Réaltra
Réaltra designs and manufactures COTS-based, space-qualified electronics and avionics for launch vehicles and satellites. The Dublin-based company supplies HD video telemetry, GNSS receivers, time-triggered Ethernet switches, batteries, cameras, and AI accelerator boards to European space primes such as ArianeGroup and OHB, and to ESA programs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersDublin, Ireland
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Réaltra does
Réaltra Space Systems Ltd. is an Irish space electronics company, incorporated in 2018 as a division of Realtime Technologies Ltd. (an AS9100 / ISO 13485 accredited Irish electronics manufacturer founded in 1996). The company designs, develops, and manufactures cost-effective space-qualified avionics and electronic systems by combining Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components with rigorous space qualification, ruggedization, and testing. It targets the launch vehicle, satellite, and deep-space segments where traditional custom space electronics carry long lead times and high cost.
The core product portfolio centers on the RLT family: the RLT-VIKI-x independent HD video telemetry system (live launch video across multiple cameras, H.265 compression, Ethernet output, ArianeGroup-qualified for Ariane 5 and 6); the RLT-GNSS-x GNSS Receiver Kit (Galileo-enabled, single and dual channel, validated on Ariane 6); the RLT-ETH-x Ethernet Switch Series (4/12/20-port models co-developed with TTTech using a radiation-tolerant TTE-Switch controller for time-triggered, deterministic networking with sub-microsecond jitter); the RLT-VBAT-x 28V Li-MnO2 modular battery (>10-year shelf life); the RLT-TLM-x end-to-end telemetry kit with built-in CCSDS encoding and dual S-Band transmitters; the RLT-NG1-001 HD video camera (global shutter, 60 fps); and the RLT-AIA-001 AI Accelerator and Computer Vision Processing Board for CubeSats (manufactured under license from Ubotica, based on Intel Movidius Myriad 2). Custom development work includes the Payload Interface Unit (PLIU) for ESA's PLATO mission and the GEKI GNSS Experimental Kit for Ariane 6. The company also offers IP licensing to non-space organizations and is a licensed manufacturer of Curtiss-Wright's Acra KAM-500 Space COTS data acquisition products.
Revenue is generated primarily through multi-year direct B2B contracts with European space primes — notably ArianeGroup (VIKI video telemetry for Ariane 5 and 6 across multiple flights, including a €1.5M+ production contract for 7 additional Ariane 6 flights in October 2025; GNSS for Ariane 6 maiden flight; total disclosed ArianeGroup contracts exceeding €3.5M) and OHB System AG (€3.4M PLATO PLIU contract awarded January 2019). A second revenue stream comes from institutional R&D funding through ESA programs (GSTP, FLPP), EU Horizon Europe (SALTO, €39M consortium of which Réaltra is a partner), and Ireland's Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (€7.9M DTIF project co-led with UCD). Customers are highly concentrated among a handful of European primes and ESA, with the company operating from a single Dublin headquarters (Clonshaugh Business & Technology Park), employing approximately 23 people as of March 2025 with a stated growth target of 50, and pursuing qualification-driven, contract-based enterprise sales.
Réaltra firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Réaltra
- Legal name
- Réaltra Space Systems Ltd.
- Website
- https://realtra.space
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Réaltra designs and manufactures COTS-based, space-qualified electronics and avionics for launch vehicles and satellites. The Dublin-based company supplies HD video telemetry, GNSS receivers, time-triggered Ethernet switches, batteries, cameras, and AI accelerator boards to European space primes such as ArianeGroup and OHB, and to ESA programs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Réaltra is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dublin
- HQ country
- Ireland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Réaltra 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
- Custom and COTS Space Electronics Hardware: Design, development and manufacture of custom and COTS space electronics and avionics systems sold directly to space primes and institutional customers. Revenue is generated through engineering development contracts, production contracts, and hardware product sales. Examples include VIKI video telemetry systems, GNSS receivers, and Ethernet switches for launch vehicles and satellites.
- IP Licensing: Réaltra licenses its intellectual property to external organisations outside the space industry, enabling broader monetization of its technology concepts and pioneering solutions.
- ESA and Government-Funded R&D Contracts: Réaltra participates in ESA-funded technology development programs (GSTP, FLPP) and EU Horizon Europe projects (SALTO) that provide funding for development of new technologies for launchers and satellites. These contracts support R&D while building relationships with primes.
