1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is a key initiative designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Europe. The program provides blended finance, combining grants and equity funding, to help high-potential companies develop and scale their innovative solutions. The primary objective of the EIC Accelerator is to foster the growth of European DeepTech and startup ecosystems, ultimately enhancing competitiveness and driving technological advancement across the continent.Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator offers funding in two main forms: grants and equity. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, aimed at covering costs associated with the development and commercialization of innovative projects. This grant is often utilized for R&D activities, prototyping, and market entry strategies, helping companies mitigate the financial risks associated with innovation.
In addition to grants, the program provides equity funding, which has evolved over time. Initially, companies could secure up to €15 million in equity funding until 2024. Starting in 2025, this ceiling will be reduced to €10 million. The equity funding is intended to facilitate substantial growth and scaling opportunities, enabling companies to attract additional private sector investment while retaining control over their innovations.
Purpose in the Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator plays a critical role in the European startup ecosystem by addressing the funding gap that often exists for high-risk, high-reward projects. It empowers companies to scale their operations and reach commercial viability by providing them with the necessary financial resources and support. Furthermore, the program encourages collaboration between innovative startups and established businesses, fostering a dynamic environment conducive to technological advancements.
The EIC Accelerator also aims to enhance the visibility of participating companies, enabling them to attract attention from private investors. By validating the innovation and potential of startups, the program serves as a catalyst for further private sector funding, creating a sustainable cycle of investment and growth.
Infinite Orbits SAS and the Endurance Project
Infinite Orbits SAS, a French company, is a notable winner of the EIC Accelerator program. Their project, known as Endurance, focuses on providing innovative in-orbit services to satellite operators, a growing necessity as the satellite industry expands rapidly. The submission for the Step 2 proposal occurred on October 5, 2022, which ultimately led to their success in the Step 3 interview phase.
Technology Basics and Background
The Endurance project leverages cutting-edge technologies to develop in-orbit servicing capabilities for satellites. As the number of satellites in orbit increases, so does the need for maintenance and repair services. Traditional methods of satellite servicing have been limited, often resulting in costly replacements and extended downtimes. Infinite Orbits aims to bridge this gap by offering a suite of services that extend the operational life of satellites and optimize their performance.
The core technology behind Endurance involves advanced robotic systems and autonomous vehicles designed to perform various servicing tasks in space. These tasks include satellite refueling, component replacement, and system upgrades, allowing operators to maintain and enhance their satellite fleets without the need for costly and complex retrieval missions.
In addition to robotic capabilities, the project incorporates sophisticated navigation and docking systems, enabling precise maneuvers and interactions with existing satellites. This technology not only enhances the safety and efficiency of in-orbit servicing but also significantly reduces the risks associated with such operations.
By providing these innovative solutions, Infinite Orbits positions itself as a pioneering force in the satellite servicing market, addressing a critical need in an increasingly congested orbital environment. The Endurance project exemplifies the potential of the EIC Accelerator to support groundbreaking innovations that contribute to the sustainability and efficiency of space operations.
Through the funding and resources provided by the EIC Accelerator, Infinite Orbits aims to solidify its market position and drive advancements in satellite servicing, ultimately benefiting the broader space industry and its stakeholders.
2 The Funding Rounds
Infinite Orbits SAS: Financing and Funding Events Since EIC Accelerator Award
Infinite Orbits SAS, a France-based company specializing in in-orbit satellite servicing, has experienced notable financing developments since submitting its successful EIC Accelerator Step 2 proposal on October 5, 2022.
Financing Raised & Funding Rounds
Timing and Amount of Funding Rounds
Investor Information
- The round was led by Newfund Capital, with significant participation from:
- The European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund
- IRDI Capital Investissement
- Space Founders France (the venture arm of CNES)
These investors are recognized for backing deeptech startups with global ambitions.
Details Related to Funding Rounds
- Proceeds from this funding will primarily be used to:
- Advance Infinite Orbits’ Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) technology
- Support both laboratory testing and in-space validation activities ahead of Endurance’s launch.
- This investment also strengthens Infinite Orbits' international positioning as a leading player in the emerging sector of satellite life extension services.
- As part of its commercial trajectory, Infinite Orbits has already launched Orbit Guard™ #1 into GEO orbit as a technology demonstrator on May 1st, 2023.
Company Valuations
Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions
Sources
- Infinite Orbits Raises €12M to Build the First Solution For Satellite Life Extension
- Infinite Orbits Announces Successful Fundraising Round
- Infinite Orbits raises €12M to extend the lifespan of satellites – Tech.eu
- Infinite Orbits Raises €12 Million to Build The First Solution For Satellite Life Extension – Space Insider
- Infinite Orbits Raises €12M in Funding – FinSMEs
3 The Press Releases
Infinite Orbits SAS: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments Infinite Orbits SAS, a France-based in-orbit services company, secured EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022[^eic] and has since advanced its satellite life-extension and rendezvous technology. The company focuses on sustainable space operations through its Endurance spacecraft and proprietary RPO (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations) autonomous navigation systems[^tech].Key Developments Since 2022:
- Technology Milestones: Launched Orbit Guard™ #1, a nanosatellite equipped with RPO technology, to geostationary orbit (GEO) on May 1, 2023[^launch]. This marked the first commercial nanosatellite in GEO for life-extension testing.
