Inside Italian defence tech (2026)
Jul 17
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Berlin, GermanyMunich, GermanyBerlin, GermanyMunich, Germany
Products & Solutions
Custom Satellite Platform
Reflex's core offering: a bespoke LEO satellite bus designed and built around the customer's payload, whether optical imaging, SAR or SATCOM. The platform is manufactured at the Munich microfactory and can be delivered flight-ready in under 12 months. This speed is achieved through modern manufacturing methods, a vertically integrated supply chain and reusable design architecture rather than a one-size-fits-all bus.
OPTIMAS
A European Defence Fund programme developing a free-space optical laser communication system for multi-domain defence applications. OPTIMAS incorporates quantum key distribution encryption for secure high-speed data transfer and advanced satellite pointing, acquisition and tracking capabilities in LEO, with planned expansion to MEO and GEO. Reflex Aerospace leads the space segment design and satellite platform development within a 12-partner consortium from 7 countries, with monodon by Navantia as prime contractor. Flight-ready target is Q1 2028.
Videos
Why Reflex? The Faster Way to Get to Orbit
Inside Reflex Aerospace's MicroFactory
Why Reflex Aerospace's Satellite Approach is a Game-Changer
About
Reflex Aerospace is a Berlin-based satellite manufacturer founded in 2021, building custom satellite platforms for low Earth orbit (LEO) with a focus on speed. Where traditional satellite programmes run for years, Reflex compresses design-to-orbit into 12 months or less, using modern manufacturing techniques and a microfactory approach developed at its Munich production facility.
Offices
Berlin, GermanyMunich, GermanyBacked by
Human ElementAlpine Space VenturesBayern KapitalHTGF
Customers & Partners
Media Broadcast Satellite (MBS)Marble ImagingLiveEOmonodon by Navantia (OPTIMAS prime contractor)UMBRA (SAR capabilities partnership)Sidus Space (joint venture for dual-use satellite solutions)Odysseus Space (laser communication terminal in-orbit demonstration)European Defence Fund (OPTIMAS funding programme)
Timeline
2025-11
Closed €50 million Series A — the largest Series A in European NewSpace — led by Human Element, Alpine Space Ventures, Bayern Kapital and HTGF.
2025-01
SIGI launched aboard SpaceX on January 14, becoming Reflex's first satellite in orbit.
2024-12
Shipped SIGI, the first commercial satellite, to the launch site — 15 months from contract to delivery.
2023-06
Signed contract with Media Broadcast Satellite (MBS) for the SIGI mission, the company's first commercial satellite.
2022-12
Closed €7 million seed round led by Alpine Space Ventures and HTGF.
2021
Founded in Berlin by Walter Ballheimer (CEO) and Alexander Genzel (COO).
Open Positions (5)
Products & Solutions
Custom Satellite Platform
Reflex's core offering: a bespoke LEO satellite bus designed and built around the customer's payload, whether optical imaging, SAR or SATCOM. The platform is manufactured at the Munich microfactory and can be delivered flight-ready in under 12 months. This speed is achieved through modern manufacturing methods, a vertically integrated supply chain and reusable design architecture rather than a one-size-fits-all bus.
OPTIMAS
A European Defence Fund programme developing a free-space optical laser communication system for multi-domain defence applications. OPTIMAS incorporates quantum key distribution encryption for secure high-speed data transfer and advanced satellite pointing, acquisition and tracking capabilities in LEO, with planned expansion to MEO and GEO. Reflex Aerospace leads the space segment design and satellite platform development within a 12-partner consortium from 7 countries, with monodon by Navantia as prime contractor. Flight-ready target is Q1 2028.
Videos
Why Reflex? The Faster Way to Get to Orbit
Inside Reflex Aerospace's MicroFactory
Why Reflex Aerospace's Satellite Approach is a Game-Changer
Open Positions (5)
About
Reflex Aerospace is a Berlin-based satellite manufacturer founded in 2021, building custom satellite platforms for low Earth orbit (LEO) with a focus on speed. Where traditional satellite programmes run for years, Reflex compresses design-to-orbit into 12 months or less, using modern manufacturing techniques and a microfactory approach developed at its Munich production facility.
Offices
Berlin, GermanyMunich, GermanyBacked by
Human ElementAlpine Space VenturesBayern KapitalHTGF
Customers & Partners
Media Broadcast Satellite (MBS)Marble ImagingLiveEOmonodon by Navantia (OPTIMAS prime contractor)UMBRA (SAR capabilities partnership)Sidus Space (joint venture for dual-use satellite solutions)Odysseus Space (laser communication terminal in-orbit demonstration)European Defence Fund (OPTIMAS funding programme)
Timeline
2025-11
Closed €50 million Series A — the largest Series A in European NewSpace — led by Human Element, Alpine Space Ventures, Bayern Kapital and HTGF.
2025-01
SIGI launched aboard SpaceX on January 14, becoming Reflex's first satellite in orbit.
2024-12
Shipped SIGI, the first commercial satellite, to the launch site — 15 months from contract to delivery.
2023-06
Signed contract with Media Broadcast Satellite (MBS) for the SIGI mission, the company's first commercial satellite.
2022-12
Closed €7 million seed round led by Alpine Space Ventures and HTGF.
2021
Founded in Berlin by Walter Ballheimer (CEO) and Alexander Genzel (COO).
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