Orbital Operations
Orbital Operations is an aerospace company focused on rapid space defense through advanced cryogenic propulsion technology. They develop vehicles stationed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) capable of rapid maneuvers with 5000 lbs thrust, enabling transit from LEO to Geostationary Orbit (GEO) in hours instead of months. Their technology includes high-performance cryogenic engines and innovative cryogenic management systems using a Reverse Brayton Cycle to achieve Zero Boil-Off (ZBO) storage. The company is led by founders with extensive aerospace experience from NASA, SpaceX, Relativity Space, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and Blue Origin, positioning Orbital Operations as a cutting-edge player in space mobility and defense.
Orbital Operations
Orbital Operations is an aerospace company focused on rapid space defense through advanced cryogenic propulsion technology. They develop vehicles stationed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) capable of rapid maneuvers with 5000 lbs thrust, enabling transit from LEO to Geostationary Orbit (GEO) in hours instead of months. Their technology includes high-performance cryogenic engines and innovative cryogenic management systems using a Reverse Brayton Cycle to achieve Zero Boil-Off (ZBO) storage. The company is led by founders with extensive aerospace experience from NASA, SpaceX, Relativity Space, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and Blue Origin, positioning Orbital Operations as a cutting-edge player in space mobility and defense.
TL;DR
Product: Astraeus — cryogenic, high-thrust orbital maneuvering vehicle (LH2/LOX) for rapid in-space maneuver and refueling
Founders: Ben Schleuniger (CEO) and Ross Doherty (COO)
Headquarters: Huntington Beach, California
Founded: 2023
Latest raise: $8.8M seed on 2025-08-07
Company Overview
Problem Domain
Space mobility and satellite defense (rapid-response orbital maneuvering and on-orbit refueling)
Founded
2023
Industry
DeepTech
Funding Track Record
$8.8M
Round includes investors such as Harpoon Ventures, DTX Ventures, Rebel Fund, TRAC.vc, Immad Akhund, Karman Ventures, and others
Investor Signal
“Y Combinator-backed and seed led by Initialized Capital with participation from multiple early-stage investors”