Neumann Space
Neumann Space is an Australian aerospace company founded in 2015 that develops the Neumann Drive, a patented solid-metallic-propellant electric propulsion system for small satellites and spacecraft, selling to global satellite manufacturers, defense programs, and space sustainability operators.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersNew Town, Australia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Neumann Space does
Neumann Space is an Australian aerospace company founded in 2015 by Dr Patrick 'Paddy' Neumann that develops and commercializes the Neumann Drive, an in-space electric propulsion system based on patented Centre-Triggered Pulsed Cathodic Arc Thruster (CTPCAT) technology. The system converts solid conductive metallic propellant rods (including molybdenum and recycled aluminium alloys) into plasma to produce thrust, with the quasineutral exhaust self-neutralizing without requiring a separate cathode neutralizer. The product family spans ND-25TC (CubeSat), ND-50 (SmallSat), ND-300 (higher-power), and ND-Flatypus variants, with each system composed of a Thruster Unit (containing propellant and discharge chamber) and a Power Processing Unit. Neumann Space has completed four successful on-orbit demonstrations between June 2023 and January 2026 and is transitioning to commercial production in 2026 with units manifested across SpaceX Transporter rideshare missions.
The company operates a B2B enterprise sales motion targeting satellite manufacturers and operators globally, distributing through direct sales, OEM integration onto satellite bus platforms (Inovor Apogee/Australis, SSTL CarbSAR, Space Inventor EDISON), and SpaceX rideshare deployments. Revenue streams include hardware sales of off-the-shelf fully fueled propulsion units, mission extension services enabled by in-space resource utilization of space debris (in partnership with CisLunar Industries), and technology licensing under US Patent No 10,807,741. Customer segments comprise small satellite operators (SSTL, Space Inventor, Skykraft, Inovor, Spire Global), defense and government space programs (US Space Force partnership, ESA Pioneer Program involvement, CNES collaboration), and space sustainability/OSAM providers. Leadership combines deep technical credibility (Dr Neumann as Chief Scientist, AIAA Associate Fellow) with experienced commercial operators (CEO Herve Astier, Executive Chairman Peter Schultz, and first US-based VP BD Jason Wallace appointed August 2025), and the company is headquartered in Kent Town, South Australia with emerging US presence.
Neumann Space firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Neumann Space
- Legal name
- Neumann Space
- Website
- https://neumannspace.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Neumann Space is an Australian aerospace company founded in 2015 that develops the Neumann Drive, a patented solid-metallic-propellant electric propulsion system for small satellites and spacecraft, selling to global satellite manufacturers, defense programs, and space sustainability operators.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Neumann Space industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Spacecraft Electric 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), Engines & Turbines (3510)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters (IMABACAE)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Space Structures, Mechanisms & Thermal Control (IMABACAF)
Keywords
Where Neumann Space is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New Town
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices1 record
Markets served
Neumann Space business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Neumann Drive Propulsion Systems Sales: Sale of electric propulsion systems (Neumann Drive product line including ND-25TC, ND-50, ND-300, ND-Flatypus) to satellite manufacturers and operators. Products sold as off-the-shelf, fully fuelled units. Multiple units deployed across SpaceX Transporter missions in 2026.
- Mission Extension Services: Services related to in-orbit mission extension through propellant refuelling using in-space resource utilisation (ISRU) of space debris. Neumann Space working with CisLunar Industries on debris recycling into propellant.
- Technology Licensing: Patent-protected technology (US Patent No 10,807,741) available for licensing. Company developing EMI qualification methodology contributing to new standards for electric propulsion in space.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Off-the-shelf Neumann Drive propulsion systems |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Neumann Space product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Neumann Space designs, manufactures, and sells the Neumann Drive family of in-space electric propulsion systems based on its patented Centre-Triggered Pulsed Cathodic Arc Thruster (CTPCAT) technology. The systems use solid conductive metallic propellant (such as molybdenum and recycled aluminium alloys) to generate plasma thrust, and are sold as fully fuelled, plug-and-play units for integration onto small satellites, CubeSats, and SmallSats.
