Liftero, an alumnus of ESA BIC Poland, is about to achieve a major milestone in its journey as a space technology innovator. In March 2025, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will carry the RED5 satellite into orbit, marking the first in-space test of Liftero’s BOOSTER propulsion system—the first satellite propulsion technology developed in Poland.
A Milestone for Polish Space Technology
The RED5 mission, part of SpaceX’s Transporter-13 rideshare program, aims to showcase the capabilities of BOOSTER, Liftero’s advanced propulsion system. BOOSTER is a high-thrust rocket engine designed to enable precise satellite maneuvers, making it one of the most essential subsystems for modern space missions. For Liftero, this mission represents a pivotal moment, bringing its technology closer to full commercial deployment.
Since mid-2023, following its first successful investment round, Liftero has been rapidly developing its propulsion technology. By early 2024, the company had a functioning prototype and secured a spot on the Transporter-13 mission. To meet the demanding schedule, Liftero delivered a flight-ready version of BOOSTER by October 2024, completing the entire development cycle in just 15 months.
At the end of 2024, the propulsion system was integrated with a satellite platform provided by a UK-based partner. Final mission preparations took place in the United States, where BOOSTER was fueled and installed on a SpaceX rocket at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
BOOSTER has successfully passed all required qualification tests for launch with SpaceX and meets European ECSS standards. Despite being its first spaceflight, BOOSTER is not merely a prototype but a fully developed, market-ready propulsion system.
RED5 Satellite Awaiting Launch
With the launch set for early March 2025, the RED5 satellite will first undergo an initial commissioning phase to establish communication and verify onboard systems. The propulsion system tests will follow within weeks, with performance data expected shortly after. An onboard camera will capture real-time footage of BOOSTER operating in space.
“Testing in space is a crucial step for any satellite technology. Customers require proof that a product designed for space applications functions as intended. We are ready for this stage and eager to receive the first data from orbit,” says Tomasz Palacz, CEO of Liftero.
As he points out, the development of BOOSTER and the preparation for the mission in such a short time would not have been possible without the extraordinary commitment of the entire Liftero team, which currently consists of around 12 people.
“I am convinced that without our team’s hard work, determination, and countless hours in the lab, this project could have taken up to five years. The in-orbit demonstration is the culmination of our efforts and, hopefully, the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our company,” he adds.
Market Opportunities for Liftero’s Propulsion Technology
Liftero’s propulsion systems are already attracting significant commercial interest. Even before the first in-orbit demonstration, the company has secured initial sales, signaling strong confidence in its technology. A successful mission will further solidify Liftero’s position as a key player in the satellite propulsion market.
“The satellite market is growing at an unprecedented pace. We know that if this mission is successful, our systems have the potential to become an industry-standard solution,” says Przemysław Drożdż, COO of Liftero.
About Liftero
Liftero provides propulsion systems that can be produced at scale to meet the growing demands of the new space market.
Using BOOSTER, Liftero’s high-thrust chemical propulsion, satellite operators can perform their manoeuvres ten times faster, reducing losses and increasing ROI. BOOSTER uses green propellants, that are negligible in cost, easy to handle and are qualified to fly onboard all launchers and rideshares. Thanks to automation and advanced manufacturing, Liftero delivers a ready-to-integrate propulsion system three times faster than the market standard.
Liftero, based in Poland, has been operational since May 2023, developing its BOOSTER propulsion from scratch to flight-ready in a year. The first system is set to fly aboard SpaceX Transporter-13 in March 2025, ahead of the product launch.
Visit www.liftero.com to learn more.
