The workforce of 11–50 is heavily credentialed (90% with higher degrees, including 4 PhDs), structured around dedicated functions covering engineering, AI/autonomy, quantum technology, commercial development, security, and operations.

Name

Craft Prospect

Legal name

Craft Prospect Ltd

Website

https://craftprospect.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Craft Prospect is a Glasgow-based space engineering practice that designs onboard AI, quantum key distribution, and optical communication subsystems for CubeSat and SmallSat missions, selling custom hardware, AI software, and mission systems engineering services to ESA, the UK Space Agency, and commercial satellite operators in the UK and Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Space Systems Engineering

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) & Autonomous Subsea Platforms (IMABAIAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) & Autonomous Maritime Surface Platforms (IMABAIAE), Maritime Unmanned Systems (USV/UUV) & Control Stations (IMABAKAJ)

Keywords

• Small satellite systems
• Quantum key distribution
• Onboard AI software
• Spacecraft engineering services
• Earth observation payloads

Headquarters

HQ city

Glasgow

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government Space Contracts: Craft Prospect derives significant revenue from ESA and UK Space Agency contracts, including leading the OPS-SAT VOLT mission (€19M). The company has won multiple ESA contracts for quantum technology, AI, and spacecraft autonomy projects.
2. Satellite Products and Hardware: Sale of proprietary satellite products including SpaceWire Router, Cloud Detector, Quantum Key Distribution Payload, and Single Photon Source hardware. Products are designed for CubeSat and SmallSat platforms.
3. Mission Systems Engineering Services: End-to-end systems engineering services covering full project lifecycle from blue sky service definition through in-orbit commissioning and mission operations. Services delivered to governmental and commercial organisations.
4. AI/ML Software Solutions: On-board AI processing applications including the Astral Intelligence Toolbox, delivered both as standalone products and integrated into spacecraft systems. Revenue generated through project-based development and software licensing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Craft Prospect is a Glasgow-based space engineering practice that designs and delivers next-generation building blocks for intelligent small satellite missions. Its portfolio centers on the Astral Intelligence Toolbox (on-board AI processing), quantum key distribution payloads (BB84 protocol), and complementary spacecraft components (SpaceWire Router, Cloud Detector, Context Imager), alongside end-to-end mission systems engineering from concept through in-orbit commissioning.

Product overview

Craft Prospect delivers next-generation building blocks for intelligent space missions using emerging technologies including onboard AI and quantum communications. The product portfolio centers on the Astral Intelligence Toolbox (AITB), an on-board AI processing framework that enables in-orbit decision-making and autonomous operations. Complementary hardware products include the SpaceWire Router for high-speed data routing and the Cloud Detector for onboard cloud awareness. In quantum technologies, Craft Prospect offers Quantum Key Distribution payloads and Single Photon Sources designed for CubeSats using the BB84 protocol. The flagship OPS-SAT VOLT mission (Versatile Optical Laboratory for Telecommunications) serves as an integrated platform demonstrating these technologies in orbit, combining optical and quantum communications, hyperspectral imaging, and onboard AI processing on a 16U CubeSat.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SpaceWire Router A compact, low-SWaP SpaceWire routing and bridging solution enabling high-speed, deterministic data exchange between payloads, processors, and subsystems in modern spacecraft architectures. Supports data routing across up to 16 SpaceWire nodes with bridge to UART-based devices at 200 Mbps, with RMAP protocol support for configuration and firmware updates.
• Cloud Detector An onboard cloud-detection payload providing look-ahead cloud awareness, enabling Earth observation missions to prioritize high-value imaging and reduce wasted downlink. Delivers 4-minute forecast of incoming cloud cover with 97% classification accuracy, full/partial cloud cover classification, and up to 150s/1,000km look-ahead range with <5s inference time.
• Astral Intelligence Toolbox (AITB) On-board AI processing framework that transfers in-orbit decision-making processes from ground to space for faster, more cost-effective mission activities. Features on-board product creation, high-value data prioritization for downlinks, and real-time decision-making and planning.
• Quantum Key Distribution Payload 6U CubeSat quantum key distribution payload using the BB84 protocol for quantum-secure satellite communications. Configurable on request, designed for the most secure form of communication currently available for network security, mobile telephony, financial transactions, and global cybersecurity applications.
• Single Photon Source Single photon source designed for CubeSats using the BB84 protocol for quantum key distribution. Configurable on request for various quantum communication applications.
• Context Imager AI-powered camera system successor to the Forwards Looking Imager (FLI), providing low-SWaP, high-quality Earth observation camera with integrated AI processor. Enables real-time operational decision making, responsive cloud-sensitive tasking, and detection of features of interest such as wildfires and floods.
• OPS-SAT VOLT Mission A €19 million satellite mission funded by ESA and UKSA, led by Craft Prospect as prime contractor. A 16U CubeSat that will test and demonstrate optical and quantum communication technologies in low Earth orbit. Features three main payloads: quantum key distribution, intelligent hyperspectral imager and processing chain for climate studies, and an experimenter platform.

