The Munich-based spacetech startup Vyoma relies on ground-based data to enable automated satellite operations. To this end, the startup founded in 2020 offers various services to help artificial satellites find safe paths through crowded orbits. Vyoma’s offerings include detecting proximity between satellites and debris, optimizing maneuvers, and full automation.
In the future, space-based data will also be used. For this purpose, Vyoma is working to deploy a constellation for monitoring objects in various orbits. The first generation of the constellation will consist of optical sensors. These are designed to provide information about space traffic and supply algorithms for predictive analysis with data. This should enable precise mapping of object movements in space. Additionally, anomalous behavior and malicious intent should be effectively detected and relevant defense authorities warned. The first units of this space-based monitoring system are scheduled to become operational in early 2025.
Vyoma strengthens “Europe’s security and technological sovereignty”
Vyoma has now secured funding of five million euros. The funds come from the European Investment Fund (EIF), a financial instrument of the European Investment Bank and the European Union. The EIF works with various funds and private banks to support European technology companies. For the investment in Vyoma, it is partnering with Atlantic Labs, an existing Vyoma investor based in Berlin. With the additional funds, the Munich-based startup now reaches total financing of 16 million euros.
Stefan Frey, co-founder and CEO of Vyoma, says:
“With this investment, European institutions acknowledge the urgent need to combat threats in orbit and ensure the security of assets. With Vyoma’s space-based monitoring system, we can not only monitor the majority of all space objects in low Earth orbit larger than 1 cm, but also detect malicious actions. This convergence of technological solutions and geostrategic objectives is the reason for this investment. At the same time, we are proud to be able to count on Atlantic Labs’ continued support.”
And Marjut Falkstedt, CEO of the EIF, adds:
“The New Space industry has the potential to develop technologies that can have ripple effects across numerous other sectors. I am pleased that EIF’s support through the InvestEU program will enable companies like Vyoma to advance their work in cutting-edge areas such as orbital monitoring. This is not only important to ensure the safety of space missions and satellite operations, but will also help strengthen Europe’s security and technological sovereignty overall.”
