DPhi Space Company Profile

Background

DPhi Space, established in 2024 and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, is dedicated to democratizing access to space by developing shared satellite platforms that host multiple payloads. The company's mission is to reduce the cost and complexity associated with space missions, enabling a broader range of organizations to deploy their technologies into orbit efficiently.

Key Strategic Focus

DPhi Space's primary strategic focus is the development and deployment of Clustergate, a modular platform designed to accommodate multiple hosted payloads within a standardized container. This platform integrates in-house-developed computing and software capabilities, facilitating seamless hosting on various spacecraft. Clustergate enables in-orbit computing, artificial intelligence processing, and real-time data analytics at the edge, thereby enhancing mission performance and operational flexibility.

Financials and Funding

In February 2025, DPhi Space secured CHF 2.1 million (approximately €2.22 million) in pre-seed funding. The investment round was led by QBIT Capital, with participation from Zurich Cantonal Bank, Apprecia Capital, Kickfund, and other strategic investors. The capital is earmarked for launching the first Clustergate platform into orbit and enhancing the company's service offerings to make space access more affordable and accessible.

Pipeline Development

DPhi Space's inaugural product, Clustergate, is set to launch on SpaceX's Transporter-13 mission, scheduled for no earlier than March 2025. This mission will serve as a demonstration of Clustergate's capabilities, hosting multiple commercial customers and showcasing the platform's ability to deploy payloads into orbit swiftly and cost-effectively.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Clustergate stands out due to its innovative approach to shared satellite infrastructure. Key features include:

Modular Design: Allows for the aggregation of multiple hosted payloads within a standardized container, optimizing satellite resources and reducing costs.

Integrated Computing and Software: Provides in-orbit computing, AI processing, and real-time data analytics, enabling advanced mission capabilities without the need for dedicated satellite missions.

Plug-and-Play Access: Simplifies the integration process, allowing users with minimal space expertise to deploy payloads efficiently.

Leadership Team

Aziz Belkhiria: Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Holds a background in robotics and space technologies from EPFL.

Julian Harris: Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer.

Michael Linder: Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The small satellite launch and manufacturing market is valued at approximately USD 9.5 billion. DPhi Space aims to capture a significant share by offering cost-effective, low-complexity alternatives to traditional satellite platforms, addressing the growing demand for accessible space solutions.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the shared satellite and hosted payload sector include:

D-Orbit: Provides satellite transportation and in-orbit servicing, offering solutions for payload deployment and satellite decommissioning.

NanoAvionics: Specializes in small satellite bus manufacturing and mission services, catering to various commercial and governmental clients.

Momentus: Offers in-space transportation and infrastructure services, facilitating the deployment of satellites into custom orbits.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

DPhi Space has established significant partnerships to enhance its technological capabilities and market reach:

Parsimoni: Collaborated to demonstrate SpaceOS, a unikernel-based operating system, onboard Clustergate-1. This partnership aims to validate SpaceOS in an operational environment, showcasing its efficiency and security for space payloads.

Revolv Space: Partnered to integrate and test Revolv's Solar Array Drive Assembly (SARA) on Clustergate-1, marking SARA's first in-orbit demonstration and providing essential flight heritage.

Operational Insights

DPhi Space's Clustergate platform offers distinct competitive advantages:

Cost Reduction: Eliminates the need for dedicated satellite missions, significantly lowering expenses for clients.

Simplified Integration: Provides plug-and-play access, reducing the complexity and time required for payload deployment.

Flexible Infrastructure: Supports both hardware and software payloads, catering to a diverse range of mission requirements.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

DPhi Space is poised to capitalize on several strategic opportunities:

Market Expansion: By offering a scalable and cost-effective solution, DPhi Space can attract a broader client base, including commercial entities, research institutions, and emerging space nations.

Technological Advancements: Continued development of in-orbit computing and AI processing capabilities will enhance the value proposition of Clustergate, enabling more complex and data-intensive missions.

Partnership Growth: Expanding collaborations with technology providers and space agencies will strengthen DPhi Space's ecosystem, fostering innovation and service diversification.