Kurs Orbital, a startup founded by Ukrainian space industry veterans, has successfully secured a new round of funding to accelerate the commercialization of its groundbreaking satellite servicing technology.
The company, which has been operating for two years, is focused on revolutionizing human activities in space by offering services such as satellite relocation, inspection, de-orbiting, and space debris removal. Instead of providing these services directly, Kurs plans to be the leading supplier of rendezvous and docking technology through its innovative “ARCap” module, which can be integrated into any spacecraft.
CEO Volodymyr Usov explained, “Our module allows companies to enter the market faster and more cost-effectively compared to developing their own rendezvous & docking technologies, which can be a lengthy and expensive process.”
The company’s technology is based on the heritage of the Kurs rendezvous system, which was initially designed for spacecraft to dock with the Mir space station. Unlike competitors, Kurs Orbital’s module can attach to “non-cooperative” targets, such as satellites without pre-installed docking hardware.
Usov stated, “Our module is versatile and can handle various non-cooperative targets, including fuel-depleted or faulty satellites and space debris. Our goal is to provide a highly performant and flexible system that allows autonomous space operations.”
The company is aiming to launch its first ARCap module into space in the fourth quarter of 2025. To support its ambitious plans, Kurs closed a €3.7 million ($4 million) seed round led by OTB Ventures and other prominent investors.
On-orbit servicing has gained traction following recent high-profile satellite failures, highlighting the importance of reliable servicing technology. De-orbiting services also present a lucrative market opportunity for satellite operators.
Usov expressed confidence in the future of the company, anticipating new use cases and opportunities for their technology in the evolving space industry.
