Company:Exotrail
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace industry; Space technology |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founders | Jean-Luc Maria Paul Lascombes David Henri Nicolas Heitz |
| Products | Electric propulsion systems for small satellites; Orbital transfer vehicle (SpaceVan) |
Exotrail is a space service company from Palaiseau, Ile-de-France, France, founded by Jean-Luc Maria, Paul Lascombes, David Henri and Nicolas Heitz[1] in 2017.[2] The company produces electric propulsion systems used in small satellites.[3] The company also develops an hosting vehicle (an orbital transfer vehicle or space tug) – SpaceVan – for small satellites.[4][5][6] It has two U.S. subsidiaries.[7]
An initial funding round raised €3.5 million, enabling the company to hire around twenty employees.[1] In February 2023, the company raised $58 million to scale up production.[2] By June 2025, Exotrail had grown to approximately 200 staff members and was continuing its development using its own funds.[1]
Exotrail tests its propulsion systems in large vacuum chambers designed to replicate the conditions encountered in space. It enables precise adjustment of thrust levels.[1] Produced by gas expulsion, the thrust allows satellites to manoeuvre, reach and modify specific orbits, and ultimately re-enter the atmosphere for controlled deorbiting and disintegration.[1] To reduce costs, Exotrail sources certain components outside the traditional space industry, where equipment is often priced at a premium due to stringent qualification requirements.[8]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Maviel, Nicolas (2025-06-17). "Exotrail, la start-up 100 % made in France qui révolutionne la mobilité spatiale" (in French). Le Parisien. https://www.leparisien.fr/economie/business/exotrail-la-start-up-100-made-in-france-qui-revolutionne-la-mobilite-spatiale-17-06-2025-U35MZ4VESBHQTEJAEPIRA3YL7I.php.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Foust, Jeff (February 7, 2023). "Exotrail raises $58 million to expand space logistics services". https://spacenews.com/exotrail-raises-58-million-to-expand-space-logistics-services/.
- ↑ Henry, Caleb (July 16, 2020). "French startup Exotrail raises $13 million for propulsion, space software and on-orbit transport systems". https://spacenews.com/french-startup-exotrail-raises-13-million-for-propulsion-on-orbit-transport-systems/.
- ↑ Erwin, Sandra (January 31, 2024). "Exotrail developing space tug to carry small satellites to geostationary orbit". https://spacenews.com/exotrail-developing-space-tug-to-carry-small-satellites-to-geostationary-orbit/.
- ↑ Foust, Jeff (March 6, 2024). "Exotrail deploys first satellite from orbital transfer vehicle". https://spacenews.com/exotrail-deploys-first-satellite-from-orbital-transfer-vehicle/.
- ↑ "Exotrail Completes In-Orbit Delivery of a Commercial Satellite". https://spacewatch.global/2024/03/exotrail-completes-in-orbit-delivery-of-a-commercial-satellite/.
- ↑ Foust, Jeff (August 8, 2023). "Exotrail establishes U.S. presence". https://spacenews.com/exotrail-establishes-u-s-presence/.
- ↑ Meddah, Hassan (2018-08-31). "Les Frenchies à l'assaut du new space" (in French). L'Usine Nouvelle. https://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/les-frenchies-a-l-assaut-du-new-space.N733599.
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