Arkadia Space, a SpaceTech company, has secured €14.5 million in funding through the European Innovation Council Accelerator programme.
The package includes a €2.5 million grant, €6 million in equity from the EIC Fund, and €6 million in private investment. The company is developing environmentally sustainable propulsion systems aimed at replacing toxic fuels used in satellite and space missions.
What The Company Does
Founded in 2020 by Francho García, Francisco Espinosa, Ismael Gutiérrez, and Sergio Soler, Arkadia Space focuses on propulsion technologies based on hydrogen peroxide and proprietary green fuels. Its systems are designed as alternatives to conventional hydrazine-based propellants, which are widely used but increasingly restricted due to safety and environmental concerns.
The company’s technology uses a hypergolic bipropellant system that ignites upon contact, eliminating the need for complex ignition mechanisms. This allows for more reliable operation and precise manoeuvres, such as orbital adjustments, docking, and landing procedures.
Arkadia’s propulsion systems are designed to reduce operational complexity and lower costs, while also improving safety and sustainability in space missions.
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Market Context / Industry Background
The space industry is undergoing rapid growth, with increasing demand for satellite launches and in-orbit services. At the same time, regulatory pressure is mounting to reduce reliance on hazardous materials, particularly in Europe.
Traditional propulsion systems often rely on toxic fuels such as hydrazine, which present handling risks and environmental challenges. As a result, there is growing interest in alternative propulsion technologies that can meet performance requirements while improving safety and compliance.
Advancements in propulsion are also critical for enabling more complex missions, including satellite constellations, space logistics, and lunar exploration.
Founder / Investor Commentary
Francho García, co-founder and CEO of Arkadia Space, described the funding as a significant milestone in validating the company’s technology and its readiness for commercialization. He noted that recent developments have demonstrated the system’s ability to meet market requirements while offering a viable alternative to traditional fuels.
García emphasized that the support from the European Innovation Council will help accelerate the company’s path to market and strengthen its position within the space propulsion sector.
Growth Plans / Use Of Funds
The funding will be used to advance the commercialization of Arkadia Space’s propulsion systems, with a focus on scaling production and expanding testing capabilities. The company is also investing in infrastructure, including the expansion of its propulsion testing facility at Castellón Airport.
Arkadia has already achieved in-orbit validation of its DARK propulsion system during a 2025 mission, marking a key step toward deployment. The company is preparing to announce additional commercial contracts and expand its presence in the space industry.
About Arkadia Space
Arkadia Space is a SpaceTech company developing green propulsion systems for satellites and space missions. Founded in 2020 and based in Castellón, Spain, the company focuses on replacing toxic propellants with safer, more sustainable alternatives. Its mission is to improve efficiency, safety, and environmental impact in space propulsion technologies.
