Stellar Alpina Raises €3.8M for Advanced Space Propulsion

Zurich-based Stellar Alpina has successfully closed a €3.8 million pre-seed funding round, signaling a significant advancement in in-space propulsion technology. The investment, led by Founderful with participation from LP&E and other strategic deep-tech investors, will fuel the expansion of the company's testing infrastructure and accelerate the development of flight-ready systems.

The startup is pioneering a new generation of compact, rotating detonation rocket engines designed to revolutionize orbital maneuvering and cislunar transit. Unlike conventional thrusters that rely on deflagration, Stellar Alpina's technology harnesses the power of detonation waves, which propagate at supersonic speeds. This fundamental shift promises to unlock greater energy extraction from propellants, leading to smaller, lighter, and more efficient propulsion systems.

“The space economy is rapidly evolving beyond just reaching orbit; the critical challenge now is efficient movement within space,” stated Victor Elliesen, Co-Founder of Stellar Alpina. “We are building the foundational technology for mobility across the cislunar domain and beyond, addressing a growing demand for agile and powerful in-space transportation.” This focus aligns with the increasing need for satellite repositioning, lunar mission support, and the burgeoning field of in-space servicing.

The market for in-space mobility is experiencing substantial growth, driven by the proliferation of satellite constellations and ambitious governmental space programs like NASA's Artemis and the ESA's roadmap. Current propulsion systems often fall short of the efficiency and performance required for these complex missions, creating a clear opportunity for disruptive technologies like Stellar Alpina's. The company's approach represents a paradigm shift, moving away from incremental improvements to a fundamental reimagining of rocket engine design and function.

Founded in 2024 by alumni of the Academic Spaceflight Initiative Switzerland (ARIS), including Rick Röthlisberger, Simi Y. Wespi, Victor Elliesen, and Patrick Egli, Stellar Alpina has already demonstrated its capabilities by developing the world's first student-built rotating detonation rocket engine. This technical foundation positions them to redefine mission feasibility and cost-effectiveness for orbital transfers.

“The in-space mobility market is vast, underserved, and expanding quickly. We are confident that the Stellar Alpina founders possess the expertise and vision to establish a category-defining company originating from Switzerland,” commented Alex Stöckl, Founding Partner at Founderful. This investment underscores the significant potential perceived in Stellar Alpina's innovative approach to space propulsion, a critical enabler for the future of space exploration and commercialization.