BlackStar Orbital’s Post

It was high time we selected space as a topic for our #JoltAcademy. Yesterday, Jean-Marc Nasr, former Executive Vice President at Airbus Defence and Space, stopped by our headquarters to share his thoughts about the idiosyncrasies of the space industry, the current Sputnik-like moment for Europe, and the few areas towards which a growth investor like us should turn its attention. In a recent post we had listed the reasons why we haven't invested in spacetech yet (low maturity, lack of differentiating and proprietary technologies, unrealistic and overinflated valuations). This is not a reason to ignore the field, quite the contrary. And December at Jolt Capital will be devoted to space: Philippe Baptiste, CEO of the French Space Agency will speak at our upcoming CEOs & LPs day (December 11th at the Palace of Versailles), and on Monday we are going to present a new #JoltNinja spacetech report (funding, exits, patents) at the 20th European Space Agency - ESA Investor Forum in Frankfurt. Surrounding Jean-Marc Nasr on the photo, Jolt Capital's space squadron (Marie Nicod who worked at a space VC fund prior to joining Jolt, Maxime Mallet who's already scrutinized several potential investments in that field, and Simon Cardoen who just authored the European spacetech report to be unveiled next week). #space #spacetech #orbit #leo #constellation #remotesensing #spatial #espace #satellite #rocket #launcher #spaceX #esa #cnes #privateequity #growthequity #scaleup

During his participation at the Paris Air Forum, MaiaSpace CEO Yohann Leroy discussed the mini-launcher market alongside Jörn Spurmann, Chief Commercial Officer at Rocket Factory Augsburg - RFA, Raúl Verdú, Chief Business Development Officer at PLD Space and Toni Tolker-Nielsen, Director of Space Transportation at European Space Agency - ESA. This discussion allowed us to outline the competitive landscape of the mini-launcher market and to highlight the benefits reusability brings in the economics of a mini launcher developed with private money, namely competitive access to a wider market. This wider access leads to higher cadence, hence easier amortization of non-recurring costs, faster recurring costs reduction, more launch opportunities, and better resilience. To be successful, we need also to go fast, foster a more offensive risk culture, accepting failures as opportunities to learn, accelerate, and ultimately reduce costs. This is what MaiaSpace does, bringing together the best of both worlds: the expertise of the European space sector, and the agility, speed and risk-taking culture of a start-up. #ParisAirForum #MaiaSpace #Space #Innovation

🌌 Enhance your mission planning with SpaceSight™ by Scout on Saber Astronautics' Space Application Marketplace (SAM). SpaceSight™ improves imaging precision and operational efficiency, enabling satellite operators to achieve unparalleled clarity in visualizing in-space observations. Discover how this tool is redefining Space Domain Awareness. The collaboration between Scout and Saber underscores a shared commitment to advancing space technology and enhancing capabilities for space situational awareness and security. For more information or to get involved with Saber’s Space Application Marketplace, please fill out the Space Application Marketplace Interest Form: https://lnkd.in/dMdhJfeV Read the full statement: https://lnkd.in/de6FRZMJ #SDA #ScoutSpace #SSA #STM #SpaceSecurity #SpaceDomainAwareness #SituationalAwareness #Space #Startup #SpaceSustainability #SpaceDebris #SpaceSafety #SatelliteAutonomy #SpaceSuperiorit

From Ground to Space: Harakeke Fiber Meets Satellite Innovation. Last year, we partnered with KiwiFibre to pursue a shared vision of a greener space ecosystem by using alternative, natural materials in satellite components and spacecraft manufacturing. After careful evaluation, Harakeke fibre has been chosen as the material of choice for our upcoming space test campaign. 🌿 This collaboration brings us one step closer to revolutionising the aerospace industry with sustainable solutions - proving that innovation can be both cutting-edge and environmentally responsible. Stay tuned as we explore the potential of this remarkable natural material in space! 🚀

𝐘𝐄𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞’𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 Four years after its launch, YEESS - Young European Enterprises Syndicate for Space is proud to present its very first Observatory today. This insightful document shares analyses and key figures about young European companies in the space sector. Among the data examined: 🔹 Investments in R&D 🔹 Private capital raised 🔹 Job creation A big thank you to all our YEESS friends for their meticulous work : Aerospacelab, Cailabs, constellr , Exolaunch, Exotrail, Isar Aerospace, Latitude, Pangea Aerospace, ReOrbit, SATLANTIS, U-Space, Unseenlabs Don't miss the chance to discuss about this report tomorrow during the European Space Conference with our President Nicolas CAPET. Discover the Observatory here: https://lnkd.in/dxtZX9PR

BOYSIN AEROSPACE and KiwiFibre have partnered to begin implementation of KiwiFibre into the next generation of spacecraft. 🌿 🛰️ We share a belief that industries can be responsible without compromising performance.

"In our new series "Europe's Future in Space", NSF will conduct interviews with upcoming companies in the European launch and rocket field, to talk about their plans, timelines, and upcoming rockets. In Episode 2, we are talking with Christian Schmierer, CEO of HyImpulse. HyImpulse is working on hybrid rocket technology and its SL1 rocket." NASASpaceflight "HyImpulse: Hybrid Rocket Technology - NSF Live: Europe's Future in Space"

"Behind the Scenes at DhumketuX: Exploring Our Cutting-Edge Aerospace Devices & Testing Grounds" "Step into the world of innovation at DhumketuX Aerospace! In this vlog, we take you behind the scenes of our state-of-the-art experimental testing grounds, where our advanced aerospace devices come to life. Discover how we push the boundaries of technology, test groundbreaking systems, and shape the future of space exploration. Get an exclusive look at the heart of our operations and join us on this journey of innovation and discovery!"

Great article highlighting one of our awesome space industry partners, Brian Barnett, CEO of Solstar Space Co.! I love the background in your pic from the NewSpace Nexus Launchpad!

As we turn the page to 2025, the team at Aero2Astro Tech is reflecting on a year filled with growth, innovation, and dedication. In 2024, we took significant strides toward shaping the future of aerospace and space technology—pushing the limits of what's possible and laying the foundation for even greater achievements. Looking ahead, we’re excited about the opportunities that 2025 holds. With a strong focus on advancing cutting-edge technologies and expanding our reach in both aerospace and space exploration, we are more motivated than ever to continue our mission of driving progress, creating impact, and exploring new frontiers. A heartfelt thank you to all of our partners, clients, and supporters for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we’ll continue to break barriers and explore the uncharted. Here’s to a year of innovation, growth, and limitless possibilities. Happy New Year to all—let's make 2025 our most impactful year yet! 🌍🚀 #Aero2AstroTech #HappyNewYear #Innovation #Aerospace #SpaceExploration #2025 #NextFrontier #NewYearNewGoals