Nyx Nyx – the name of the space capsule developed by The Exploration Company – is intended to transport cargo and eventually humans into space in the future to resupply space stations and conduct long-distance research missions. The spacecraft is designed to be reusable and refuelable in orbit. Furthermore, Nyx is being developed independently of launch vehicles, allowing the space capsule to be launched using various rockets.
The Exploration Company was founded in July 2021 by a team of experienced aerospace engineers led by Hélène Huby, who have previously worked on several space programs such as Orion-ESM and Ariane. Within nine months, they were able to build their first reentry demonstrator. The second demonstrator, which will fly into space and re-enter the atmosphere in a controlled manner, is currently under development. Its launch is planned for 2024, and the first fully functional space capsule is scheduled for 2026.
For this purpose, the SpacetechThe startup has now raised €40.5 million in its Series A round. The round is led by EQT Ventures and Red River West. New and existing investors such as Promus Ventures, Cherry Ventures, Vsquared, Omnes Capital, July Fund, Partech, Habert Dassault Finance, Schlumberger, WMA, Possible Ventures, Rymdkapital, and Sista Fund are also participating.
Nyx is the first space capsule to be privately funded
Co-Founder Hélène Huby explained:
"This decade will see humanity venture into space and—sometimes in collaboration with the private sector—build space stations around Earth and the Moon, paving the way for sustainable colonization of the Moon and beyond. Currently, these transformational developments are being led by a few players. We aim to democratize space exploration by providing more sustainable and affordable capabilities. Nyx, our spacecraft, is the first privately funded space capsule, the first to use clean propellants, and the first to have an open-source operating system. This will enable nations, space and non-space industries, and individuals to participate and contribute to building the new world of space."
Alfred Vericel, Founding Partner of Red River West, adds:
"I've known Hélène for many years and am impressed by her ability to anticipate strategic changes, execute large-scale space programs, and unleash the talents of her teams through her mission-oriented, visionary, and compassionate energy. Red River West is committed to investing in European entrepreneurs who are building global, impactful businesses that we grow together in the United States. We're proud to be able to contribute to The Exploration Company's development."
And Ted Persson, Partner at EQT Ventures, adds:
"It's been almost half a century since Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. Since then, industry has focused on developing innovative launch vehicles to carry satellites and, in some cases, humans into space. Hélène and her team have brought together a unique mix of world-class industry veterans and young space and software engineers to seize a huge market opportunity that will ultimately enable Europe—and others—to participate in the discovery of new space worlds in a sustainable and collaborative way."
