Navigating the Cosmos: OKAPI:Orbits Secures €13 Million for Space Traffic Management
April 24, 2025, 10:17 pm
In the vast expanse of space, where silence reigns and stars twinkle like distant dreams, a new frontier is emerging. The realm of space traffic management is gaining momentum, and at the forefront is OKAPI:Orbits, a startup that recently secured €13 million in seed funding. This investment marks a significant leap for the company, which is poised to revolutionize how we navigate the cosmos.
Founded in 2018 by a team of visionaries from the Technical University of Braunschweig, OKAPI:Orbits is not just another tech startup. It’s a beacon of innovation in an industry that is rapidly evolving. The company specializes in space traffic management, an area that has become increasingly critical as the number of satellites in orbit skyrockets. With the rise of commercial space ventures, the need for effective management of space traffic has never been more urgent.
The funding round was led by Ventech, with participation from Matterwave Ventures, the Amadeus APEX Technology Fund, and notable angel investors. This financial boost will enable OKAPI:Orbits to enhance its technical capabilities, expand its team, and scale its operations internationally. The company’s mission is clear: to ensure the safety and sustainability of space missions.
At the heart of OKAPI:Orbits’ technology is an AI-based platform that leverages advanced data fusion. This allows the company to predict, detect, and manage risks associated with space traffic. Imagine a digital twin of the cosmos, where every satellite and piece of debris is monitored in real-time. This is the vision that OKAPI:Orbits is bringing to life.
The company’s journey began with a simple yet profound realization. As the founders—three PhD students and a computer science graduate—observed the burgeoning commercial space sector, they recognized a gap. While many of their peers were heading to automotive giants like Volkswagen, they chose to harness their research for a greater purpose. They didn’t want their groundbreaking work to gather dust in a university library; they wanted to change the world.
Their initial foray into the market was marked by a series of milestones. After three years of bootstrapping, the team grew from four unpaid founders to a robust 15-member unit. Validation from the European Space Agency was a game-changer, allowing them to onboard their first clients. The company’s first commercial client was a Swiss satellite constellation, followed by the European Space Agency, which has relied on their services for over three years.
In a landscape where regulations are still being shaped, OKAPI:Orbits is stepping up to fill the void. The current state of space governance resembles the Wild West, with no official international standards for space traffic management. Countries like Luxembourg and the UK are making strides with national space laws, but Germany has lagged behind. OKAPI:Orbits is not just a participant in this evolving landscape; it is actively helping to shape it.
The company’s three platforms cover the entire mission lifecycle—from pre-launch simulations to de-orbiting. This comprehensive approach ensures that clients can navigate the complexities of space missions with confidence. The software provides a remarkable 99% accuracy in collision predictions, offering a crucial 10-day lead time for operational collision avoidance. This early warning system allows satellite operators to make minor adjustments, avoiding potentially catastrophic situations.
As the number of satellites increases, so does the complexity of managing them. The challenge of coordinating two active satellites in close proximity is akin to directing two planes in midair. It requires precision, foresight, and advanced technology. OKAPI:Orbits is equipped to handle these scenarios, ensuring that safety is prioritized without sacrificing operational efficiency.
The company’s unique position in the market is underscored by its ability to provide industry-standard tools for traffic coordination. Many operators previously lacked effective solutions, often waiting until they experienced a near miss or an actual collision to recognize the urgency of the situation. OKAPI:Orbits is changing that narrative, making proactive management the norm rather than the exception.
The investment from Ventech and other partners is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of space traffic management. As satellite operators face increasing pressure to ensure safety and compliance, the demand for OKAPI:Orbits’ services is set to soar. The company is not just building a product; it is creating a vital infrastructure for the future of space exploration.
In the coming years, as the cosmos becomes more crowded, the role of companies like OKAPI:Orbits will be crucial. They are not just managing traffic; they are safeguarding the future of space missions. The funding will allow them to enhance their technology, expand their reach, and solidify their position as leaders in the field.
