What KP Laboratories Inc. does

KP Laboratories Inc. (KP Labs) is a Gliwice, Poland-based space-technology company, founded in 2016, that designs on-board data-processing hardware, flight software, and AI algorithms for satellites. Its product stack comprises three radiation-tolerant data-processing units — Leopard (LEO/small-sat edge compute), Lion (satellites up to 600 kg, including science platforms), and Antelope (AI inference at 3 TOPS) — together with the Oryx flight software framework, the Smart Mission Lab simulation environment, and a suite of proprietary AI models branded as "The Herd". KP Labs' technology executes image classification, change detection, and anomaly identification directly on-orbit instead of downlinking raw data to ground stations.

The company generates revenue from three streams: ESA and NASA In-Orbit Demonstration / R&D contracts (35+ projects delivered), hardware sales of Leopard/Lion/Antelope DPUs to satellite integrators and primes (Airbus, AAC Clyde Space, Open Cosmos, Scanway, Simera Sense), and software licensing / mission-lab usage. Customers are predominantly European institutional (ESA, NASA) and commercial small-sat primes. Notably, KP Labs has accumulated flight heritage on ten-plus missions, including its own Intuition-1 hyperspectral CubeSat (November 2023) and ESA's Φsat-2 (August 2024), and deployed LeopardISS to the International Space Station in October 2025.

KP Labs held Polish R&D Center status (granted 2024), received the President's of Poland economic award (November 2024), and employs approximately 80-85 staff. The business remains private with no publicly disclosed external funding rounds; growth appears funded by contract cash-flow rather than venture capital.

Name

KP Laboratories Inc.

Legal name

KP Labs Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością

Website

https://kplabs.space

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Short description

KP Laboratories Inc. designs on-board data-processing hardware, flight software, and AI algorithms for satellites, serving ESA, NASA, and European small-sat primes with radiation-tolerant DPUs and on-orbit AI inference.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Space-Grade On-Board Computing

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

UAS Ground Control Stations (GCS) & Remote Operations Infrastructure (IMABAIAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

AI Server Systems & HGX/Accelerator Platforms (HDAAAAAB)

Keywords

• On-board satellite computing
• Space-grade AI hardware
• Satellite flight software
• Earth observation algorithms
• Radiation-tolerant electronics

Headquarters

HQ city

Gliwice

HQ country

Poland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. R&D Project Contracts: KP Labs generates primary revenue through R&D project contracts with space agencies including ESA, NASA, and commercial clients. These projects develop custom hardware, software, and algorithms for specific space missions, providing recurring project-based income.
2. Hardware Sales (DPUs): Sale of proprietary Data Processing Units (Leopard, Lion, Antelope) to satellite operators and mission integrators. Hardware products are sold as standalone units or integrated into customer satellite platforms.
3. Software Licensing: Licensing of proprietary flight software (Oryx) and AI algorithm suites (The Herd) for space missions. Software is tailored to specific mission requirements and deployed on company hardware or third-party platforms.
4. Space Mission Participation: Revenue from participation in international space missions as a technology provider and consortium member, working with prime contractors and space agencies on mission development and deployment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

KP Labs develops and sells space-grade Data Processing Units (DPUs) such as Leopard, Lion, and Antelope for on-board satellite data processing. The company also provides the Oryx flight software framework, the Herd AI-powered algorithm suite for Earth observation, and the Smart Mission Lab remote testing platform. Its offering is a vertically integrated hardware-software-algorithms ecosystem designed to enable autonomous satellite operations and reduce downlink bandwidth.

Product overview

KP Labs provides an end-to-end Smart Mission Ecosystem for on-board satellite data processing, combining three product lines: Hardware (Antelope for CubeSats, Leopard for Micro/Mini Satellites, and Lion for larger ADHA 3U satellites up to 600 kg), Software (Oryx flight software for command handling, payload management, and FDIR), and Algorithms (The Herd — a suite of AI-powered pre-processing, analysis, and post-processing algorithms for Earth observation and telemetry). The Leopard and Lion DPUs serve as the core processing platforms, running The Herd algorithms and Oryx software to enable real-time AI inference, autonomous decision-making, and intelligent data filtering directly in orbit. Smart Mission Lab complements the hardware portfolio by offering remote access to DPUs for pre-flight testing and validation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Leopard DPU AI-enabled on-board Data Processing Unit for micro and mini satellites, delivering up to 3 TOPS of FPGA-accelerated AI inference for Earth observation and autonomous satellite missions. Targeted at satellite integrators and operators building AI-driven missions.
• Lion DPU Backplane-based Data Processing Unit in the ADHA 3U form factor built around a Xilinx Kintex UltraScale KU060 FPGA for satellites up to 600 kg. Provides FPGA-accelerated AI inference with support for complex Earth observation and onboard processing workloads.
• Antelope DPU AI-enabled Data Processing Unit engineered for 1U-3U CubeSats, focused on telemetry anomaly detection and housekeeping data compression to free satellite bandwidth. Designed for small satellite missions needing onboard AI.
• Oryx Flight Software Modular, payload and mission-specific flight software framework for satellite command and data handling, payload management, failure detection, isolation and recovery (FDIR), and housekeeping. Targeted at satellite integrators developing custom on-board software stacks.
• The Herd Algorithm Suite Collection of AI-powered algorithms for Earth observation and signal processing, including cloud detection, image classification, change detection, semantic segmentation, object detection, hyperspectral super-resolution, and telemetry anomaly detection. Delivered as onboard-capable models for KP Labs' DPUs.
• Smart Mission Lab Remote testing environment that gives customers access to KP Labs DPUs for early-stage testing and validation of satellite payloads, ML models, and ground-processing tools before integration into flight hardware.