- Licensing of COTS Space Products: Licensing agreement with Curtiss-Wright enables Réaltra to market, manufacture, and deliver Curtiss-Wright Acra KAM-500 range of Space COTS radiation tolerant products into space applications, complementing its own product portfolio.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Enterprise custom hardware contracts |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Standard product catalog (VIKI, GNSS, ETH, VBAT, TLM, NG1, AIA boards) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Réaltra product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Réaltra designs, develops, and manufactures cost-effective space electronics and avionics for launch vehicles and satellites, combining Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components with traditional space qualification approaches. The company sells a portfolio of modular COTS products (HD video telemetry systems, GNSS receivers, Time-Triggered Ethernet switches, space batteries, telemetry kits, HD cameras, AI accelerators) along with custom development services for space primes and agencies.
Product overview
Réaltra is an Irish space electronics and avionics company offering a portfolio of COTS-based and custom space-qualified electronic products. The core product line includes the RLT-VIKI-x HD video telemetry system (providing live launch video from multiple cameras), the RLT-VBAT-x primary battery (28V Li-MnO2 modular battery), the RLT-NG1-001 HD video camera (global shutter, H.265 compression), the RLT-TLM-x end-to-end telemetry kit, the RLT-GNSS-x GNSS receiver kit (single/dual channel, Galileo-enabled), and the RLT-ETH-x Ethernet switch series (4/12/20 port models, TTEthernet, developed with TTTech). The RLT-AIA-001 AI Accelerator & Computer Vision board (with Ubotica) brings onboard AI/ML capabilities to CubeSats. Beyond product sales, Réaltra licenses its IP, provides custom development services (e.g., the PLATO PLIU), and offers engineering services for bespoke COTS and custom space electronics.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- RLT-VIKI-x Video Telemetry System An independent, modular, scalable, and flexible HD video telemetry system designed for launch vehicles. Operates autonomously or integrates with launcher avionics to provide live HD video from multiple cameras during stage, fairing, and payload separation events. Provides H.265 compression and Ethernet output. Used on Ariane 5, Ariane 6, and the Themis reusable launcher demonstrator.
- RLT-VBAT-x Space Battery A high-energy-density, space-qualified modular 28V Li-MnO2 primary battery for launch vehicles and rugged space applications. Features high current, low self-discharge, no voltage delay, and a shelf life exceeding 10 years. Assembly uses 2 or 3 primary battery packs built from twenty SAFT M19HR cells in a 10S2P configuration.
- RLT-NG1-001 HD Video Camera A high-definition video camera designed for launch vehicles. Features full HD video with H.265 compression, Ethernet output, global shutter, 2.5 MP CMOS sensor, 60 fps high-speed operation, and superior-quality optics with narrow and wide-angle S-mount lens options. Ruggedized for harsh space and launcher environments.
- RLT-TLM-x Telemetry Kit A low-cost, modular, and fully qualified end-to-end telemetry kit for a wide range of launch vehicle types. Features Ethernet-based networked units, programmable telemetry, timing and sequencing parameters, built-in Ethernet-to-CCSDS encoding, dual 10 W S-Band RF transmitters, and optional full HD video with H.265 compression.
- RLT-GNSS-x GNSS Receiver Kit A modular integrated GNSS receiver kit for launch vehicles. Provides RS232 and 100 Mbps Ethernet, programmable telemetry, positioning, velocity, and timing/sequencing parameters, and is qualified for launcher and space environments. Available in single- and dual-channel configurations and acquires Galileo satellite signals.
- RLT-ETH-x Ethernet Switch Series A series of high-performance Ethernet switches for harsh space environments, co-developed with TTTech. Supports synchronized and non-synchronized functions with system-critical hard real-time traffic having reserved bandwidth, full determinism, and delivery jitter below 1 microsecond. Models are available with up to 4, 12, and 20 Ethernet ports and implement TTTech's radiation-tolerant TTEthernet Controller chip.
- RLT-AIA-001 AI Accelerator & Computer Vision Processing Board An AI Accelerator and Computer Vision Processing Board for CubeSats, manufactured by Réaltra under license from Ubotica Technologies. Based on the CogniSat platform, it delivers TeraFlop-level performance using the Intel Movidius Myriad 2 VPU in a PC104 form factor, with Gigabit Ethernet or USB 2.0/3.0 interfaces and bundled Ubotica CVAI Toolkit software for deploying user algorithms.
- Payload Interface Unit (PLIU) for ESA PLATO Mission A custom-designed payload interface unit for ESA's PLATO mission that provides the thermal control system for the telescopes on the PLATO spacecraft. Designed and developed by Réaltra for OHB System AG and is the largest space electronics hardware contribution and the largest single contract awarded to an Irish company for an ESA Science mission.
