Top 13 Space Sustainability startups

Updated: Mar 18, 2026
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These startups develop new space sustainability technologies such as satellite debris tracking systems, in-orbit recycling of materials, bio-regenerative life support systems, eco-friendly rocket fuels and habitat recycling technologies for closed-loop living environments.
1
Digantara
Country: India | Funding: $64.4M
Digantara is building a one-of-a-kind in-orbit device to track debris that dangerously hurtle around in space
2
Helix Earth
Country: USA | Funding: $6.4M
Helix Earth has created products for earth from liquid-gas chemistry designed for spacecraft, including ultra-efficient HVAC and carbon capture systems. The company says its processes are far more energy-efficient while being more affordable and can be retrofitted to commercial rooftops.
3
Astroscale
Country: Japan | Funding: $443.4M
Astroscale is developing scalable solutions across the spectrum of on-orbit servicing, including life extension, in situ space situational awareness, end-of-life, and active debris removal, to create sustainable space systems
4
NorthStar
Country: Canada | Funding: $119.2M
NorthStar is revolutionary in its raw data capabilities & capacity for information processing via advanced software analytics.
5
Zeno Power
Country: USA | Funding: $94.9M
Zeno is developing next-generation radioisotope power systems that generate carbon-free, resilient power for decades. It also has an Air Force contract to build a satellite powered by nuclear waste
6
Privateer
Country: USA | Funding: $56.5M
Privateer develops data infrastructure to power sustainable growth for the new space economy.
7
ClearSpace
Country: Switzerland | Funding: $37M
ClearSpace provides sustainable in-orbit services, develops on-orbit technologies and provides services for non-functional satellites in orbit.
8
Vyoma
Country: Germany | Funding: €13.5M
Vyoma helps in increasing confidence in space with real-time debris observations and AI, for safe and automated satellite operations.
9
TransAstra
Country: USA | Funding: $9.5M
TransAstra is a space logistics startup, that solves space debris problem and develops a technology to find, prospect, harvest and use space resources.
10
Thrustme
Country: France | Funding: €6.1M
ThrustMe offers advanced mobility solutions for the growing space industry which is facing new challenges due to the rise of satellite constellations. As experts in in-space propulsion and satellite orbital maneuvering strategies, ThrustMe enables a future where space is used sustainably to create value both on Earth, and beyond.
11
CisLunar Industries
Country: USA | Funding: $3.5M
CisLunar Industries is developing the technology to process metal in space. Its recycling technology takes recovered space debris and reprocesses it into standardized metal feedstock in the form of rod, wire filament, and other useful geometries, as well as propellant.
12
Exodus Space Systems
Country: Australia | Funding: A$25K
Exodus is an early stage company working on a new, versatile and scalable solution for Space Debris, the legacy of 60 years of spaceflight.
13
WEO
Country: Luxembourg
WEO utilizes the power of space data and artificial intelligence to help construct a more sustainable future for humanity.
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Marjana Bačić
Editor: Marjana Bačić
Marjana Bačić is a senior editor for RecyclingStartups. She has has more than 5 years experience covering the recycling industry. Marjana graduated from University of Belgrade, where she edited Recycling and Sustainable Development Journal. She has helped several non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting environmental education and sustainability. She also participates in beach clean-up initiatives and advocates for sustainable practices in local businesses. In her free time, Marjana enjoys hiking in the scenic Montenegrin countryside, practicing yoga for mindfulness, and experimenting with plant-based recipes in her kitchen. You can contact Marjana at marjanabacic(at)recyclingstartups(dot)com