- Endurance Mission: Plans to demonstrate Europe’s first life-extension mission by 2026 using the Endurance spacecraft, which will dock with aging satellites to prolong operational lifespans by five years[^mission].
- Partnerships: Collaborated with CNES under France’s 2030 investment plan for two missions: extending a telecom satellite’s lifespan and inspecting the defunct Meteosat 8 weather satellite using Aldoria’s SSA tracking services[^aldoria]. Additional clients include Azercosmos, Intelsat, and Hispasat[^clients].
- Funding & Growth: Raised €12 million in May 2024 led by Newfund Capital and the EIC Fund to accelerate Endurance development. Aims to reach €60M revenue by 2027[^funding].
Technology Advancements:
The RPO system enables autonomous docking for refueling, inspection, and manufacturing applications. Infinite Orbits has validated this through partnerships with ESA and CNES since 2019[^roadmap], positioning itself as a leader in GEO sustainability solutions.
Sources
4 The Technology Advancements
Infinite Orbits SAS: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Advancements (2022–2025" class="inline-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CNES PartnershipSince receiving EIC Accelerator funding in 2022, Infinite Orbits SAS has solidified its position as a leader in geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite servicing through technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and mission deployments. Below is a detailed analysis of their advancements across key areas:
Current Capabilities
- Core Technology: Their proprietary RendezVous solution, an autonomous vision-based navigation system, enables precise far-range and near-range rendezvous operations for satellite servicing.
- Mission Focus: Specializes in GEO life extension services using modular servicers like Endurance (life extension) and Orbit Guard (inspection).
- Sustainability: Integrates AI-driven decision-making to minimize human intervention during docking operations.
Technological & Operational Advancements
- Endurance Mission Development: Secured €12M in funding (May 2024) to accelerate the development of Endurance, Europe’s first life extension satellite, targeting a 2026 demonstration mission.
- Propulsion Collaboration: Partnered with Dawn Aerospace (December 2024) to integrate scalable chemical propulsion systems for fine-point maneuvering during docking operations.
- Sensor Integration: Collaborated with Expleo to develop custom radio frequency sensors for the Orbit Guard #3 inspection mission under France’s 2030 initiative.
Market Demonstration & Missions
- Life Extension: Endurance will dock with aging telecommunications satellites to extend operational life by five yearstelespazio.fr.
- Inspection: Orbit Guard #3 will rendezvous with the defunct Meteosat 8 satellite for end-of-life analysisaldoria.comexpleo.com.
IP & Scientific Contributions
While no new patents are explicitly listed post-EIC funding, their existing patented RendezVous technology has been refined through real-world testing on Orbit Guard #1 and lab validations ahead of Endurance’s launchinfiniteorbits.iocordis.europa.eu. Publicly disclosed technical whitepapers or clinical trial analogs are not referenced in available materials.Strategic Positioning
Positioned as France’s flagship GEO servicing provider under national initiatives like France 2030, Infinite Orbits collaborates with Aldoria for space situational awareness (SSA) tracking and Telespazio France for mission execution infrastructure5 The Partnerships and Customers
Infinite Orbits SAS: Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator FundingSince securing EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, Infinite Orbits SAS has expanded its commercial and technological footprint through strategic collaborations, positioning itself as a leader in GEO (geostationary orbit" class="inline-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aldoria.com satellite life extension and in-orbit services. Below are key partnerships, customers, and their implications:
Key Partners & Customers
- Hispasat: Collaborating on Europe’s first life extension mission using Infinite Orbits’ Endurance spacecraft. The partnership aims to finalize a service contract by mid-2024 for a 2026–27 demonstration mission.
- Intelsat: Co-developing in-orbit servicing technologies since 2022, focusing on autonomous navigation and fleet management solutions.
- CNES: Central partner under France’s €1.5B space initiative (France 2030), awarding two missions to demonstrate Endurance’s life extension capabilities and Orbit Guard #3’s inspection of defunct satellites like EUMETSAT Meteosat 8.
- Azercosmos: Listed as a major client contributing to Infinite Orbits’ revenue growth trajectory toward €60M by 2027.
- Aldoria: Partnering for space situational awareness (SSA) during missions, leveraging Aldoria’s optical tracking for real-time monitoring of aging satellites during docking maneuvers.
- Telespazio France: Consortium partner with CNES for dual missions targeting satellite maintenance and end-of-life management.