Product overview
Neumann Space offers the Neumann Drive product family, a comprehensive in-space electric propulsion system portfolio based on patented Centre-Triggered Pulsed Cathodic Arc Thruster (CTPCAT) technology. The product line includes ND-25TC (for CubeSats), ND-50 (for SmallSats), ND-300 (higher power), and ND-Flatypus (specialized variant). The system converts solid conductive metallic propellant into plasma to produce thrust, offering high specific impulse without requiring electrostatic grids, virtual cathodes, or exhaust neutralisers. Core system components include the Thruster Unit (containing propellant and discharge chamber) and Power Processing Unit. The Neumann Drive is distinguished by its solid-state design, rapid manufacturing capability, plug-and-play integration, and ability to use various solid metals as propellant including molybdenum and recycled aluminium alloys.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Neumann Drive: The company's primary product line - a solid-state electric propulsion system using solid metallic propellant for satellites and spacecraft. Product range includes ND-25TC, ND-50, ND-300, and ND-Flatypus models.
Products and services
- Neumann Drive The Neumann Drive is an electric spacecraft propulsion system using patented CTPCAT technology that converts solid conductive fuel rods into plasma to produce thrust. It offers high specific impulse and exceptional delta-v capabilities for satellite operators requiring orbit maneuverability, station keeping, and mission extension.
- ND-25TC A compact electric propulsion system designed for CubeSat form factor, offering plug-and-play integration for small satellite platforms.
- ND-50 An electric propulsion system designed for SmallSat applications, providing scalable thrust capabilities with solid metallic propellant technology. Successfully deployed on multiple satellites including Space Inventor's EDISON and SSTL's CarbSAR.
- ND-300 A higher-power electric propulsion system for larger satellite platforms, extending the Neumann Drive product family to address constellation and SmallSat mission requirements.
- ND-Flatypus A specialized variant of the Neumann Drive product family with form factor optimization for specific mission requirements.
Quantifiable outcome
- Electric propulsion systems are several times more mass-efficient than chemical thrusters, reducing propellant mass needed for same mission
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Neumann Space
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Neumann Space technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Neumann Space partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Inovor TechnologiescorePartnership for development of Neumann Drive for Inovor's Apogee and Australis bus platforms. Combining Neumann's electric propulsion system with Inovor's advanced small satellite capabilities for greater mission versatility and performance.
- Spire GlobalcoreMOU for teaming relationship to collaborate on integration of Neumann Space propulsion system on Spire satellite platforms for In-Orbit Demonstration mission. Project supported by Australian Government funding. Agreement witnessed by UK Space Agency CEO and Australian Space Agency Head.
- CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales)coreCollaboration with French Space Agency CNES for EMI certification of Neumann Drive. CNES provides deep technical knowledge for EMI testing of space hardware, temporal measurements, correlation with spectral measurements, and specific antennas.
- REDARC Defence and SpacecorePartnership with Australian-owned REDARC for EMI certification testing. REDARC provides certified test facility including anechoic chamber, expert test personnel, and specialized equipment in Adelaide, Australia.
- Gilmour Space TechnologiesminorCollaboration on developing more powerful version of Neumann Drive suitable for international SmallSat market. Part of Australian Space Manufacturing Network (ASMN) with MMI Collaboration stream co-funding.
- SSTL (Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd)corePartnership to test Neumann Drive on CarbSAR In Orbit Demonstration Mission testing Australian designed propulsion system as part of Synthetic Aperture Radar mission with Oxford Space Systems.
- Space InventorcoreContract with European microsatellite manufacturer for in-orbit demonstration (IOD) program. Neumann Drive ND-50 integrated onto Space Inventor's EDISON 8U satellite as part of ESA Pioneer Program.
- CisLunar IndustriescoreAgreement to deliver Neumann Drive to CisLunar Industries for US Space Force-funded project creating circular propulsion ecosystem using space debris as propellant. Part of NASA SBIR Phase 2 grant work demonstrating in-space recycled metal as fuel.
- University of AdelaideminorPartnership opportunities for education, research, and internship programs with University of Adelaide and Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources.
- Nova Systems Australia and New ZealandminorPartner in SpIRIT mission responsible for ground segment operations. Contributing to demonstration of Australian spacecraft technologies.
- ADISCA (Australian Defence Industry Space Capability Alliance)coreNeumann Space is member of ADISCA, a collaboration of eight Australian-owned Space and Defence companies delivering on Defence's Sovereign Industry Capability Priorities for space. Collective capabilities include in-space propulsion and in-space transportation.
