Lux Aeterna, a Denver-based startup targeting reusable satellite bus platforms, has announced its plans to develop a reusable satellite named Delphi.

The company aims to launch and land the satellite in 2027, aiming to reduce costs and increase flexibility in satellite payload deployment.

The Delphi satellite is designed to endure multiple re-entries into Earth’s atmosphere using a conical heat shield inspired by past NASA spacecraft.

Lux Aeterna has secured US$4 million in pre-seed funding, led by Space Capital, with additional contributions from Dynamo Ventures and Mission One Capital.

CEO Brian Taylor, who previously worked on SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper programs, believes the satellite’s reusability could significantly impact the space industry.

The company’s initial mission will launch Delphi aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, conduct a full orbital flight, and return to Earth.

If successful, the team plans to develop a larger production vehicle with improved reusability.

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🔗 Source: TechCrunch

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Reusable satellites represent the next frontier after rockets in the space sustainability journey

Lux Aeterna’s reusable satellite concept follows a clear historical progression in space technology that began with NASA’s Space Shuttle in 1981, which was the first partially reusable spacecraft system1.

SpaceX revolutionized the industry starting in 2015 with its reusable Falcon 9 rocket, which by 2017 had successfully demonstrated the economic viability of rocket stage recovery and reuse, dramatically reducing launch costs2.

While rocket reusability has now become mainstream with companies like Blue Origin following SpaceX’s lead, satellites themselves have remained largely disposable, typically ending their lives by burning up in the atmosphere or being relegated to “graveyard orbits”3.

The satellite industry represents the logical next step in the reusability evolution, as the economic principles that made reusable rockets transformative, such as reducing manufacturing costs and increasing mission frequency, could similarly revolutionize satellite economics.

Lux Aeterna’s approach reflects a growing recognition that space sustainability requires addressing the full lifecycle of space assets, not just their launch vehicles.

2️⃣ Heat shield technology adaptation represents a classic space innovation pattern

Lux Aeterna’s decision to utilize proven heat shield designs from NASA missions reflects a common pattern in space innovation where new companies build upon established technologies rather than reinventing everything4.

NASA’s conical heat shields, which protected spacecraft like the Apollo command modules during atmospheric reentry, demonstrated remarkable effectiveness at managing the extreme temperatures of reentry, which can reach up to 3,000°F (1,650°C)1.

SpaceX followed a similar approach when developing its reusable rockets, initially testing basic concepts with its Grasshopper prototype before gradually incorporating reusability features into operational vehicles2.

The challenge of satellite reentry is particularly demanding, as satellites must survive the same harsh reentry conditions as human spacecraft but with significant size and weight constraints that limit thermal protection options.

This approach of iterative innovation based on proven technologies is critical in the space industry, where the high costs and risks of spaceflight make completely novel designs extraordinarily difficult to finance and certify.

3️⃣ The emerging ecosystem of sustainable space infrastructure

Lux Aeterna’s reusable satellite concept aligns with broader industry efforts to develop a more sustainable space ecosystem, addressing growing concerns about space debris and environmental impact3.

The European Space Agency has set a goal of achieving “space debris neutrality” by 2030, encouraging innovations like biodegradable materials and modular satellite components that can be repaired or upgraded in orbit5.

Several startups are tackling different aspects of space sustainability, including Paladin Space’s reusable in-orbit debris remover and Astroscale’s technologies for satellite end-of-life operations67.

The timing of these developments coincides with growing regulatory attention to space sustainability, as the increasing number of satellites being deployed has raised concerns about orbital congestion and collision risks.

The challenge for Lux Aeterna will be integrating its reusable satellite technology into this evolving ecosystem, where success depends not only on technical performance but also on compatibility with emerging standards and practices for responsible space operations.

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