D-Orbit

Builds orbital transfer vehicles and mission control software that deliver satellites to precise orbits and enable in-space logistics services.

Founded 2011100-500 employeesFino Mornasco, Italy8 open positionsWebsite LinkedIn

Space & Satellites

Products & Solutions

ION Satellite Carrier

A proprietary orbital transfer vehicle that transports satellites from a rideshare launch's parking orbit to their precise operational orbits. ION supports rideshare deployment, precision orbit insertion, constellation phasing and hosted payload operations. It reduces time from launch to operations by up to 85% compared to conventional rideshare.

Aurora

A cloud-based mission control software platform for small satellite operators. Aurora provides telemetry monitoring, command management, anomaly alerting and 2D/3D orbit visualisation through a web interface accessible from any device. It integrates with global ground station networks including Leaf Space and Amazon AWS Ground Station, and supports AES-256 encryption with two-factor authentication.

GEA

A robotic in-orbit servicing spacecraft under development, designed to extend the operational lifespan of satellites in geostationary orbit. GEA uses dual-arm manipulators, advanced propulsion and AI-powered diagnostics to perform inspection, repair, component replacement, orbital repositioning and end-of-life disposal. Validation is planned for the RISE mission, scheduled for 2029 in collaboration with ESA.

Videos

ION Satellite Carrier - CGI

Aurora - Cloud Based Mission Control Software Suite

ION CGI - full

About

D-Orbit is an Italian space logistics company founded in 2011 by Luca Rossettini and Renato Panesi, headquartered in Fino Mornasco, Como. It was among the first companies to build a commercial business around in-space transportation, treating the gap between a rocket's parking orbit and a satellite's operational orbit as a logistics problem worth solving.

The company's flagship product is the ION Satellite Carrier, a proprietary orbital transfer vehicle that carries satellites from a rideshare launch into their precise target orbits, cutting time from launch to operations by up to 85%. D-Orbit has completed 22 orbital transportation missions, deployed 141 satellites and operated 79 hosted payloads. Alongside the ION, the company develops Aurora, a cloud-based mission control software platform for small satellite operators, and GEA, a robotic in-orbit servicing spacecraft in development for active satellite life extension.

In April 2025, D-Orbit completed a strategic business combination with the Planetek group, gaining cloud-based space applications and AI-powered Earth observation data processing capabilities across offices in Bari and Athens. The company has raised over $200 million in total funding, including a €150 million Series C in 2024 and a $53 million Series D in January 2026 led by Azimut Group, targeting acquisitions and growth in in-space computing.

Offices

Fino Mornasco, Italy

Lisbon, Portugal

London, United KingdomBoulder, United States

Bari, Italy

Athens, Greece

Backed by

Azimut GroupMarubeni CorporationIberis CapitalPhaistos Investment FundEuropean Investment BankEuropean Investment Fund

Customers & Partners

European Space Agency (ESA)Marubeni CorporationLeaf SpaceAmazon Web Services (AWS)

Timeline

2026-01

Closed $53 million Series D round led by Azimut Group to fund acquisitions and expand in-space computing capacity.

2025-04

Completed strategic business combination with Planetek group, adding cloud space applications and Earth observation data processing capabilities.

2024-09

Closed Series C at €150 million total, with investors including European Investment Bank and European Investment Fund.

2024-01

Raised first €100 million tranche of Series C funding with Marubeni Corporation as lead investor.

2011

Founded in Fino Mornasco, Italy by Luca Rossettini and Renato Panesi.

D-Orbit

Products & Solutions