- University of MelbournecoreLead organization for SpIRIT nanosatellite mission. Neumann Space provided propulsion system for 6U CubeSat demonstrating Australian spacecraft technologies including electric propulsion and autonomous operations.
- Italian Space Agency (ASI)minorPartner in SpIRIT mission providing HERMES gamma ray detector instrument. First Australian-made spacecraft to host foreign space agency payload.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Neumann Space competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Phase Four: Phase Four (US) develops RF thruster-based plasma propulsion for small satellites, another electric propulsion technology competing for smallsat constellation and bus integration customers against Neumann.
- Accion Systems: Accion Systems (US) builds electrospray electric propulsion systems for small satellites, competing head-to-head with Neumann Drive in the CubeSat/SmallSat electric propulsion market with a similar go-to-market toward satellite integrators.
- Bradford Space: Bradford Space (US/Sweden) produces smallsat propulsion including the ECAPS HPGP (high-performance green propulsion) and other chemical/electric systems, serving similar satellite manufacturers and integrators as Neumann Space.
- ThrustMe: ThrustMe (France) provides in-space electric propulsion systems (e.g., iodine-based and plasma thrusters) for small satellites, directly competing with Neumann Drive across European and global smallsat customers.
- Morpheus Space: Morpheus Space (Germany/US) develops smallsat electric propulsion (nano and micro thrusters) for satellite operators, comparable in customer base, product class, and commercial smallsat propulsion focus to Neumann.
- Enpulsion: Enpulsion (Austria) is a direct competitor in the smallsat electric propulsion space, producing the IFM nano thruster based on field-emission electric propulsion (FEEP) technology for CubeSats and SmallSats. Neumann competes with Enpulsion in similar customer segments and product classes.
Emerging players
- SWISSto12: SWISSto12 (Switzerland) is an emerging player in RF payload and smallsat propulsion components, with overlapping smallsat and defense customer profiles and an expanding product line into in-space mobility hardware.
Broad incumbents
- Aerojet Rocketdyne (L3Harris): L3Harris (via Aerojet Rocketdyne) is a broad incumbent in space propulsion, including electric propulsion systems (e.g., XR-5, PPS-1350) for larger satellites and defense spacecraft, addressing an overlapping but higher-power market than Neumann.
- Safran / Aerojet Rocketdyne Electric Propulsion: Safran and its subsidiaries (e.g., Safran Aircraft Engines, formerly part of joint electric propulsion programs) supply established Hall-effect and ion thrusters for GEO and large LEO satellites, competing at the higher-power end of electric propulsion that Neumann's ND-300 aims to address.
Others
- CisLunar Industries: CisLunar Industries (US) is a partner in the US Space Force debris-recycling project, developing in-space metal processing for propulsion propellant. It is an adjacent/ecosystem participant that uses Neumann Drive as the thruster for its ISRU architecture, enabling Neumann's refuelling value proposition.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Neumann Space social profiles
Digital presenceNeumann Space financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Neumann Space leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Neumann Space funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Neumann 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 Neumann Space
What does Neumann Space do?
Neumann Space designs, manufactures, and sells the Neumann Drive family of in-space electric propulsion systems based on its patented Centre-Triggered Pulsed Cathodic Arc Thruster (CTPCAT) technology. The systems use solid conductive metallic propellant (such as molybdenum and recycled aluminium alloys) to generate plasma thrust, and are sold as fully fuelled, plug-and-play units for integration onto small satellites, CubeSats, and SmallSats.
Is Neumann Space a public or private company?
Neumann Space is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Neumann Space founded?
Neumann Space was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Neumann Space based?
Neumann Space is headquartered in New Town, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Neumann Space make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Neumann Drive Propulsion Systems Sales are the primary driver. The others are mission Extension Services and technology Licensing.
Who are Neumann Space's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Phase Four, Accion Systems, Bradford Space, ThrustMe, Morpheus Space and Enpulsion. SWISSto12 is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Aerojet Rocketdyne (L3Harris) and Safran / Aerojet Rocketdyne Electric Propulsion. CisLunar Industries is listed as an others.
Does Neumann Space have an API?
No public API is recorded for Neumann Space.
What industry is Neumann Space in?
Neumann Space's product category is Spacecraft Electric Propulsion Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABACAE, Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters, with a secondary code of IMABACAF, Space Structures, Mechanisms & Thermal Control. Its NAICS code is 336415 and its SIC code is 3760.