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Orbion Space Technology
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Orbion Space Technology
Orbion Space Technology is a U.S.-based aerospace company that develops and manufactures electric propulsion systems that small satellites use to maneuver in space. Founded in 2016 in Houghton, Michigan, Orbion specializes in mass-producible, cost-efficient thrusters and is considered one of the leading international suppliers of electric propulsion systems for proliferated low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations.
Orbion Space Technology’s origin story is an example of academic innovation translating into commercial success. Founded in 2016 by Dr. Lyon (Brad) King and Dr. Jason Sommerville — each having built their extensive backgrounds in aerospace engineering and space propulsion in Michigan — the company emerged from decades of research and development at Michigan Technological University.
Dr. King, a Calumet, Michigan native and the Richard and Elizabeth Henes Professor of Space Systems at Michigan Tech, had been leading research in plasma propulsion systems, including Hall-effect thrusters, since establishing the Ion Space Propulsion Lab (Isp Lab) in 2000. Recognizing the growing demand for efficient propulsion systems for small satellites, King and Sommerville saw an opportunity to commercialize their research by producing cost-effective, high-performance thrusters for the expanding small satellite market.
To bring this vision to life, they established Orbion and leveraged the region’s talent pool and support infrastructure. As it has grown, the company has consistently found support from Michigan’s innovation community, including:
- MTEC SmartZone - Business development support for early business model concept.
- Tech Transfer Talent Network (T3N) Mentors-in-Residence Program - Worked with tech entrepreneurs to identify opportunities and venture creation programs.
- Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition and venture capital investment - Winner of the 2017 competition, accessing $500K from Invest Michigan, SPARK, and Invest Detroit, as well as subsequent Series A and B funding rounds totaling over $30 million.
- Renaissance Venture Capital UnDemo Day - Connected with Series A lead investor, Material Impact Fund, at the event organized by Renaissance Venture Capital to set up 500+ meetings between top startups in Michigan and investors across the country.
- University talent pipeline – Connections as faculty at Michigan Tech, partnership with the University of Michigan's Center for Entrepreneurship, and the MEDC’s Michigander Scholarship Program have facilitated internships and job connections, ensuring a steady pipeline to build out Orbion’s growing team.
“People often ask why we launched a rocket company in northern Michigan, and I tell them — this place is as close to space as anywhere on Earth. Michigan’s deep manufacturing roots make it ideal for building the high-tech vehicles satellites have become. The infrastructure, the talent, and the production mindset are already here. With support from the MEDC and the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, we’ve grown quickly and shown that non-traditional hubs of innovation can lead in aerospace.”
– Brad King, CEO Orbion Space Technology
Over the past 24 months, the company has expanded operations and built a dedicated, AS9100 certified manufacturing facility in Houghton, Michigan. Orbion employs over 70 full-time engineers and PhD researchers that all live and work in Houghton and continues to attract talent from leading aerospace organizations. The company’s growth underscores the potential for high-tech enterprises to thrive outside traditional innovation hubs, contributing to the economic development of northern Michigan.
Orbion Space Technology’s primary product is the Aurora Hall-effect Propulsion System, an integrated electric propulsion solution developed for small satellite platforms. Orbion’s thrusters enable satellites to perform precise orbital maneuvers and deorbit safely at end-of-life, reducing space debris. Orbion’s propulsion systems are primarily used by commercial satellite operators deploying large constellations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The company also supports civil and defense space missions that demand high-reliability electric propulsion.
Launching Orbion required overcoming major hurdles, from transitioning academic research into scalable manufacturing to securing funding and building AS9100-cerFfied infrastructure. The team had to convert complex lab technologies into reliable, mass-producible systems capable of surviving launch and space conditions. The capital-intensive nature of the industry, along with regulatory demands and rapid team growth, added further complexity to scaling operations.
Orbion is part of a growing cluster of aerospace and defense companies rooted in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. Like Calumet Electronics, Kall Morris Incorporated, Atlas Space, Signature Research, GS Engineering, ThermoAnalytics, and Great Lakes Sound & Vibration, Orbion has evolved from a startup into a full-fledged company by tapping into Michigan’s robust innovation ecosystem.
Strategic Partnerships and Contracts
Orbion has secured contracts with major aerospace entities, including General Atomics, for which it supplies propulsion systems for U.S. Space Force prototype weather satellites.
Funding and Investment
Orbion has successfully raised significant capital to support its growth, including a $9.2 million Series A round in 2019 and a $20 million Series B round in 2021.
Economic Impact
By establishing its operations in Houghton, Michigan, Orbion has contributed to local economic development, attracting skilled professionals and fostering a high-tech industry presence in the region. Orbion Space Technology exemplifies how cross-sector connections between academia, entrepreneurial vision, community support, and investor resources can bring innovative ideas to life. By working across Michigan’s innovation ecosystem, Orbion has transformed from a university research initiative into a leader in satellite propulsion technology, building the innovation community in Houghton and reinforcing the state’s position in the global aerospace industry.
Recognition and Awards
The company has been acknowledged for its innovation and growth, being named to Fast Company’s Most innovative Companies list in 2024. The Michigan Venture Capital association has named Orbion the Up and Coming Company of the Year in 2019 and recognized Orbion’s Series B preferred stock offering as Financing of the Year in 2021.
Orbion Valuation
Source: Pitchbook