- Dawn Aerospace: Selected in December 2024 to supply propulsion systems for the Endurance mission, enabling precise maneuvering during servicing tasks.
Nature of New Relationships
Market Positioning & Technological Advancements
Infinite Orbits has cemented its role as Europe’s pioneer in sustainable GEO operations through:- First-Mover Advantage: Plans to execute the continent’s inaugural life extension mission by 2026 using Endurance—a replicable model attracting global operators seeking cost-effective fleet management solutions.
- RPO Technology Leadership: Autonomous vision-based navigation systems refined via ESA/CNES partnerships enable proximity operations critical for future refueling or debris removal applications beyond mere inspections or docking support .
Sources
HISPASAT AND INFINITE ORBITS ANNOUNCE COOPERATION ON EUROPEAN LIFE EXTENSION MISSION
Intelsat collaboration announcement
Aldoria partnership details
Dawn Aerospace propulsion system selection
Cnes awards announcement Note: URL appears truncated/misspelled; corrected source likely https://www.ininiteorbit.io/post/cnes-awards-two-geo-in_orbit_services_missions (unreachable link - inferred from context)
Additional sources referenced indirectly include press releases from Tech.eu (here) but not directly linked due paywall considerations per input constraints .
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Infinite Orbits Team Dynamics and Growth Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, Infinite Orbits has expanded significantly as a leader in GEO satellite life-extension services. While specific hiring figures post-2022 are not publicly detailed, the company’s growth trajectory is evident through key developments:- Current Headcount: As of September 2024, Infinite Orbits employs approximately 43 staff members across three continents (Europe, Africa, North America).
- Funding-Driven Scaling: A €12M funding round closed in May 2024 accelerated R&D for their Endurance spacecraft and RPO technology, implying team expansion in engineering and operational roles.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with Aldoria (space situational awareness) and participation in ESA’s Pioneer program via the Edison mission suggest cross-functional hires to support multi-mission operations.
- Leadership Continuity: The executive committee remains stable since its founding, including CEO Adel Haddoud and CTO Akshay Gulati, with no reported management changes post-EIC funding.
Growth Impact: Recent contracts—including a $1.25M U.S. Air Force deal for SSA/SDA solutions—and the planned 2026 Endurance mission highlight increased technical recruitment to meet commercial and governmental demand. While exact new positions are unspecified, roles likely focus on autonomous navigation software development and mission-critical operations as the company scales toward multi-servicer fleets.
Sources
7 The Media Features and Publications
Media Coverage and Public Engagement of Infinite Orbits SAS Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, Infinite Orbits SAS has emerged as a key player in Europe’s NewSpace sector, with significant media coverage and public engagement. Below is a synthesis of their visibility across publications, podcasts, events, and missions:Media Features and Publications
- France 2030 Partnership Announcement (September 2024): Multiple outlets covered Infinite Orbits’ win of a multi-million Euro tender under France 2030 for orbital mobility and life extension services. The consortium with Aldoria emphasized space safety through advanced SSA capabilities.
- Fundraising Milestone (May 2024): The company’s €12M funding round led by Newfund Capital was reported by Satellite Today and European Spaceflight, highlighting its roadmap for the Endurance satellite life extension mission.
- GEO Servicing Mission Contracts (July–December 2024): CNES awarded two GEO missions to Infinite Orbits and Telespazio France, covered by SatNews and later expanded with Dawn Aerospace’s propulsion system selection announcement in December.
Podcasts
No direct podcast interviews featuring Infinite Orbits executives were identified in the search results. However, industry-focused podcasts like On Orbit (produced by Via Satellite) regularly discuss topics aligned with the company’s work.Conference Participation
While specific event details are not listed in available sources:- Collaboration Announcements: Partnerships with Aldoria (September 2024) and Dawn Aerospace (December 2024) suggest involvement in industry forums or press briefings tied to major contract reveals.
- France 2030 Ecosystem Activities: As part of CNES-led initiatives under France’s €54B investment plan, the company likely engages in government-sponsored innovation showcases.
Operational Milestones Post-Funding
- Orbit Guard Satellites Deployment: Orbit Guard-1 launched March 2023; Orbit Guard-2 planned for late 2024/early 2025 alongside two additional satellites by end of 2025.
- Endurance Mission Development: Slated for a pioneering GEO servicing demonstration by 2026 using autonomous RPO technology.
Sources
The following resources were used to compile this report: ```markdownDo you need EIC Accelerator support?
Here is a list of the key service options for the EIC Accelerator:
Full Writing Service
All proposal sections are written by Stephan Segler, PhD.
Advisory Service
You write in-house but receive 1-on-1 support, templates, instructions, and reviews of all documents.
AI Writer & Training
A high-quality AI writer for EIC Accelerator Step 1 and a comprehensive Training program for Steps 1 and 2 including all templates and instructions.