Quantifiable outcome

• Cloud Detector delivers 4-minute forecast of incoming cloud cover with 97% classification accuracy and <5s inference time to payload computer
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability11 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered core, key, supporting and emerging.

• Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 June 2025Craft Prospect and SSTL signed a new Teaming Agreement formalising and expanding a close working relationship developed over years of collaboration. The agreement follows successful collaboration under the ESA-funded InCubed FIPC project combining Craft Prospect's ML/AI Astral Intelligence Toolbox with SSTL's onboard software-defined data processing architecture and adaptive downlink chain. Applications include imaged land classification, data calibration, and cloud detection and masking. The agreement was kicked off on 17th June at SSTL headquarters in Guildford, UK.
• GMVcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 March 2025Craft Prospect partnered with GMV to deliver the AI4Ops advanced avionics demonstrator incorporating cutting-edge machine learning techniques to enhance onboard autonomy for small satellite missions. The project focuses on responsive mission planning and scheduling and Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery (FDIR). The developments are designed against ESA's OPS-SAT VOLT mission requirements.
• University of Glasgow — Space and Exploration Technology GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCraft Prospect is supported by University of Glasgow's Space and Exploration Technology Group for project delivery, including the ROC-ML motion planning algorithm project and the DiQSC feasibility study. The university contributes expertise in spacecraft GNC, ML-based attitude control, and quantum sensing research.
• University of StrathclydekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCraft Prospect is collaborating with researchers from the University of Strathclyde in the ATLAS project for AI-powered validation of autonomous space software. Dr Johannes J. Norheim contributes expertise in AI methods for requirements engineering and software validation. Strathclyde is also a partner in the DiQSC project on distributed quantum sensing.
• University of EdinburghkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCraft Prospect is collaborating with researchers from the University of Edinburgh in the ATLAS project. Dr Alessandro Suglia contributes expertise in embodied natural language processing and multimodal generative AI for requirements engineering and software validation.
• Simera SensekeyTechnology or IntegrationCraft Prospect partnered with Simera Sense, leading provider of high-resolution Earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market, for the HYPPO (Hyperspectral Processing Onboard) project. The collaboration demonstrates AI-driven cloud masking on hyperspectral Earth observation data from Simera Sense's HyperScape100 camera using Craft Prospect's Data Processing Module.
• Lumino TechnologieskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerLumino Technologies was a consortium partner in the DiQSC feasibility study on distributed quantum sensing, contributing expertise in modelling and simulating free-space quantum links. Alex Koehler-Sidki, Director of Quantum Technologies, commented on the collaboration exploring large baseline quantum imaging feasibility.
• NPL (National Physical Laboratory)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerNPL (UK's National Physical Laboratory) was a consortium partner in the DiQSC feasibility study on distributed quantum sensing. NPL contributed expertise across the quantum information networks activities within ESA's ScyLight Programme.
• University of SheffieldsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Sheffield was a consortium partner in the DiQSC feasibility study on distributed quantum sensing, contributing quantum sensing research expertise alongside Craft Prospect, NPL, Lumino Technologies, and University of Strathclyde.
• XCAMkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCraft Prospect completed the SALIENT project with close partner XCAM, an experienced space camera developer. XCAM delivered a NuSCIS imager for the Context Imager prototype — a next-generation AI-powered camera system for small satellite missions. XCAM has over 25 years of background in scientific and industrial imaging with a worldwide reputation.
• Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe SALIENT project was funded by the Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI), which supports the development of Earth observation instrumentation in the UK. CEOI funding enabled the Context Imager prototype development with XCAM.
• KP LabskeyTechnology or IntegrationKP Labs serves as a key mission partner on OPS-SAT VOLT, contributing High-Performance Data Processing Unit technology. A testimonial from COO Michał Zachara praised Craft Prospect's dedication and exceptional approach in the OPS-SAT VOLT project.
• European Space Agency (ESA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerESA is the primary institutional customer and partner, providing funding and programme leadership for OPS-SAT VOLT (ScyLight/ARTES programme), AI4Ops, ATLAS, ROC-ML, DiQSC, and multiple other projects. ESA's ARTES ScyLight programme funds optical and quantum communications research. ESA is also the programme authority for OPS-SAT.
• UK Space Agency (UKSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK Space Agency is a co-funder of OPS-SAT VOLT alongside ESA and provides SBRI funding for projects including PHANTOMS (in partnership with SSTL). The UKSA supports innovation to position the UK as a leading space economy.
• Bright AscensionsupportingTechnology or IntegrationListed as a mission partner on OPS-SAT VOLT, providing spacecraft platform software expertise.
• BTkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerBT is a mission partner on OPS-SAT VOLT. Craft Prospect and BT have collaborated within the VOLT consortium exploring quantum communications and secure telecommunications applications from space.
