Exotrail
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace industry; Space technology |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founders | Jean-Luc Maria Paul Lascombes David Henri Nicolas Heitz |
| Headquarters | Palaiseau, Île-de-France, France |
| Products | Electric propulsion systems for small satellites; Orbital transfer vehicle (SpaceVan) |
| Subsidiaries | Exotrail U.S. subsidiaries (2) |
Exotrail is a space service company from Palaiseau, Ile-de-France, France, founded by Jean-Luc Maria, Paul Lascombes, David Henri and Nicolas Heitz[1] in 2017.[2] The company produces electric propulsion systems used in small satellites.[3] The company also develops an hosting vehicle (an orbital transfer vehicle or space tug) – SpaceVan – for small satellites.[4][5][6] It has two U.S. subsidiaries.[7]
An initial funding round raised €3.5 million, enabling the company to hire around twenty employees.[1] In February 2023, the company raised $58 million to scale up production.[2] By June 2025, Exotrail had grown to approximately 200 staff members and was continuing its development using its own funds.[1]
Exotrail tests its propulsion systems in large vacuum chambers designed to replicate the conditions encountered in space. It enables precise adjustment of thrust levels.[1] Produced by gas expulsion, the thrust allows satellites to manoeuvre, reach and modify specific orbits, and ultimately re-enter the atmosphere for controlled deorbiting and disintegration.[1] To reduce costs, Exotrail sources certain components outside the traditional space industry, where equipment is often priced at a premium due to stringent qualification requirements.[8]
References
- ^ a b c d e Maviel, Nicolas (2025-06-17). "Exotrail, la start-up 100 % made in France qui révolutionne la mobilité spatiale". Le Parisien (in French). Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ^ a b Foust, Jeff (February 7, 2023). "Exotrail raises $58 million to expand space logistics services".
- ^ Henry, Caleb (July 16, 2020). "French startup Exotrail raises $13 million for propulsion, space software and on-orbit transport systems".
- ^ Erwin, Sandra (January 31, 2024). "Exotrail developing space tug to carry small satellites to geostationary orbit".
- ^ Foust, Jeff (March 6, 2024). "Exotrail deploys first satellite from orbital transfer vehicle".
- ^ "Exotrail Completes In-Orbit Delivery of a Commercial Satellite".
- ^ Foust, Jeff (August 8, 2023). "Exotrail establishes U.S. presence".
- ^ Meddah, Hassan (2018-08-31). "Les Frenchies à l'assaut du new space". L'Usine Nouvelle (in French). Retrieved 2026-02-27.