Orbion is a Michigan-based in-space propulsion startup that develops plasma thrusters designed for small satellites. Its core product approach is to apply mass-production techniques to in-space thrusters to lower cost and make propulsion practical for small-satellite designs. The company says volume manufacturing is a strategy to improve resilience of U.S. space systems by enabling large, low-cost constellations. Orbion is working with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate under a research contract to investigate how its propulsion tech can be applied to DOD satellites in larger constellations. CEO Brad King said the work will examine whether Orbion’s manufacturing processes must be modified to meet DOD requirements. The company recently raised $9.2M to mass-produce plasma thrusters. Beyond the fundraising, Orbion is focused on scaling production and adapting its processes for potential defense requirements.

Total raised

$9M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Dec 2019