• ToshibakeyTechnology or IntegrationToshiba is a mission partner on OPS-SAT VOLT and collaborator on QKD technology. Discussions at ESA's Quantum Technology Conference in Crete explored future applications and technical challenges in QKD.
• AAC Clyde SpacesupportingTechnology or IntegrationAAC Clyde Space is listed as a mission partner on OPS-SAT VOLT, providing small satellite platform expertise. The company is part of the broader Scottish space ecosystem that Craft Prospect operates within.
• Resilience ConstellationsupportingTechnology or IntegrationResilience Constellation is listed as a mission partner on OPS-SAT VOLT.
• TelespaziosupportingTechnology or IntegrationTelespazio is listed as a mission partner on OPS-SAT VOLT, providing satellite operations and ground segment expertise.
• Thinktank MathssupportingTechnology or IntegrationThinktank Maths is listed as a mission partner on OPS-SAT VOLT.
• FraunhofersupportingTechnology or IntegrationFraunhofer is a key mission supplier on OPS-SAT VOLT, contributing expertise in quantum technologies. Listed as a key sub-contractor/supplier on the mission.
• Omanos AnalyticssupportingTechnology or IntegrationOmanos Analytics is a key mission supplier on OPS-SAT VOLT.
• University of BristolsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a mission partner on OPS-SAT VOLT, contributing academic research expertise.
• ArchangelsupportingTechnology or IntegrationListed as a mission partner on OPS-SAT VOLT.
• CSIROemergingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustralia's national research agency with which Craft Prospect held productive discussions at IAC 2025 in Sydney about partnership opportunities around quantum technologies and the VOLT mission.
• QuantX LabsemergingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustralian quantum technology company with which Craft Prospect explored potential collaborations at IAC 2025 in Sydney around quantum technologies and VOLT.
• University of Western AustraliaemergingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCraft Prospect held discussions with the University of Western Australia at IAC 2025 exploring potential collaborations around quantum technologies.
• RAL SpacesupportingTechnology or IntegrationCraft Prospect met with colleagues from RAL Space at IAC 2025 to share insights into satellite platforms and mission development.
• Scottish Development InternationalsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSDI hosted the Scotland in Orbit event at IAC 2025 in Sydney, where Craft Prospect presented VOLT and other capabilities alongside fellow Scottish space companies including Bright Ascension, Skyrora, and Alba Orbital.
• Scale Up ScotlandsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerScale Up Scotland supports high-growth Scottish companies and recognised Craft Prospect in 2024. The programme connects scaling businesses with resources and networks for growth.
• Glasgow City Innovation District (GCID)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGCID's Venture Studio funded the HYPPO project in partnership with Scottish Enterprise. GCID supports innovative companies in Glasgow and facilitated the collaboration between Craft Prospect and Simera Sense.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• AAC Clyde Space: Stockholm/Glasgow-based small satellite platform and subsystem provider; a fellow Glasgow SmallSat ecosystem player and listed OPS-SAT VOLT partner. Highly comparable as a CubeSat/SmallSat builder targeting ESA, UKSA and commercial EO operators.
• Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL): UK small satellite manufacturer and a direct Teaming Agreement partner of Craft Prospect for onboard AI/EO integration. Comparable as a SmallSat integrator serving ESA, UKSA and commercial operators with overlapping EO payload and onboard processing offerings.
• Open Cosmos: UK-based small-sat mission provider offering end-to-end satellite design, build, launch and operations for commercial and institutional customers. Directly comparable as a competitor for ESA/UKSA small-sat contracts and as a supplier of mission platforms targeting EO and IoT use cases.
• KP Labs: Polish on-board AI and data processing company supplying high-performance data processing units for small satellites; OPS-SAT VOLT mission partner. Comparable as a supplier of on-board AI/ML processing for EO and SDA missions, directly overlapping with Craft Prospect's AITB.
• Bright Ascension: UK-based spacecraft software and ground segment provider; listed OPS-SAT VOLT mission partner. Comparable as a subsystem supplier for UK/European small-sat missions, with overlapping customer set across ESA and commercial operators.
• Simera Sense: Belgium/South Africa-based supplier of high-resolution EO cameras for small satellites; HYPPO project partner integrating Craft Prospect's onboard AI. Comparable as an EO payload peer targeting the same commercial small-sat operators, where Craft Prospect's AI/data-processing layer complements the optical hardware.

Emerging players

• Satellite Vu: UK thermal-IR small-sat constellation operator focused on EO. Comparable in the EO customer overlap (cloud detection, on-board data prioritisation, downlink bottlenecks) where Craft Prospect's AITB and Cloud Detector directly compete for payload integration.
• XCAM: UK developer of space cameras and the SALIENT partner on the Context Imager prototype. Comparable as a specialist EO/SDA imaging peer serving institutional small-sat missions, with overlapping customer base in ESA/UKSA EO programmes.

Regional players

• Alba Orbital: Glasgow-based PocketQube and small-sat platform provider; co-presented with Craft Prospect at Scotland in Orbit at IAC 2025. Comparable as a Scottish small-sat ecosystem peer competing for similar institutional and commercial mission contracts.

Broad incumbents

• GMV: Large Spanish space systems company and AI4Ops collaboration partner on advanced avionics for OPS-SAT VOLT. Comparable as a supplier of onboard autonomy, FDIR and mission planning capabilities, but operating at much greater scale across multiple space domains.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/craft-prospect

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 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 Craft Prospect