The seed funding will support expanded manufacturing capacity, testing of critical infrastructure, and the acceleration of commercial deployment.
InSpacePropulsion Technologies (ISPTech), a German space tech company developing propulsion systems designed to enable fast and agile in-orbit manoeuvring, has raised €5.5 million to advance deployment of its non-toxic propulsion technologies for operational missions. The round was led by Join Capital, with participation from High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), Faber, First Momentum Ventures, Lightfield Equity, Final Frontier Liftoff, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and Start-up BW Seed Fonds, among others.
As satellite constellations grow denser and missions become more complex, spacecraft must reliably change orbits and avoid collisions with minimal margin for error. Existing propulsion solutions often lack the agility, responsiveness, and thrust required for these demands.
At the same time, regulatory pressure is accelerating the phase-out of conventional systems that rely on highly toxic propellants such as hydrazine, prompting satellite manufacturers to reassess propulsion choices and seek safer alternatives.
ISPTech is positioning its technology to address these trends. The company is developing spaceflight-ready propulsion systems and expanding commercial engagement with satellite manufacturers and mission operators, with potential applications also spanning defence, in-orbit servicing, and refuelling.
Dr. Lukas Werling, CEO and co-founder of ISPTech, said that although reusable rockets have improved access to space, future growth will depend on improved in-orbit mobility. He noted that the company is focused on building propulsion systems intended to support a more capable and scalable space ecosystem.
ISPTech’s portfolio includes the HyNOx and HIP_11 propulsion systems, positioned as non-toxic alternatives for agile in-orbit manoeuvring across spacecraft classes.
The company is currently preparing two customer missions, with its first small-satellite mission using ISPTech propulsion scheduled for launch in 2026. CubeSat units are in acceptance testing, and the company reports early customer traction. HIP_11 and orbital refuelling development are also supported by ESA-backed projects.
Long-term, ISPTech aims to expand spacecraft mobility to enable more flexible satellite operations and future in-orbit services.