OKAPI:Orbits, a leader in Space Traffic Management (STM) solutions, has raised €13 million in seed funding. This brings the company’s total funding to over €18 million, highlighting strong investor confidence in its mission to revolutionize space operations. The funding round, led by Ventech and supported by Matterwave Ventures, also includes contributions from individual investors and the Amadeus APEX Technology Fund.
As the space industry expands, the risk of collisions between satellites and space debris increases. More than 23,000 pieces of debris, larger than a softball, currently orbit Earth, with projections of up to 70,000 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by 2050. OKAPI:Orbits is addressing these concerns by deploying AI-powered platforms that ensure safer and more sustainable space operations in this congested orbital environment.
Innovating Space Operations with AI-Driven Platforms
Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from Technische Universität Braunschweig (TU Braunschweig), OKAPI:Orbits offers a range of AI-based solutions for Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and STM. The company’s platform helps satellite operators optimize mission planning, reduce collision risks, and manage de-orbiting protocols. By integrating data from various sources such as radar, telescopes, and in-orbit sensors, OKAPI:Orbits creates real-time maps of space objects and predicts potential risks.
OKAPI:Orbits’ technology stack consists of three key platforms:
- OKAPI:Aether: A real-time map of LEO objects with 95% accuracy in predicting conjunctions.
- OKAPI:Astrolabe: Facilitates communication between satellite operators during critical events, enabling automated manoeuvre strategies.
- OKAPI:Soteria: Ensures regulatory compliance and mission design optimization through risk simulations.
With over 50 spacecraft and 150+ users globally, OKAPI:Orbits is already making significant strides in the space industry.
Partnering for a Sustainable Orbital Future
In 2024, OKAPI:Orbits formed a strategic partnership with Aurora Propulsion to offer integrated solutions for collision avoidance and sustainable deorbiting. The company also collaborated with the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2022 to pilot commercial collision avoidance services for its SWARM mission, achieving a remarkable 99.8% success rate in risk prediction and manoeuvre planning.
In addition, OKAPI:Orbits is working closely with TU Berlin and other academic institutions to incorporate cutting-edge research into its platforms, ensuring continuous innovation and progress in space safety.
Kristina Nikolaus, CEO of OKAPI:Orbits, commented, “Our goal is to make space operations safer, more sustainable, and more efficient. This funding will allow us to expand our capabilities, grow our team, and enhance our international presence, further cementing our leadership in the space sector.”
Addressing the Kessler Syndrome Threat
One of the main concerns driving the need for Space Traffic Management is the potential for the Kessler Syndrome, a chain reaction of collisions that could make LEO unusable. OKAPI:Orbits is tackling this issue by reducing collision probabilities by 60% for subscribed satellites and optimising deorbiting protocols to slow debris accumulation.
Unlike U.S. firms like LeoLabs and Kayhan Space, OKAPI:Orbits sets itself apart with its focus on European data sovereignty, modular solutions, and robust industry partnerships, making it a standout player in the European space tech market.
Nicolas Barthalon, Principal at Ventech, expressed confidence in the company’s potential, stating, “OKAPI:Orbits brings the full package—strong IP, key industry ties, and a comprehensive STM solution. We are excited to support their growth in becoming the backbone for safe and sustainable space missions.”
Benedikt Kronberger, Partner at Matterwave Ventures, emphasized the need for European tech champions, adding, “OKAPI:Orbits is setting new industry standards in STM, and we are proud to support their efforts to drive European leadership in space tech.”
