K2 Space, founded in 2022, is a satellite manufacturer focused on producing large, high-capacity "Mega Class" satellite buses designed for multi-orbit functionality, including LEO and MEO. They aim to offer these high-powered satellites at a lower cost compared to existing options, targeting both government and commercial applications. K2 Space has a contract with the U.S. Space Force for a 2026 mission named "Gravitas" to demonstrate its satellite's capabilities and is developing key components in-house, such as electric propulsion systems, flight computers and solar arrays. Key partners include the U.S. Space Force, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Altimeter Capital. Associated keywords: satellite manufacturing, mega-class satellites, MEO, electric propulsion, Space Force, Gravitas mission.
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Satellite operator SES announced a strategic partnership with K2 Space to test a software-defined payload during multiple pathfinder missions in 2026 and 2027.
K2 Space is building a true multi-orbit satellite capable of operating in LEO, MEO, and GEO.
K2 Space announced plans for a three-orbit demonstration mission.
K2 Space's multi-orbit capability is made possible by its power, propulsion, and radiation tolerant design.
K2 Space aims to offer its Mega Class satellite bus at a price point of about $15 million, a level typically seen in smaller satellite systems.
K2 Space secured a $30,000,000 contract from the U.S. Space Force to launch its first Mega Class satellite.
K2 Space’s proprietary electric propulsion system will transport the Gravitas satellite from LEO to a medium Earth orbit altitude of approximately 12,0 m.
Large, high-powered satellite bus platforms like K2 Space’s Mega bus can serve defense applications including space domain awareness, communications, and navigation systems.
K2 Space expects orbit raising for the Gravitas satellite to be completed in under three months.
K2 Space raised $50,000,000 in February 2025.
K2 Space signed its first commercial contract with an undisclosed customer described as a large telecommunications operator to study development of a next-generation satellite constellation using K2 Space’s bus.
K2 Space plans to move into the new 180,000-square-foot Torrance facility in the fourth quarter of 2025 and start scaling up production there by the third quarter of 2026.
K2 Space’s production goal for the Torrance mass production facility is to produce 50 satellites per year.
K2 Space expects continued demand for the Mega Class after Starship is flying, with the Mega Class capable of launching 50 units at a time on Starship.
The Hall effect thruster developed by K2 Space will use up to 20 kilowatts of power, about four times higher power than any Hall effect thruster flown to date.
K2 Space had 50 employees after the funding round and plans to grow to 90 employees by the end of the year and 130 employees by this time next year.
K2 Space received a $3,800,000 Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) award from the Space Development Agency and Space Systems Command’s Space Domain Awareness & Combat Power program executive office.
K2 Space presented a business case example using a bus with 20 kilowatts of power at $15,000,000 per satellite for next-generation constellations.
K2 Space will launch its first satellite in 2025 on SpaceX’s Transporter-12 rideshare mission planned for October.
K2 Space signed a lease on a 180,000-square-foot mass production facility in Torrance, California, which is 12 times the size of its current Torrance facility.