InfinAstro, officially Beijing Infinity Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd., a Chinese startup, has received tens of millions of yuan (approximately $3 million to $13 million) in angel round financing. The funding round, led by Unity Ventures and InnoAngel Fund, will propel the development of InfinAstro's "space bus" series of orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs).
These OTVs are designed to provide last-mile logistics for satellite deployment, placing payloads into precise orbits after launch vehicle separation. InfinAstro aims to significantly improve this process, claiming its technology can slash deployment costs by up to 66 percent and reduce orbital insertion time by roughly 85 percent.
The company's ambitious goal is to offer services across altitudes ranging from 200 to 36,000 kilometers. This includes enabling multi-satellite deployment across various orbits, conducting multi-satellite rideshare missions, and making the entire deployment process more efficient and accurate. "After this round of financing, the company will accelerate the development of the Space Bus Type I product and the production of the first flight product," stated Li Jian, InfinAstro founder and CEO. "Through the orbital transfer capability of the Space Bus, we will make up for the shortcomings of the industry’s space transportation services, promote the innovative development of on-orbit services, and accelerate the closed loop of the space economy ecosystem."
InfinAstro has already achieved a significant milestone, successfully completing a ground hot fire test of its Space Bus IH-1's flight state power system. While specific timelines for further tests and orbital flights remain undisclosed, the company's long-term vision encompasses satellite life extension, spacecraft reentry, and payload delivery to geostationary orbit, the moon, and even Mars. The company's core team comprises individuals with backgrounds in China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), showcasing a strong connection to China's established space program.
InfinAstro's emergence highlights the growing global trend toward in-space logistics and satellite servicing, and its role in China's expanding commercial space sector, a sector receiving significant government backing to fuel high-tech growth. This investment underscores the country's commitment to making its mark in the competitive global space industry.