Exotrail
French satellite launch company
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
Paul Lascombes
David Henri
Nicolas Heitz
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace industry; Space technology |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founders | Jean-Luc Maria Paul Lascombes David Henri Nicolas Heitz |
| Headquarters | Palaiseau, Île-de-France, France |
| Products | Electric propulsion systems for small satellites; Orbital transfer vehicle (SpaceVan) |
| Subsidiaries | Exotrail U.S. subsidiaries (2) |
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]
