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ION-X, a spin-off from CNRS and startup studio Technofounders, is taking a key step in the industrialization of space propulsion. Specializing in ion engines for small satellites, the company aims to produce 200 engines per year by 2028, with a first flight demonstration planned for early 2025 as part of a European Space Agency mission.
In a growing small satellite market, ION-X stands out with its electrospray technology, which offers an optimal ratio of thrust, energy efficiency and power consumption. Its engines reduce fuel consumption by 30% and use non-toxic fuel made in France. This approach meets the growing demands for sustainability and modularity in the space sector.
The company plans to produce 10 ion engines per month from 2026, in a production site located in Île-de-France. By concentrating supply locally, ION-X limits external dependencies and strengthens French technological sovereignty. This mass production model, still not widespread in the space industry, constitutes a competitive advantage in a market which is struggling to meet the growing demand from constellation operators.
To support this scale-up, ION-X raised 13 million euros in a financing round. This round was led by historic investors EXPANSION and TECHNOFOUNDERS PARTICIPATION, with the participation of the EUROPEAN INNOVATION COUNCIL FUND (EIC FUND) and the ÎLE-DE-FRANCE REINDUSTRIALIZATION fund, operated by INNOVACOM. These funds will make it possible to finance industrialization, expand the product portfolio and strengthen the technical and commercial teams.
