Arkadia Space to supply thrusters for Reflex Aerospace satellite

2026-06-10 · Source: SpaceNews · Field: Transportation & Mobility — Aviation & Aerospace, Space Propulsion Technology · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Spacecraft propulsion startup Arkadia Space has secured a contract to supply green propellant thrusters for a 200-kilogram satellite being built by Reflex Aerospace. The agreement, announced June 9, specifies Arkadia will provide 5-newton thrusters, a propellant tank, and electronics, utilizing flight-proven hydrogen peroxide (HTP) technology previously tested in orbit on a D-Orbit ION vehicle in 2025. This Reflex Aerospace satellite is slated for a Q2 2027 launch on the SpaceX Transporter-20 rideshare mission. Arkadia is also supplying thrusters for MaiaSpace's small launch vehicle and Dassault Aviation's VORTEX-D spaceplane, indicating growing market acceptance for its ITAR-free HTP propulsion, despite historical skepticism. The company, currently with 28 employees, projects reaching 10 million euros (\$11.6 million) in contracts by year-end and plans significant growth and a new 2,000 square meter production facility.

Key takeaway

For investors evaluating the space propulsion market, Arkadia Space's recent contracts with Reflex Aerospace, MaiaSpace, and Dassault Aviation signal increasing acceptance of green hydrogen peroxide (HTP) propellants. Your due diligence should note their flight-proven, ITAR-free technology and projected growth to 10 million euros (\$11.6 million) in contracts by year-end. Consider the potential for HTP to become a standard, especially if Arkadia secures an ESA mission contract, which would further validate their technology and market position.

Key insights

Arkadia Space's green hydrogen peroxide propulsion is gaining market traction, overcoming historical skepticism with flight-proven, ITAR-free technology.

Principles

• Flight heritage builds market trust.
• ITAR-free status enhances market access.
• Green propellants like HTP are viable.

In practice

• Orbital maneuvers and deorbiting.
• Reaction control for launch vehicles.
• Propulsion for spaceplanes.

Topics

• Spacecraft Propulsion
• Green Propellants
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Arkadia Space
• Reflex Aerospace
• ITAR-free Technology

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by SpaceNews.