By combining liquid materials with an extrusion printing method, Orbital Matter has developed and patented a method to make objects in space, reducing launch weight by up to 70% and launch volume by 10 times. Their first launch in space proved the core parts of the technology and achieved a NASA Technical Readiness Level of 5. With Early Game’s investment, we aim to allow Orbital Matter to achieve their objective in their next successful launch, as their first product will reach TRL 8 “flight qualified”.
Space tech is no longer a fringe curiosity—it’s becoming core to the global economy. Falling launch costs, tech miniaturization, and a surge in private innovation have transformed the sector from rockets and satellites into a platform for breakthrough businesses: earth observation, satellite broadband, geospatial intelligence, and now, in-orbit construction. Our investment in Orbital Matter marks a key inflection point—moving the company from cutting-edge research in space-based 3D printing to commercial readiness, as it prepares to deliver its first client order.
According to NASA Glenn Research Center today’s state-of-the art technology allows the payload to be delivered into space to weight only 1% of the total weight of the rocket, making for an extremely inefficient delivery. Complex structures also come with a significant volume limitation, and resistance to take-off acceleration needs to be ensured while in space. Due to the micro-gravity environment, the minimum resistance needed is much lower. So far, construction and manufacturing in space has proven extremely challenging using traditional technologies. And this is where Orbital Matter, through its innovative technology, will have an important role in the coming years.
“Our investment in Orbital Matter is more than just a bet on a single company—it’s a bet on the future of in-orbit construction and space infrastructure. Orbital Matter is uniquely positioned to bring the power of advanced assembly and materials science to an industry that is rapidly expanding and demands innovative solutions for building beyond Earth. With a strong team, a groundbreaking product, and a massive market opportunity in the burgeoning space economy, we are excited to support Orbital Matter as they build the future of space development. We look forward to seeing Orbital Matter revolutionize the way humanity establishes a presence in space, and we are proud to be a part of their journey,” stated Florin Visa, Partner Early Game.
The team at Orbital Matter is exceptionally strong, notably with the CTO possessing unmatched domain expertise and the CEO demonstrating a proven ability to forge strategic relationships with key entities such as ESA and major European space industry players. Orbital Matter is one of the very few real innovators in space tech in Europe, being one of the only two startups mentioned in the latest State of European Tech report. The company is part of all major plans of ESA to advance space technology in Europe, has benefited and will continue to benefit from favourable contracts.
