PAVE Space SA: Company Profile

Background

Overview

PAVE Space SA, founded in 2023, is a Swiss aerospace company specializing in orbital logistics and in-space satellite servicing solutions. Emerging from the Gruyère Space Program, Europe's first reusable rocket prototype, PAVE Space aims to revolutionize space operations by enabling rapid and flexible deployment of payloads to any orbit within 24 hours.

Mission and Vision

PAVE Space's mission is to make space beneficial to Earth by extending our boundaries to orbit. The company's vision is to lay the foundation for a new continent in space, emphasizing mobility as the first step toward building tomorrow's space infrastructure.

Industry Significance

As a key player in the new space economy, PAVE Space leverages its expertise in space propulsion, control algorithms, and complex system integration to address the growing demand for efficient satellite deployment and in-orbit services. The company's innovative approach positions it as a significant contributor to the advancement of space infrastructure and operations.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Rapid Orbital Deployment: Developing the Kickstage platform to deliver multi-ton payloads to any orbit within 24 hours.

In-Orbit Services: Offering integrated services such as in-orbit inspection, satellite life extension, and on-orbit servicing.

Areas of Specialization

Orbital Transport: Providing efficient and cost-effective deployment solutions for payloads.

In-Space Servicing: Enhancing satellite longevity and operational efficiency through various in-orbit services.

Key Technologies Utilized

Storable Propellants: Utilizing storable propellants in the Kickstage to eliminate boil-off issues and minimize logistical overhead.

Reusable Rocket Technology: Building upon Europe's first reusable rocket prototype developed by the Gruyère Space Program.

Advanced GNC and Robotics: Employing advanced Guidance, Navigation, and Control systems, along with robotics, to enable autonomous spacecraft operations.

Primary Markets Targeted

Commercial Satellite Operators: Seeking efficient and rapid deployment solutions.

Telecommunications Companies: With geostationary orbit assets requiring life extension and servicing.

Launch Service Providers: In need of flexible payload insertion capabilities.

Space Agencies and Enterprises: Requiring in-orbit inspection, servicing, or mobility solutions.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

PAVE Space has secured a total of CHF 100,000 in debt financing from the Foundation for Innovation and Technology (FIT) in June 2025.

Utilization of Capital

The funds are intended to accelerate the development of the Kickstage platform, enhance in-orbit service capabilities, and support the company's strategic roadmap toward achieving its mission and vision.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Kickstage Platform: A vehicle designed to transfer payloads from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to any orbit within 24 hours, supporting both rideshare and dedicated missions with a payload capacity of several tons.

In-Orbit Servicing Technologies: Developing capabilities for in-orbit inspection, satellite life extension, and on-orbit servicing to enhance satellite longevity and operational efficiency.

Stages of Development

Kickstage Platform: Currently in the development phase, with the first dedicated launch scheduled for 2027.

In-Orbit Servicing Technologies: Undergoing research and development, with plans to offer services such as in-orbit inspection and satellite life extension by 2027 and 2030, respectively.

Target Conditions and Timelines

Kickstage Platform: Aiming to provide rapid and flexible deployment of payloads to any orbit within 24 hours, with the first dedicated launch planned for 2027.

In-Orbit Servicing Technologies: Targeting the enhancement of satellite longevity and operational efficiency, with in-orbit inspection services available by 2027 and satellite life extension services by 2030.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Kickstage Vehicle: A proprietary platform capable of transferring payloads from LEO to any orbit within 24 hours, compatible with all major launch vehicles and utilizing storable propellants.

Significant Scientific Methods

Advanced GNC Systems: Employing advanced Guidance, Navigation, and Control systems to ensure precise and reliable spacecraft operations.

Robotics: Utilizing robotics for autonomous spacecraft operations, including in-orbit inspection and servicing.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Julie Böhning: Co-founder and CEO. Previously co-founder and president of the Gruyère Space Program.

Jérémy Marciacq: Co-founder and CTO. Previously co-founder and president of the Gruyère Space Program.

Key Contributions

Julie Böhning: Led the transition from the Gruyère Space Program to PAVE Space, focusing on strategic direction and company growth.

Jérémy Marciacq: Directed the development of the Kickstage platform and in-orbit servicing technologies, leveraging prior experience in reusable rocket technology.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The space industry is experiencing rapid growth, with increasing demand for efficient satellite deployment and in-orbit services. Companies like PAVE Space are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend by offering innovative solutions that address current operational challenges.

Competitor Analysis

Astroscale: Focuses on satellite servicing and debris removal, offering in-orbit servicing solutions.

D-Orbit: Provides in-space transportation and logistics services, including orbital delivery and decommissioning.

Gama: Specializes in space exploration and interplanetary transportation, offering mission planning and execution services.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

PAVE Space has established collaborations with entities such as the Gruyère Space Program, leveraging their expertise in reusable rocket technology. Additionally, the company has secured funding from the Foundation for Innovation and Technology (FIT), supporting its development initiatives.

Operational Insights

PAVE Space differentiates itself through its rapid deployment capabilities, offering payload transfers to any orbit within 24 hours. The use of storable propellants and compatibility with all major launch vehicles further enhances its operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The company's strategic roadmap includes the development of the Kickstage platform, with the first dedicated launch scheduled for 2027, and the expansion into in-orbit servicing technologies, with services such as in-orbit inspection and satellite life extension planned for 2027 and 2030, respectively. These initiatives position PAVE Space to play a pivotal role in the evolving space infrastructure landscape.