In the heart of Madrid, a burgeoning aerospace startup named Orbital Paradigm is making significant strides toward revolutionizing the economics of orbital reentry. Founded by industry veterans Francesco Cacciatore and Víctor Gómez García, the company is developing a cost-effective reentry capsule designed to facilitate the return of materials manufactured in zero gravity.
A Vision Born from Experience
With over two decades in the European aerospace sector, Cacciatore faced a pivotal moment in his career, prompting him to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. This led to the inception of Orbital Paradigm, aiming to tackle one of aerospace’s most formidable challenges: reentry. The startup’s mission is to create a reusable space capsule that can transport materials from orbit back to Earth efficiently and affordably.
Introducing the KID Capsule
In under two years, with a lean team of nine and a budget of less than €1 million, Orbital Paradigm developed the KID capsule—a precursor to their envisioned reusable capsule, Kestrel. Weighing approximately 25 kilograms and measuring about 16 inches in diameter, KID is intentionally minimalist, lacking propulsion systems. This design serves as a testbed for the company’s reentry technology, marking their first foray into orbital hardware.
Collaborative Efforts and Funding
The upcoming demonstration mission for KID has attracted a diverse clientele, including French space robotics firm Alatyr, Germany’s Leibniz University Hannover, and an undisclosed third customer. To date, Orbital Paradigm has secured €1.5 million in seed funding from investors such as Id4, Demium, Pinama, Evercurious, and Akka.
Evolving Focus Based on Market Needs
Initially, Orbital Paradigm aimed to develop in-space robotics. However, feedback from potential clients highlighted a pressing need for a system capable of multiple trips to orbit and back. This demand is particularly strong among institutions and biotech companies that require frequent, repeatable access to microgravity environments for research and development purposes.
Strategic Design Choices
Opting for a smaller capsule aligns with the company’s goal to serve clients needing to transport payloads ranging from three to six times annually. This approach contrasts with larger systems like SpaceX’s Dragon, which are tailored for substantial cargo loads. By focusing on smaller, more frequent missions, Orbital Paradigm aims to cater to a niche market seeking cost-effective and reliable reentry solutions.
The Broader Context of Orbital Reentry Innovations
Orbital Paradigm’s initiative is part of a larger trend in the aerospace industry, where startups are exploring innovative reentry technologies to support in-space manufacturing and logistics. For instance, UK-based Space Forge has developed a satellite reentry system featuring a reusable heat shield designed to facilitate rapid recovery and reuse of in-space manufacturing spacecraft. Similarly, Inversion Space has secured a $71 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to develop a reentry capsule capable of precise, autonomous landings, aiming to transform terrestrial cargo transportation. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2023/05/15/uks-space-forge-debuts-new-reentry-tech-for-in-space-manufacturing-satellites/?utm_source=openai))
Challenges and Regulatory Hurdles
Despite the promising advancements, companies in this sector face significant challenges, including regulatory approvals for reentry operations. For example, Varda Space Industries experienced delays in obtaining the necessary clearances from the U.S. Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration for their capsule reentry, underscoring the complexities involved in bringing orbital manufacturing products back to Earth. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2023/09/15/varda-space-puts-off-orbital-factory-reentry-pending-air-force-and-faa-green-light/?utm_source=openai))
Looking Ahead
As Orbital Paradigm prepares for its inaugural mission, the company stands at the forefront of a movement aiming to make space more accessible and economically viable for a broader range of industries. By addressing the technical and financial barriers associated with orbital reentry, they are paving the way for new opportunities in space-based research, manufacturing, and beyond.