Quantifiable outcome

• 95.7% accuracy in satellite telemetry anomaly detection using RandomForest classifier
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability9 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• ScanwaycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 November 2025MoU signed at Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen, November 2025, for collaboration on integrated optical payloads and on-board data-processing systems. Companies will combine Scanway's optical acquisition technology with KP Labs' DPU and software stack to deliver compact payloads that acquire, process, and transform image data directly in space. Already collaborating on CAMILA national satellite constellation programme with Creotech Instruments S.A. under ESA contract.
• Frontgrade GaislercoreTechnology or Integration · 18 November 2025MoU signed November 2025 at Space Tech Expo Europe for collaboration on fault-tolerant computing for next-generation space missions. Integration of Frontgrade Gaisler's GR716B radiation-hardened microcontroller within KP Labs' Lion DPU architecture. Companies will explore opportunities to enhance reliability and performance across on-board processing applications from small satellites to planetary exploration platforms.
• ESA (European Space Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary institutional partner providing R&D project funding and mission opportunities. KP Labs participates in over 25 ESA projects including ORCHIDE (Horizon Europe), MITIGATE, QUASAR, Space-Based Data Centers, PIGEON, GENESIS, ESA Anomaly Detection Benchmark, OPS-SAT missions, and Φsat-2. ESA status as prime customer and technology validation partner.
• NASAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNASA collaboration on IMAP-GLOWS project developing on-board software for the GLOWS (GLObal Solar Wind Structure) instrument on NASA's IMAP mission. KP Labs developed specialized onboard software for the Lyman-alpha photometer, implementing pulse shaping and data processing algorithms for deep space operations at L1 Lagrange point.
• AAC Clyde SpacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Intuition-1 mission - a 6U hyperspectral satellite where AAC Clyde Space served as mission partner. The satellite was built featuring KP Labs' Leopard DPU and was launched via SpaceX Falcon 9 in November 2023.
• Simera SensemajorTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for integration of Simera Sense's HyperScape100 hyperspectral camera with KP Labs' Leopard DPU, enabling real-time on-board data processing, reduced data downlink, and faster access to actionable insights directly in orbit. Lion DPU noted as compatible with HyperScape100.
• Open CosmoscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOpen Cosmos leads the Φsat-2 mission consortium with KP Labs contributing AI-powered cloud detection algorithms. KP Labs developed CNN-based algorithm for automatic cloud detection and filtering, reducing data transmission requirements by discarding cloud-covered images before downlink.
• Craft ProspectmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on OPS-SAT VOLT mission (Versatile Optical Laboratory for Telecommunications) led by Craft Prospect with ESA. KP Labs provides Leopard DPU for high-performance on-board computing, enabling real-time AI algorithm validation and testing for researchers without requiring dedicated satellite hardware.
• D-OrbitmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on In-Orbit Demonstration of Antelope mission. D-Orbit hosted the Antelope system for 8-week continuous operation in LEO, validating AI-driven satellite operations, telemetry anomaly detection using RandomForest and Telemanom algorithms.
• Deimos (Elecnor)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing collaboration on different missions and projects within the European Space Environment. Deimos values KP Labs' continuously evolving technology which helps improve their capabilities. Collaboration noted in testimonials from Deimos AI Project Leader Marcos Quintana.
• Airbus Defence and SpacemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on ESA Anomaly Detection Benchmark project where Airbus Defence and Space Germany was the primary customer. Airbus also recognized KP Labs' dedication and flexibility in adapting Leopard product for their space optical instruments.
• Absolut SystemmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on EU project AURORA-D with KP Labs providing Command and Data Processing Unit (CDPU). Absolut System testimonial highlights fantastic collaboration experience and smooth team cooperation.
• OHB HellasmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on BOLERO project focused on onboard satellite machine learning. OHB Hellas CTO Mathieu Bernou highlights combined innovative and creative energy in developing countries in space, transforming the industry through teamwork.
• Poznan University of TechnologymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on LeopardISS IGNIS mission. PUT will utilize Leopard DPU for 3D image mapping algorithms with applications for future lunar and Martian rovers. ESA-led IGNIS mission features Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski.
• QZ SolutionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on GENESIS (1&2) project for satellite-driven soil monitoring solutions using hyperspectral imaging and machine learning algorithms for soil composition analysis.
• GEO-KminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on PIGEON project developing advanced super-resolution algorithms to enhance hyperspectral satellite imagery while preserving spectral information for environmental and agricultural monitoring.
• Thales Alenia SpaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on ORCHIDE project (Orchestration of Reliable Computing on Heterogeneous Infrastructures at the Edge) developing edge computing ecosystem for autonomous data processing and AI integration in space.
• Wroclaw University of TechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on MITIGATE project addressing spacecraft thermal management challenges, focusing on reducing micro-vibrations from Pulsating Heat Pipes (PHPs) in microgravity conditions.
• IBM Research Europe - ZurichminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on Space-Based Data Centers project developing autonomous in-orbit data processing systems and distributed architectures for large-scale data storage and processing directly in space.
• Creotech Instruments S.A.majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on CAMILA (Country Awareness Mission in Land Analysis) national satellite constellation programme led by Creotech under ESA contract. KP Labs provides on-board processing, flight-software components, and EGSE testing environment while Scanway contributes optical telescopes and cameras.
• EIDELminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on QUASAR (1&2) project focused on quantum-safe reprogrammability of critical avionics functions, enabling secure in-flight FPGA reprogramming with post-quantum signatures for enhanced satellite cybersecurity.
• SpacePL (Polish Space Industry Association)minorOthersPolish Space Industry Association member, part of KP Labs' broader ecosystem of space industry partners and collaborators in the Polish space sector.
• Copernicus AcceleratorminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEU-funded accelerator programme supporting Earth observation startups and companies. KP Labs collaborates through shared participation in ESA and EU space initiatives.
• Krakowski Park TechnologicznyminorOthersTechnology park in Krakow, Poland. Listed as part of KP Labs' partner ecosystem representing the Polish technology and innovation community.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Exotrail: French space mobility company with overlap into on-board software and operations; competes for engineering talent and partner slots on in-orbit servicing missions where KP Labs also targets autonomous operations. Smaller/earlier stage but adjacent in the European space-AI ecosystem.
• SkyServe: Emerging space-edge AI/analytics company enabling in-orbit data processing and insights from satellite imagery. Builds adjacent infrastructure to KP Labs' DPU offering, focused more on the software/services layer with constellation operators.
• GomSpace: Danish smallsat manufacturer offering CubeSat platforms with some in-house on-board compute capabilities. Competes at subsystem level within ESA tenders alongside KP Labs' Antelope and Leopard offerings, particularly in the European academic/mission market.

