Outlier Space
Outlier Space is a New Zealand-based aerospace startup developing reusable, autonomous satellite capsules that provide commercial access to microgravity for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and advanced materials manufacturing, with first launch targeted for 2028.
- CEO / Founder
- Jamie France
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Pre-Seed
- Total Funding
- $7.35M
- Latest Round
- Pre-Seed
- Key Investors
- GD1 (Global From Day One); Nova Threshold; Airtree; Icehouse Ventures; Investible; Side Stage Ventures; Brian Cartmell
Technology & Products
Key Products
Reusable autonomous satellite capsule for microgravity research and manufacturing; End-to-end mission support including launch integration, orbital operations, and safe Earth return; Modular payload bay compatible with multiple rocket types (rocket-agnostic); Payload capacity comparable to three ISS mid-deck lockers
Technological Advantage
Proprietary heat shield technology for reentry; Reusable satellite platform designed for multiple missions; Rocket-agnostic design enabling flexible launch options; Team with deep aerospace expertise from Rocket Lab and America's Cup engineering
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Flexible, reliable, and scalable access to microgravity with safe return to Earth, using a reusable uncrewed satellite platform that eliminates the cost and complexity of crewed systems like the ISS.
How They Differentiate
Outlier differentiates by being rocket-agnostic (compatible with any launch vehicle), focusing on larger reusable capsules with better payload-to-vehicle mass ratios for superior unit economics, and targeting the specific transition of ISS microgravity customers to commercial platforms rather than pursuing all reentry applications.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and advanced materials companies; Government space agencies; Semiconductor manufacturers; Research institutions requiring microgravity conditions for R&D and production
Industry Verticals
Pharmaceuticals; Biotechnology; Advanced Materials; Semiconductors; Government/Sovereign Space Programs
Competitors
Varda Space Industries (US); Space Forge (UK)
Growth & Milestones
Major Milestones
Founded 2024 by Jamie France (ex-Rocket Lab Global Director); Emerged from stealth as "Newton" rebranded to Outlier Space in mid-2026; Raised US$7.35M pre-seed (one of largest pre-seed rounds in NZ history) in July 2026; First test flight targeted for mid-2028