Paris-based Dark Space uses a mobile platform designed to launch, attach, and ultimately deorbit uncooperative objects in space, resulting in a collision with orbital debris. We are tackling serious issues.
Dark CEO Clyde Lahane said the company aims to become “the SWAT team of space.”
Interceptor, a three-year-old startup, is essentially a rocket-powered boxing glove-like spacecraft that can be launched quickly and gently knock wayward objects out of orbit.
The interceptor itself is launched from a specially equipped aircraft. Similar to Virgin Galactic's launch, the plane will carry the rocket high into the noisy lower atmosphere, where it will be released and ignited. Once the rocket is close to the target object, the spacecraft detaches and uses onboard sensors and propulsion to locate and approach the target object. Once positioned correctly, the interceptor pushes the object with a cushioned “effector” that eventually knocks it out of orbit.
“All space sectors are organized to accomplish planned, long-term missions…but orbital defense is more of an unplanned, short-term mission,” Rahane said. In that sense, he explained, the interceptor is “more like an air defense missile.” “You have to be ready at all times. There's no excuse not to use it.”
However, unlike real missiles and anti-satellite weapons, the interceptor's gentle attacks do not create debris zones or other dangerous and unpredictable effects.
Dark Space was founded by Laheyne, an engineer trained at multinational missile development company MBDA, and CTO Guillaume Orvain. This practical experience is reflected in the interceptor concept, which is designed to operate on-call as well as missile systems. That's also why Dark is developing its own launch platform. This is to allow defense, civilian and commercial companies to respond immediately, Rahane said.
Clyde Laheyne and Guillaume Orvain, co-founders of Dark Space.Image credit: Dark
Dark completed a $5 million funding round in 2021, with a cap table comprised of European investors including lead investor Eurazeo. The team closed on a $6 million deal yesterday, including participation from its first US-based investor, Long Journey Ventures. (The fund is led by Ariel Zuckerberg, sister of Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg.)
The company has a lot of work to do before it gets close to removing something like a malfunctioning rocket second stage from orbit. Dark has focused on developing critical systems such as cryogenic engines and software. The team is now shifting its focus to developing the technologies needed for the interceptor's rapid unscheduled missions, including long-range detection and tracking, autonomous flight algorithms, and a reliable controlled reentry system.
The team will also need to refurbish the aircraft (at a cost Rahane estimates is $50 million, or the price of building a new launch pad) and prepare the entire platform for a demonstration mission in 2026.
The mission will test many of the core technologies of the full-scale platform, but its goal is not to actually deorbit an object, but only make contact with it. Even this is incredibly ambitious. No company has yet cracked the so-called rendezvous and proximity operations, where you approach and interact with another object in space.
A second demonstration mission, currently planned for 2027, will include a deorbit attempt. If all goes according to plan, the company will begin deorbiting objects for partner civilian agencies. As for defense customers, “I hope we never have to use it,” Rahane said.
“I've been researching missiles for years, and it's always the same theme: If you use it first, it's an act of war.” In the second case, it's a defensive act. If you can do it, and people know you can do it, that deters them,” he said. “The ideal is a system that discourages conflict.”