Stuttgart, Germany – Marc. 17, 2026 – ISPTech, a German space technology company developing propulsion systems for agile in-orbit maneuvering, announced it has raised €5.5 million in seed funding to deploy its advanced, non-toxic propulsion solutions for operational space missions.
The round was led by Join Capital, with participation from High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), Faber, First Momentum Ventures, Lightfield Equity, Final Frontier Liftoff, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and Start-up BW Seed Fonds, among others. ISPTech said the funding will be used to expand manufacturing capabilities, test critical infrastructure and accelerate commercial deployment.
Today, there is a lack of rapid, agile and high thrust manoeuvring capabilities required for sustainable operations in all orbits and new mission needs across defence, servicing and refuelling. With mobility in orbit becoming a hard operational constraint, ISPTech is building propulsion systems which are now ready for spaceflight and accelerating commercial traction.
“Regular, reliable and affordable access to space via reusable rockets is possible now,” said Lukas, CEO and Co-Founder. “However, the true in-space ecosystem will only be unlocked by mobility solutions for satellites and spacecraft. We are building the propulsion systems that will power the space ecosystem and enable the expansion of humankind into our solar system.”
ISPTech’s propulsion portfolio includes HyNOx, which the company describes as an easy-to-use and affordable propulsion system designed for robustness, long continuous firings and rapid availability. The company says HyNOx is aimed at addressing ongoing limitations in competing systems, particularly for spacecraft operators needing dependable maneuvering performance with shorter lead times.
The company is also advancing HIP_11, a patented propulsion technology designed as a practical alternative to conventional toxic hypergolic propellants offering a drop-in replacement without compromising reliability or maneuverability. Furthermore, this technology allows for the seamless implementation of an electric mode, which enables efficient and fast manoeuvres to be performed with the same system. This true multi-mode approach is only possible with HIP_11. Together, HyNOx and HIP_11 are intended to provide the best solutions for all spacecraft and all missions.
ISPTech is preparing two customer missions, including a first smallsat mission using ISPTech propulsion scheduled for launch in 2026, while two CubeSat propulsion systems undergo acceptance testing ahead of deliveries later this year.
“Under the leadership of Lukas and Felix, ISPTech is set to enable truly dynamic and flexible space operations, redefining what’s possible in orbit with the breakthrough of their multimode propulsion system,” said Julia Flaig of Join Capital. “Their combination of deep technical expertise, commercial acumen, and extensive network across the space community is exceptional.”
About ISPTech
InSpacePropulsion Technologies (ISPTech) is pioneering a new era of space mobility – delivering propulsion solutions for every spacecraft and every mission. As a spin-off from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the company offers cost-effective, robust and quickly available in-space propulsion solutions based on more than 10 years of R&D.
ISPTech is a member of the Green Space Center, an initiative supported by the State of Baden-Württemberg and based at IHK Reutlingen that promotes innovation in water management, New Space, and intelligent systems.
“We help SMEs in Baden-Württemberg internationalize space-related business models and products and support their entry into international markets,” said Marcin Bielecki, Head of Technology at the Green Space Center.
The initiative aims to position Baden-Württemberg as a sustainability-driven hub for space technology by fostering cross-sector collaboration and applying space technologies to create ecological impact.
Baden-Württemberg hosts a dynamic and rapidly growing New Space ecosystem, including leading European startups such as ATMOS Space Cargo, HyImpulse, and ConstellR, while supporting emerging innovators such as Horizon Microtechnologies, and Omega Horizons.