The Exploration Company
Reusable spacecraft and rocket propulsion systems
CORE INFO
The Exploration Company builds reusable Nyx cargo capsules that carry supplies to commercial and government space stations, return cargo to Earth, and can be refurbished for future missions. Its customers include space agencies, station operators, research organizations, and other government customers.
- Series C: $450 million announced on September 8, 2026, co-led by Bessemer Venture Partners, Atomico, and the Scaleup Europe Fund managed by EQT.techcrunch.com
- Booked missions: 10 Nyx missions, representing more than $2 billion in contracts and commitments, according to Atomico.techcrunch.com
- TechCrunch reported that the latest financing will support development of the Nyx spacecraft and Storm rocket-engine program.techcrunch.com
WHY WE WOULD WORK AT THE EXPLORATION COMPANY
Build Europe's Space Future
Help develop reusable spacecraft and propulsion systems that strengthen European space transportation and enable more open, sustainable access to orbit.
Own End-to-End Technology
Work across Nyx's avionics, flight software, guidance and navigation, thermal protection, docking, propulsion, and recovery systems—not just one narrow component.
Make Reuse Real
Engineer Nyx to deliver cargo to commercial and government space stations, return up to 3,000 kilograms to Earth, and fly again after refurbishment.
Move With Purpose
Join a company that emphasizes speed and execution, turning concepts into demonstrators and flight-relevant tests while targeting Nyx's first full-scale orbital demonstration in 2028.
Work Across Borders
Collaborate with 550+ colleagues across Europe, the United States, and the UAE on missions involving ESA, NASA, Starlab, Vast, and other international partners.
Join a Rising Leader
Build at a rapidly scaling aerospace company backed by $680 million in funding, with 10 Nyx missions booked and more than $2 billion in contracts and commitments reported.
MARKET AND TRACTION
MARKET POSITION
NOTABLE CUSTOMERS
✦ KEY METRICKEY METRICS
✦ KEY METRICCOMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
✦ KEY METRICGROWTH TACTICS
PRODUCT AND TECH
Nyx Reusable Spacecraft
Nyx is a launcher-agnostic cargo capsule designed to deliver supplies to space stations, return cargo to Earth, and be refurbished for future missions. It supports up to 3,000 kilograms of returned cargo and is designed for reuse across multiple flights.
Space Station Logistics
The Exploration Company provides planned cargo transportation and payload-return missions for commercial and government space stations. Its B2B and B2G services target space agencies, station operators, research organizations, and other institutional customers.
Storm Rocket Engine
Storm is a reusable liquid-oxygen/methane engine using a full-flow staged-combustion cycle. It is being developed to power a future European heavy-lift launcher.
Spacecraft Systems
The company develops core spacecraft technologies including avionics, flight software, guidance and navigation, autonomous docking, thermal protection, propulsion electronics, and recovery systems. These systems support Nyx's reusable orbital missions.
Digital Engineering
The Exploration Company uses digital tools, vehicle digital twins, APIs, computational engineering, and LEAP 71's Noyron RP platform to support spacecraft and rocket-engine design. This approach connects physics, engineering rules, manufacturing constraints, and test feedback.