Participated · Series A · Jun 2022

Zephyr is a launch vehicle program from Latitude focused on serving small‑satellite (SmallSats) missions. The program aims for a maiden flight in 2025 and plans to reach a 200 kg payload capacity by 2028. Latitude says Zephyr will prioritize production of the first launcher, establishment of an assembly line, and tests on electronics, propulsion, fluid systems, and structures. Operations will include the Titan Research & Tests Center at Paris‑Vatry Airport (EPGAV). The company closed a private Series B to fund these industrial and operational foundations and is continuing to recruit talent to support development and operations. Latitude, previously Venture Orbital Systems, is developing Zephyr, a micro-launcher powered by its in-house fully 3D-printed Navier engine. The team moved into a micro-launcher factory in Reims in October 2021 and signed an MoU with Scotland’s SaxaVord Spaceport to enable future launches. The company ran an engine-igniter test campaign inside its factory and is preparing ground tests of Navier Mark 1 while advancing the design of a mass-production site. Latitude has grown to more than 60 employees after hiring roughly 40 people across engineering and support functions, with additional hires expected before year-end. It reports encouragement and backing from CNES and strong support from the French government for a competitive European micro-launcher sector. Latitude closed a €10 million Series A to accelerate hardware testing and systems, electronics and software development for Zephyr.