# Spain's Kreios Space Secures €8M for VLEO Satellite Tech

_Kreios Space secured €8M for VLEO satellite tech. Their air-breathing propulsion uses atmospheric air as fuel._

**Published:** 2025-09-17
**Source:** https://www.startuphub.ai/ai-news/funding-round/2025/spains-kreios-space-secures-e8m-for-vleo-satellite-tech

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[Kreios Space](https://www.kreiosspace.com/), a Spanish SpaceTech startup, secured €8 million in a Seed funding round. This Kreios Space funding was led by the NATO Innovation Fund and Berlin-based JOIN Capital. The investment will advance the company's proprietary air-breathing plasma propulsion system.

The Vigo-headquartered firm plans to launch its first two satellites into Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). Kreios Space develops Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP), which uses atmospheric air as fuel. This system allows satellites to maintain low orbits without onboard propellant, a limitation for existing low-altitude systems.

## Advancing European Space Autonomy

Operating satellites between 150 and 400 kilometers offers enhanced capabilities. This includes three times higher image resolution and direct-to-device broadband connectivity. These advancements are critical for defense, climate monitoring, and disaster response. The technology also supports European efforts to reduce dependence on non-European space infrastructure, contrasting with larger players like SpaceX Starlink or [OneWeb](https://www.startuphub.ai/ai-news/funding-round/2025/eutelsat-secures-e1-35-billion-in-funding/).

This investment follows a €2.3 million raise in 2024. Kreios Space, founded in 2021, has grown to a 17-person team. The company has received support from the Spanish CDTI and the Spanish Space Agency (AEE) under the National Space Technology Programme. This reinforces Spain's commitment to [space technology](https://www.startuphub.ai/ai-news/funding-round/2025/planet-labs-germany-secures-e240m-as-sovereign-demand-for-geospatial-intel-spikes/) and satellite propulsion innovation.

The €8 million funding marks Europe's largest investment in VLEO Earth observation satellite technology to date.

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