INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Michigan-based startup Orbion has secured $9.2 million in Series A funding, which it will use as it undertakes the mass-produced
manufacturing of its plasma thrusters for use in small satellites
volume affordable for smaller satellite operators.Just as SpaceX has greatly reduced the cost of launch services, Orbion aims to take a
technology that was once reserved for the elite few, who could spend hundreds of millions or more on launching gigantic, train car-sized
propellant-efficient method vs
other potential options, and will even enable satellites to have longer operating lives before they fall out of orbit and therefore out of
make up their construction, from sensors, to optics, to processors, to solar panels and more
computer, smartphone or energy industries here on Earth
Unlocking the ability to manufacture effective, efficient and reliable in-space propulsion systems at scale is therefore a key unlock for
ensuring the small sat industry can grow with demand.Orbion is looking to make it possible to reduce delivery times from six to eight months
of testing alone, after the thrusters are manufactured, before a customer even takes delivery, down to just six to eight days from order
swelling demand it sees from commercial industry, as well as government agencies, and was led by Material Impact and includes contributions
from Invest Michigan, Invest Detroit, Wakestream Ventures, Ann Arbor SPARK and Boomerang Catapult.
