Madrid-based SpaceTech startup Orbital Paradigm has secured €470,000 as part of an ongoing €2 million funding round. Spanish investment platform Akka led this initial investment. Co-investors include Demium Capital, Starburst, and id4 Ventures. This funding supports the development of reusable orbital re-entry capsules.
Founded in 2023 by aerospace engineer Francesco Cacciatore, Orbital Paradigm addresses a critical need for returning valuable materials from orbit. The company’s innovation is a fully autonomous, reusable capsule featuring a ceramic heat shield. This technology enables the return of fragile materials like proteins and microgravity-manufactured structures.
Pioneering Reusable Space Capsules
Orbital Paradigm's flagship prototype, "KID," is nearing completion. Its first flight, scheduled for late 2025, is already fully pre-sold.
The company holds Letters of Intent and pre-contracts with 18 commercial clients, totaling €81 million. This commercial traction highlights the demand for its solutions. While US players like Inversion Space and Space Forge operate in this field, Europe currently lacks private-sector leaders in orbital return logistics. Orbital Paradigm aims to fill this strategic gap within the growing orbital economy.
The investment committee at Akka noted the early-stage entry into a potentially €300 billion market. They also recognized Orbital Paradigm's validated technological approach, proprietary navigation software, and autonomous marine recovery. The team possesses strong backgrounds from companies like SENER and Deimos, alongside experience in multiple deeptech ventures.
