Reflex Aerospace secures record financing for the construction of modern satellite platforms. The aim is to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty and make access to space-based reconnaissance and communication independent of external providers.
The German new space company Reflex Aerospace has completed the largest Series A financing round in the European space sector to date. A total of 50 million euros will flow into the development and construction of new reconnaissance and communication satellites. Full operational capability is to be achieved by 2027.
The financing round was led by the investor Human Element, accompanied by Alpine Space Ventures, Bayern Kapital, High-Tech Gründerfonds, Renovatio Financial Investments and other European investors. Part of the capital will be used to expand production capacities in Bavaria in order to be able to realize larger satellite constellations in the communications sector in the future.
Reflex Aerospace develops satellite platforms for optical reconnaissance, radar systems (SAR), electronic signal intelligence (SIGINT) and space domain awareness. With a new platform called Praetora, the company aims to shorten development and production times while strengthening European supply chains. The aim is to produce high-performance satellites without being dependent on non-European manufacturers.
“Europe cannot afford to remain dependent on space-based reconnaissance.”
Reflex Aerospace CEO Walter Ballheimer
“Europe cannot afford to remain dependent on space-based reconnaissance,” said CEO Walter Ballheimer. The company is investing its own capital, working with leading partners and has no time to lose.
The funding comes at a time of significantly growing European security ambitions. The EU plans to launch its European Space Shield Initiative in 2026. In September, Germany announced plans to invest around 35 billion euros in space-related defense projects by 2030. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described satellite networks as the “Achilles heel of modern societies”.
Reflex Aerospace is positioning itself as a central provider for payload-centered satellites that can be manufactured flexibly and without large factories. “This offers the speed and adaptability that Europe needs now,” said Christian Sullivan, Managing Partner of Human Element.
With locations in Berlin and Munich, the company sees itself as a building block of a sovereign European space strategy – in a security policy environment that is increasingly characterized by geopolitical uncertainty and the strategic importance of space.
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