- GEKI GNSS Experimental Kit (Ariane 6) A state-of-the-art GNSS telemetry system designed and built by Réaltra for ArianeGroup that provides accurate and reliable positioning information by acquiring data from the Galileo satellite fleet. Used to validate GNSS functionality at space velocities during the Ariane 6 maiden flight.
- Acra KAM-500 Space COTS Products (via Curtiss-Wright License) A licensed range of Curtiss-Wright Acra KAM-500 Space COTS radiation-tolerant data acquisition products that Réaltra markets, manufactures, and delivers into space applications, complementing its own space electronics portfolio.
- IP Licensing Services Réaltra licenses its intellectual property to organizations outside the space industry, enabling broader monetization of its technological concepts and pioneering solutions for space-qualified electronic systems and COTS ruggedization.
Quantifiable outcome
- Video telemetry on Ariane 5 launch of James Webb Space Telescope (December 2021) — images streamed globally as the telescope separated from the launch vehicle
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Réaltra
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Réaltra technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
AI capability8 records
Feature7 records
Réaltra partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- European Space Agency (ESA) — GSTP ProjectcoreESA awarded Réaltra a contract under the General Support Technology Program (GSTP) called 'Machine Learning-Based On-Board Autonomy, Failure Prognostics & Detection on Small Satellites'. Working with subcontractor Ubotica, Réaltra leads the project which aims to develop a low-power high-performance AI/ML acceleration platform for satellites. The project utilizes data from Ireland's first satellite EIRSAT-1 and has completed its Preliminary Design Review.
- TTTech Computertechnik AGcoreRéaltra and Austrian TTTech Aerospace are developing a Time-Triggered Ethernet system for future launchers and space applications, funded by ESA's Future Launchers Preparatory Program (FLPP). The project combines Réaltra's aerospace solutions expertise with TTTech's know-how in real-time networking and safety. Réaltra has delivered a 12-port Ethernet network switch developed in collaboration with TTTech, integrating TTTech's radiation tolerant TTE-Switch controller, for use on the Themis reusable launcher demonstrator in the SALTO project.
- ArianeGroupflagshipArianeGroup is the primary customer and strategic partner for Réaltra. Réaltra has been awarded multiple contracts by ArianeGroup to design, develop and deliver the VIKI video telemetry system and GNSS telemetry system for Ariane 5 and Ariane 6 launchers. The companies have a long-standing relationship dating from 2019, with multiple production contracts. Réaltra's VIKI system provided live HD video on the James Webb Space Telescope launch (2021) and multiple Ariane 6 flights. A €1.5M+ contract in 2025 covers VIKI systems for 7 further Ariane 6 flights.
- European Commission / Horizon Europe (SALTO Project)coreRéaltra is one of 25 partners from 12 countries in the SALTO (reuSable strAible Launcher Technologies & Operations) project, funded by the European Commission under Horizon Europe and coordinated by ArianeGroup. The project aims to develop and test the first European reusable launcher stage (Themis) through vertical hop tests in Kiruna, Sweden. Réaltra is responsible for developing and delivering HD video cameras and Ethernet network switches for the Themis demonstrator. The project has a €39M budget.
- Ubotica Technologies Ltd.coreRéaltra collaborated with Irish technology partner Ubotica to develop and release the RLT-AIA-001 AI Accelerator & Computer Vision Processing Board for CubeSats, manufactured by Réaltra under license from Ubotica. The board is based on Ubotica's CogniSat platform and Intel Movidius Myriad 2 VPU. Réaltra and Ubotica are also collaborating on an ESA GSTP project for AI/ML-based failure detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) and prognostics for small satellites, utilizing data from Ireland's first satellite EIRSAT-1.
- OHB System AGflagshipGerman space company OHB System AG awarded Réaltra a €3.4M contract to design, develop and deliver the Payload Interface Unit (PLIU) for ESA's PLATO (PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars) mission. The PLIU provides thermal control for the telescopes on the PLATO spacecraft. At the time of award, this was the largest ever single contract awarded to an Irish company for an ESA Science mission. The PLATO mission is scheduled for launch in 2026.
- Curtiss-Wright's Defense Solutions DivisionminorLicensing agreement enables Réaltra to market, manufacture, and deliver Curtiss-Wright's Acra KAM-500 range of Space COTS radiation tolerant products into space applications. Curtiss-Wright continues to have first option on identified opportunities and will continue to deliver space technology solutions to Curtiss-Wright customers. Danny Gleeson continues to serve in a space market consultancy role for Curtiss-Wright.
