Orbital Matter: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Orbital Matter is a pioneering space technology company specializing in in-space manufacturing through advanced 3D printing techniques. Founded in 2022, the company is headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, with roots in Berlin, Germany. Orbital Matter aims to revolutionize the construction of space infrastructure by enabling the manufacturing of large-scale structures directly in orbit, on the Moon, and on Mars. This approach significantly reduces launch costs and material usage compared to traditional Earth-based manufacturing methods.

Mission and Vision

The company's mission is to become the first construction company in space, utilizing 3D printing technology to manufacture large elements of space infrastructure, such as walls for space stations, lunar habitats, and space-based solar power (SBSP) reflectors. By moving the production process from Earth to space, Orbital Matter aims to 3D print larger and lighter elements of space infrastructure more efficiently and cost-effectively than currently possible.

Industry Significance

Orbital Matter is at the forefront of the emerging in-space manufacturing industry, addressing critical challenges in space infrastructure development. By enabling the construction of large-scale structures directly in orbit, the company contributes to the advancement of sustainable space exploration and utilization, aligning with global efforts to establish a permanent human presence beyond Earth.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

In-Space Manufacturing: Develop and deploy 3D printing technology capable of manufacturing complex structures directly in space, reducing reliance on Earth-based manufacturing and transportation.

Cost Reduction: Significantly decrease launch weight and volume by producing large-scale space infrastructure components in orbit, leading to substantial cost savings.

Scalability: Create scalable solutions for building various space infrastructure elements, including satellite components, space station modules, and lunar habitats.

Areas of Specialization

3D Printing Technology: Proprietary in-space 3D printing processes designed to operate in microgravity and vacuum conditions, enabling the construction of large and complex structures directly in orbit.

Space Infrastructure Development: Focus on manufacturing essential components for space stations, lunar habitats, and other large-scale space structures.

Key Technologies Utilized

Additive Manufacturing: Utilizing advanced 3D printing techniques to fabricate structures layer by layer, allowing for complex geometries and material efficiency.

Material Science: Development of specialized materials suitable for 3D printing in space, ensuring durability and functionality of the manufactured components.

Primary Markets and Conditions Targeted

Space Agencies: Collaborations with organizations like the European Space Agency (ESA) to demonstrate and implement in-space manufacturing technologies.

Commercial Space Companies: Partnerships with satellite manufacturers and space infrastructure developers to provide in-orbit manufacturing solutions.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As of February 2026, Orbital Matter has secured over €1 million in funding through multiple rounds:

Pre-Seed Round (December 2023): Led by Sunfish Partners, with participation from Dhyan VC and angel investors, totaling over €1 million.

Seed Round (August 2025): Led by Early Game Ventures, raising €1 million to accelerate the development of in-space manufacturing capabilities.

Utilization of Capital

The funds raised are allocated towards:

Technology Development: Advancing the 3D printing technology to higher NASA Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), preparing for in-orbit demonstrations.

Partnerships and Collaborations: Establishing strategic alliances with industry leaders like Thales Alenia Space to integrate in-space manufacturing solutions into existing space infrastructure projects.

Operational Expansion: Scaling operations to support upcoming missions, including the planned in-orbit demonstration aboard the Ariane 6 rocket.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Replicator 1: A 3U satellite equipped with a 3D printer prototype, launched into orbit on July 9, 2024, aboard the Ariane 6 rocket. This mission aims to demonstrate the feasibility of in-space 3D printing for manufacturing structures requiring conducting properties, such as antennas.

3D Printing Module for Satellites: A deployable system designed to be mounted on satellites, capable of producing a 3-meter beam upon reaching the target orbit. This module aims to deploy and maintain satellite subsystems, such as optics or photovoltaic panels, in a fixed position.

Stages of Development

Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Achieved TRL 5, indicating that the technology has been validated in a relevant environment and is approaching readiness for operational use.

Upcoming Milestones:

2026: Launch of the 3D printing module for satellites, marking the first commercially available in-orbit manufacturing solution.

2029: Deployment of a dedicated 3D printing satellite capable of manufacturing large-scale structures directly in orbit.

2030: Commencement of large-scale in-space manufacturing for space stations and other applications.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

In-Space 3D Printing: Development of a low-heat 3D printing process designed to operate directly in exposed space conditions, enabling the construction of large and complex structures without the constraints of Earth-based manufacturing.

Significant Scientific Methods

Additive Manufacturing in Microgravity: Utilizing the unique properties of microgravity to produce structures with reduced material usage and enhanced structural integrity.

Material Optimization: Research and development of materials suitable for 3D printing in space, ensuring durability and functionality of the manufactured components.

Leadership Team

Jakub Stojek, CEO

Professional Background: Entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience in manufacturing companies. Successfully exited two companies, with one generating €8 million in revenue over a three-month period and ranking 22nd in the Financial Times' FT1000 list. Nominated to Forbes 30 under 30 list.

Robert Ihnatisin, CTO

Professional Background: Multiskilled engineer in the 3D printing space. Worked at Formlabs, a 3D printing unicorn, directly with the CEO as an R&D engineer on the next generation of 3D printers, resulting in several patent applications. Before Formlabs, designed open-source 3D printers and created one of the first open-source laser resin 3D printers for under $250.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The in-space manufacturing industry is emerging, with significant potential to reduce launch costs and enhance the scalability of space infrastructure projects. Companies like Orbital Matter are at the forefront, developing technologies to enable the construction of large-scale structures directly in orbit.

Competitor Analysis

D-Orbit: An Italian aerospace company specializing in orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs) for satellite deployment and in-orbit services. D-Orbit focuses on providing last-mile delivery of satellites to their designated operational slots.

LeoLabs: A U.S.-based company specializing in tracking satellites and space debris in low Earth orbit (LEO). LeoLabs operates a global network of radar installations to monitor and manage space traffic.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Thales Alenia Space: Orbital Matter signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thales Alenia Space to join their industrial accelerator within the Space Business Catalyst. This partnership provides technical, commercial, networking, and funding support, facilitating strategic collaborations with a legacy industry player.

Operational Insights

Orbital Matter's focus on in-space manufacturing positions it uniquely in the market, offering solutions that address the inefficiencies of traditional Earth-based manufacturing and transportation. By enabling the construction of large-scale structures directly in orbit, the company provides a competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving space industry.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

Short-Term Goals (2026): Launch the 3D printing module for satellites, demonstrating the viability of in-orbit manufacturing for satellite components.

Medium-Term Goals (2029): Deploy a dedicated 3D printing satellite capable of manufacturing large-scale structures directly in orbit, expanding capabilities for space infrastructure development.

Long-Term Goals (2030): Establish large-scale in-space manufacturing operations.

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