Exotrail

Last updated
Exotrail
Company typePrivate
Industry Aerospace industry; Space technology
Founded2017
FoundersJean-Luc Maria
Paul Lascombes
David Henri
Nicolas Heitz
Headquarters Palaiseau, Île-de-France, France
ProductsElectric propulsion systems for small satellites; Orbital transfer vehicle (SpaceVan)
Subsidiaries Exotrail U.S. subsidiaries (2)

Exotrail is a space service company from Palaiseau, Ile-de-France, France, founded by Jean-Luc Maria, Paul Lascombes, David Henri and Nicolas Heitz [1] in 2017. [2] The company produces electric propulsion systems used in small satellites. [3] The company also develops an hosting vehicle (an orbital transfer vehicle or space tug) –SpaceVan –for small satellites. [4] [5] [6] It has two U.S. subsidiaries. [7]

An initial funding round raised €3.5 million, enabling the company to hire around twenty employees. [1] In February 2023, the company raised $58 million to scale up production. [2] By June 2025, Exotrail had grown to approximately 200 staff members and was continuing its development using its own funds. [1]

Exotrail tests its propulsion systems in large vacuum chambers designed to replicate the conditions encountered in space. It enables precise adjustment of thrust levels. [1] Produced by gas expulsion, the thrust allows satellites to manoeuvre, reach and modify specific orbits, and ultimately re-enter the atmosphere for controlled deorbiting and disintegration. [1] To reduce costs, Exotrail sources certain components outside the traditional space industry, where equipment is often priced at a premium due to stringent qualification requirements. [8]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Maviel, Nicolas (2025-06-17). "Exotrail, la start-up 100 % made in France qui révolutionne la mobilité spatiale" . Le Parisien (in French). Retrieved 2026-02-27.
  2. 1 2 Foust, Jeff (February 7, 2023). "Exotrail raises $58 million to expand space logistics services".
  3. ↑ Henry, Caleb (July 16, 2020). "French startup Exotrail raises $13 million for propulsion, space software and on-orbit transport systems".
  4. ↑ Erwin, Sandra (January 31, 2024). "Exotrail developing space tug to carry small satellites to geostationary orbit".
  5. ↑ Foust, Jeff (March 6, 2024). "Exotrail deploys first satellite from orbital transfer vehicle".
  6. ↑ "Exotrail Completes In-Orbit Delivery of a Commercial Satellite".
  7. ↑ Foust, Jeff (August 8, 2023). "Exotrail establishes U.S. presence".
  8. ↑ Meddah, Hassan (2018-08-31). "Les Frenchies à l'assaut du new space". L'Usine Nouvelle (in French). Retrieved 2026-02-27.
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