With this in-orbit validation, Arkadia Space joins the select group of companies worldwide capable of supplying green propulsion systems to the market. Europe now has a reliable and flight-proven supplier of high-test peroxide propulsion technology.
Castellón, Spain – 09/06/25 – Arkadia Space’s propulsion system – named DARK – is now operating successfully in orbit. Launched on March 15th 2025, aboard D-Orbit’s ION satellite during SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission, the module has completed its first set of in-orbit operations, validating all its elements and marking a decisive step from test bench to spaceproven performance.
“We are proud to have hosted Arkadia Space’s DARK module aboard our ION Satelite Carrier. From the very beginning, working with the Arkadia team has been a real pleasure, and every step of our colaboration has been smooth and rewarding. Seeing DARK thrive in orbit is a great milestone, and we’re thri led to have played a part in it.”
Matteo Andreas Lorenzoni, VP Commercial Strategy
“We poured everything into this first mission. It was an ambitious and high-risk plan; almost impossible to execute. That’s why we needed the most reliable path to orbit. For Arkadia, D-Orbit has been that trusted partner. It’s been an incredible journey, and our team truly enjoyed working hand-in-hand with theirs to make this once-impossible dream a reality.”
Ismael Gutiérrez, CTO & Co-founder Arkadia Space
Key systems validated in orbit
The core element of the propulsion module is Arkadia’s TRITON 5N thruster, which has now completed hundreds of pulses, from very precise and repeatable short impulses of tenths of milliseconds, to several steady state firings that demonstrate the full performance of the engines. Not only have the pre-heated starts been executed successfully, but also cold start firings, showcasing the reliability and responsiveness of the engine under various operating conditions. The propulsion system is managed by Arkadia’s in-house electronics and software, which have operated reliably throughout the mission. This system controls the thrusters, manages data collection and communications with the host satellite, and enables key functions like in-orbit firmware updates and temperature regulation, all in real time The flight also validated Arkadia’s in-house developed, positive expulsion tank design, which has ensured a stable feed of propellant throughout operations – a critical factor for mission longevity and control accuracy in microgravity conditions. DARK remains healthy and operational in orbit, with new in-orbit test campaigns expected to happen in the next several months. The module will allow for further data collection and extended validation of Arkadia’s green propulsion technology and capabilities.
“Developing the entire system in record time and seeing it operate exactly as designed in orbit is the clearest demonstration of Arkadia’s technical capabilities. This is a strong statement to our customers: Arkadia Space is in business and ready to deliver flightproven propulsion technology!” Francho García, CEO and co-founder of Arkadia Space
This mission sets a historic precedent for the European space propulsion industry. With DARK now operating in orbit and reaching TRL 8-9, Arkadia Space becomes the first European company to offer a flight-proven, green propulsion system based on high-test peroxide. Following this success, the company is engaged in conversations with several customers interested in these systems and expects to accelerate new commercial agreements, all the while building on its first contract signed with MaiaSpace earlier this year. Europe now has a new propulsion provider at a critical geopolitical moment, where sovereignty is a key factor in the space sector.