Focused on practical solutions for space
Liftero has officially completed its incubation at ESA BIC Poland, marking the end of a transformative chapter in its journey. Over the past months, this ambitious startup has turned bold ideas into tangible achievements, driving forward its mission to revolutionize space propulsion. As we celebrate their milestones, it’s clear that Liftero is well on its way to making a lasting impact in the space industry.
From Idea to Reality
When Liftero joined ESA BIC Poland, their primary focus was the development of a critical component for their BOOSTER propulsion system, specifically the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which is essential for the operation of the propulsion system. The company aimed to prioritise the advancement of a smaller but crucial component of the overall system. The ECU oversees the BOOSTER’s operations, and its development was a pivotal step in the introduction of a scalable, high-thrust chemical propulsion system to the market.
Equally important during their incubation was forming strategic partnerships. Collaboration with leading industry players not only helped refine the technology but also ensured that Liftero’s solutions are aligned with market and technical demands.
Milestones Worth Celebrating
Game-Changing Funding
Liftero’s journey has been boosted by substantial funding. The company raised an initial pre-seed investment from Sunfish Partners, Freya Capital, and bValue, providing the foundation for product development and scaling operations. Most recently, Liftero secured a €600,000 contract from the European Space Agency under the ARTES program, positioning the company as the prime contractor for developing an advanced propulsion system tailored for large telecommunication and navigation satellites. This strategic funding has been instrumental in driving product innovation, scaling operations, and reinforcing Liftero’s position in the space mobility market.
Strong Support
Partnerships played a crucial role in Liftero’s progress. Collaborations with OHB Sweden and other industry partners have been integral to the progress of the ESA ARTES program contract. These partnerships have bolstered Liftero’s technical expertise while expanding its network within the space sector.
The support provided by ESA BIC Poland Partners, especially National Center for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) and ICEYE, played a vital role in product development, providing specialized expertise and access to valuable resources.
Technical Achievements
Liftero has rapidly progressed in product development, achieving key technical and commercial milestones. Within a year, the company advanced from initial design to a fully developed BOOSTER propulsion system, ready for its first in-orbit validation on the upcoming SpaceX Transporter-13 mission in Q1 2025. This mission will be critical for demonstrating the system’s performance in space and unlocking new market opportunities.
The BOOSTER system has reached Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 after completing rigorous ground testing, including successful hot-fire tests of the 1N green bi-propellant thruster. The upcoming orbital demonstration aims to elevate it to TRL 9, confirming full operational capability in space.
The company has also achieved Innovation Readiness Level (IRL) 5, validating its product-market fit through continuous customer engagement and preparing for scale-up and commercialization.
Entering the market
Liftero is perfectly positioned to ride the wave of the booming space mobility market, projected to grow to €7.5 billion by 2031. With up to 65,000 satellites expected in orbit by 2030, their propulsion system addresses a critical need. Early customer interest has been promising, with several Letters of Intent and a first commercial sale secured, setting the stage for deliveries in 2025. Successful in-orbit validation on the upcoming Transporter-13 mission is expected to further boost customer acquisition and market reach.
Plans after incubation
Looking ahead, Liftero’s immediate priority is the successful execution of the in-orbit demonstration mission aboard the SpaceX Transporter-13 in Q1 2025. The RED5 mission is set for a one-year operational period and aims to validate the BOOSTER propulsion system’s performance in space, a crucial milestone that will pave the way for the commercialization of Liftero’s technology and open new market opportunities.
Following in-orbit validation, Liftero plans to scale up its production capabilities to meet growing demand. The company is also exploring continued participation in ESA programs, building on its current involvement with the ARTES program, with a focus on advancing propulsion technologies and expanding its presence in the space industry.
With several Letters of Intent secured and one procurement deal already completed, Liftero plans to scale up production to deliver 20 systems annually by the end of 2025, leveraging its competitive advantages to meet the demands of satellite manufacturers and constellation companies.
A Final Word
Liftero’s time at ESA BIC Poland may have come to an end, but their journey is only beginning. With groundbreaking technology, strong industry partnerships, and a clear vision for the future, they are well-positioned to redefine space mobility. We’re proud to have supported their growth and can’t wait to see how they continue to shape the future of the space industry. Best of luck, Liftero – the cosmos awaits!