- Enterprise IrelandcoreEnterprise Ireland is the Irish government organisation that co-ordinates Ireland's participation in ESA programs and supports Irish space companies. Enterprise Ireland provides support to Réaltra through the Irish ESA Delegation and has cited Réaltra's success as reflecting high technical innovation in Irish industry. The agency also facilitates connections between Irish space companies and international primes.
- Realtime Technologies Ltd. (Parent Company)coreRéaltra is a division of Realtime Technologies Ltd., an Irish-owned company employing over 50 people, founded by Paddy White in 1996. Realtime Technologies manufactures electronic boards and systems for space applications, having built products for over 120 space missions. Realtime handles manufacturing for Réaltra's products including the GNSS telemetry system for ArianeGroup. Realtime holds AS9100 Rev D and ISO 13485-2016 Quality Accreditations.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Réaltra competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- AAC Clyde Space: Swedish/UK small-satellite and space electronics provider offering CubeSat platforms, avionics, and on-board computers. Directly comparable to R\u00e9altra's RLT-AIA-001 and CubeSat-adjacent avionics, with similar small-team B2B sales into ESA and commercial constellation operators.
- GomSpace: Danish CubeSat and small-satellite subsystems supplier selling avionics, electrical power systems, and ADCS components. Competes with R\u00e9altra for institutional and commercial small-satellite business, particularly in European and ESA-funded programs.
- Innovative Solutions In Space (ISIS): Dutch SME providing CubeSat structures, launch services, and ground-segment equipment; also a frequent supplier of small-satellite subsystems to ESA. Comparable as a European SME positioned between institutional ESA programs and the NewSpace commercial market.
- NanoAvionics: Lithuania-based smallsat bus and subsystem provider serving commercial constellation operators and institutional customers. Comparable as a small European space-electronics vendor targeting similar ESA and commercial small-sat contracts.
- TTTech Computertechnik AG: Austrian aerospace networking specialist (TTEthernet for Ariane 6 and other platforms). Currently a partner of R\u00e9altra on the ETH switch but also a potential competitor for embedded networking slots on future launchers.
- Ubotica Technologies: Irish AI-on-satellite specialist providing the CogniSat platform underlying R\u00e9altra's RLT-AIA-001. A partner today but also a direct competitor for on-board AI/ML subsystem business on small satellites and ESA programs.
Broad incumbents
- Beyond Gravity (formerly RUAG Space): European aerospace supplier of launcher structures, payload adapters, and on-board electronics to ArianeGroup, ESA, and other primes. A broader incumbent that competes with R\u00e9altra on Ariane 6 avionics slots and is a potential supply-chain alternative for ESA primes.
- OHB System AG: German space prime manufacturing ESA and institutional satellites (including PLATO). While currently a R\u00e9altra customer, OHB is also a broad incumbent in the European space-electronics supply chain that could internalize avionics work currently outsourced.
- Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions: Large U.S. defense electronics incumbent licensing its Acra KAM-500 Space COTS data acquisition products to R\u00e9altra. Comparable in the broader space data acquisition market and a potential competitor if R\u00e9altra's licensing relationship were to change.
- Tesat-Spacecom: German supplier of satellite payloads and communications equipment with a long heritage of ESA and commercial programs. Comparable as a European space-electronics supplier operating in adjacent mission segments and a potential competitor for institutional RF/payload work.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Réaltra social profiles
Digital presenceRéaltra compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Réaltra financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Réaltra leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Réaltra funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Réaltra 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 Réaltra
What does Réaltra do?
Réaltra designs, develops, and manufactures cost-effective space electronics and avionics for launch vehicles and satellites, combining Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components with traditional space qualification approaches. The company sells a portfolio of modular COTS products (HD video telemetry systems, GNSS receivers, Time-Triggered Ethernet switches, space batteries, telemetry kits, HD cameras, AI accelerators) along with custom development services for space primes and agencies.
Is Réaltra a public or private company?
Réaltra is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Réaltra founded?
Réaltra was founded in 2018. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Réaltra based?
Réaltra is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, in the Europe region.
How does Réaltra make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Custom and COTS Space Electronics Hardware is the primary driver. The others are IP Licensing, ESA and Government-Funded R&D Contracts and licensing of COTS Space Products.
Who are Réaltra's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are AAC Clyde Space, GomSpace, Innovative Solutions In Space (ISIS), NanoAvionics, TTTech Computertechnik AG and Ubotica Technologies. Broad incumbents are Beyond Gravity (formerly RUAG Space), OHB System AG, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions and Tesat-Spacecom.
Does Réaltra have an API?
No public API is recorded for Réaltra.