Space Machines Company
Australian startup developing in-space logistics, orbital servicing, and transportation capabilities with a focus on satellite servicing, debris management, and space domain awareness.
- CEO / Founder
- Rajat Kulshrestha
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Growth Stage
- Total Funding
- Undisclosed
- Latest Round
- Grant
- Key Investors
- Australian Space Agency; Cicada Innovations; RADventures
Technology & Products
Key Products
Optimus Orbital Servicing Vehicle (OSV) — 270kg satellite for in-space logistics; Optimus Viper — rapid response vehicle for space domain awareness; Scintilla propulsion engine (50N thrust, 92% efficiency, metal 3D-printed); Space MAITRI mission (Australia-India joint mission)
Technological Advantage
Proprietary Scintilla 50N propulsion engine (metal 3D-printed, 92% efficiency, 65s+ burn durations, 40+ restarts); vertical integration of mission-critical propulsion; AI-driven generative design for spacecraft manufacturing (CRC-P project); largest Australian commercial satellite (Optimus, 270kg).
Differentiation
Value Proposition
"Roadside assist in space" — providing orbital servicing, repair, refueling, inspection, and debris removal for satellites, extending their operational lifetimes and reducing space debris.
How They Differentiate
Vertically integrated propulsion development (Scintilla engine built in-house); metal 3D-printed engine achieving 92% efficiency; "build-to-learn, learn-to-build" rapid iteration philosophy; Australian sovereign capability; focus on rapid response and space domain awareness alongside traditional servicing.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Satellite operators, defense/space agencies, commercial space companies needing orbital servicing, inspection, debris removal, and space domain awareness.
Industry Verticals
Space/Satellite; Defense & National Security; Telecommunications; Earth Observation
Competitors
Astroscale; ClearSpace; Altius Space Machines
Growth & Milestones
Major Milestones
2019: Company founded; 2022: Secured SpaceX as launch partner for Optimus OTV; 2024-03: Optimus satellite launched on SpaceX Falcon 9 (Transporter-10); 2024-05: Awarded A$8.5M for Space MAITRI Australia-India mission; 2025-08: Completed Scintilla propulsion engine (first Australian-built spacecraft engine); 2026-03: Awarded A$2.9M CRC-P grant for AI-driven spacecraft manufacturing.
Notable Customers
Spiral Blue; Esper Satellite Imagery; Sperospace; Dandelions (as foundation customers on 2022 OTV mission)