Broad incumbents

• Airbus Defence and Space: Major aerospace prime with end-to-end satellite design, manufacturing, and on-board computing capabilities — a customer of KP Labs on Leopard integration but also a potential competitor as it can vertically integrate similar AI processing into its optical instruments.
• Thales Alenia Space: Major European space prime with active R&D in edge computing and on-board AI through programs like ORCHIDE — partnered with KP Labs but also competes for budget allocation on integrated computing/payload subsystems within ESA tenders.
• OHB System AG: European satellite manufacturer partnered with KP Labs on BOLERO but also a systems integrator capable of bundling alternative on-board compute solutions across its missions — both customer and indirect competitor for ESA mission prime slots.

Direct peers

• Ubotica Technologies: Irish company providing AI processing for Earth observation satellites and a fellow consortium member on the Φsat-2 mission. Ubotica's focus on smart sensing and edge AI for CubeSats makes it the most direct comparable to KP Labs' on-board AI processing offering, competing for the same missions and partners.
• Unibap: Swedish company providing AI and edge computing hardware for satellites and spacecraft, including DPU-type products for in-orbit processing. Overlaps with KP Labs in offering space-qualified AI acceleration hardware with customer overlap in European space programs.

Regional players

• AAC Clyde Space: Scottish/Swedish smallsat manufacturer and KP Labs partner on Intuition-1. Comparable in mission class and target customers but focuses on satellite bus manufacturing rather than on-board processing — making it a partner rather than direct competitor, but a relevant scale benchmark.

Others

• Frontgrade Gaisler: Swedish radiation-hardened IP core supplier and recent MoU partner of KP Labs — provides the GR716B microcontroller integrated in the Lion DPU. Vertical relationship as a supplier, but increasingly adjacent as Frontgrade expands its own processor offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 KP Laboratories Inc.