As we look to the stars, the journey of OKAPI:Orbits serves as a reminder that innovation knows no bounds. With the right vision and determination, the challenges of today can become the triumphs of tomorrow. The cosmos is vast, but with pioneers like OKAPI:Orbits at the helm, we can navigate it safely and sustainably. The future of space traffic management is bright, and it’s just getting started.
Founded in 2018 by a team of visionaries from the Technical University of Braunschweig, OKAPI:Orbits is not just another tech startup. It’s a beacon of innovation in an industry that is rapidly evolving. The company specializes in space traffic management, an area that has become increasingly critical as the number of satellites in orbit skyrockets. With the rise of commercial space ventures, the need for effective management of space traffic has never been more urgent.
The funding round was led by Ventech, with participation from Matterwave Ventures, the Amadeus APEX Technology Fund, and notable angel investors. This financial boost will enable OKAPI:Orbits to enhance its technical capabilities, expand its team, and scale its operations internationally. The company’s mission is clear: to ensure the safety and sustainability of space missions.
At the heart of OKAPI:Orbits’ technology is an AI-based platform that leverages advanced data fusion. This allows the company to predict, detect, and manage risks associated with space traffic. Imagine a digital twin of the cosmos, where every satellite and piece of debris is monitored in real-time. This is the vision that OKAPI:Orbits is bringing to life.
The company’s journey began with a simple yet profound realization. As the founders—three PhD students and a computer science graduate—observed the burgeoning commercial space sector, they recognized a gap. While many of their peers were heading to automotive giants like Volkswagen, they chose to harness their research for a greater purpose. They didn’t want their groundbreaking work to gather dust in a university library; they wanted to change the world.
Their initial foray into the market was marked by a series of milestones. After three years of bootstrapping, the team grew from four unpaid founders to a robust 15-member unit. Validation from the European Space Agency was a game-changer, allowing them to onboard their first clients. The company’s first commercial client was a Swiss satellite constellation, followed by the European Space Agency, which has relied on their services for over three years.
In a landscape where regulations are still being shaped, OKAPI:Orbits is stepping up to fill the void. The current state of space governance resembles the Wild West, with no official international standards for space traffic management. Countries like Luxembourg and the UK are making strides with national space laws, but Germany has lagged behind. OKAPI:Orbits is not just a participant in this evolving landscape; it is actively helping to shape it.
The company’s three platforms cover the entire mission lifecycle—from pre-launch simulations to de-orbiting. This comprehensive approach ensures that clients can navigate the complexities of space missions with confidence. The software provides a remarkable 99% accuracy in collision predictions, offering a crucial 10-day lead time for operational collision avoidance. This early warning system allows satellite operators to make minor adjustments, avoiding potentially catastrophic situations.
As the number of satellites increases, so does the complexity of managing them. The challenge of coordinating two active satellites in close proximity is akin to directing two planes in midair. It requires precision, foresight, and advanced technology. OKAPI:Orbits is equipped to handle these scenarios, ensuring that safety is prioritized without sacrificing operational efficiency.
The company’s unique position in the market is underscored by its ability to provide industry-standard tools for traffic coordination. Many operators previously lacked effective solutions, often waiting until they experienced a near miss or an actual collision to recognize the urgency of the situation. OKAPI:Orbits is changing that narrative, making proactive management the norm rather than the exception.
The investment from Ventech and other partners is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of space traffic management. As satellite operators face increasing pressure to ensure safety and compliance, the demand for OKAPI:Orbits’ services is set to soar. The company is not just building a product; it is creating a vital infrastructure for the future of space exploration.
In the coming years, as the cosmos becomes more crowded, the role of companies like OKAPI:Orbits will be crucial. They are not just managing traffic; they are safeguarding the future of space missions. The funding will allow them to enhance their technology, expand their reach, and solidify their position as leaders in the field.
As we look to the stars, the journey of OKAPI:Orbits serves as a reminder that innovation knows no bounds. With the right vision and determination, the challenges of today can become the triumphs of tomorrow. The cosmos is vast, but with pioneers like OKAPI:Orbits at the helm, we can navigate it safely and sustainably. The future of space traffic management is bright, and it’s just getting started.