Based in Reims (51), Latitude, founded in 2019, is a space sector company that is developing Zephyr, a satellite micro-launcher. The company stands out for its technological innovation and ambitious vision of offering orbital launch services tailored for nanosatellites. Latitude has held two fundraises, including one for €27 million in January 2024, and plans to first launch Zéphyr in 2025.
“Modern space launch vehicles are like buses. They deliver small satellites from point A to point B at predetermined times, without taking into account specific needs. For comparison, we are creating a space taxi service. We will send small satellites to where they need to be at the right time. » Pictured is Kevin Monvoisin, co-founder and head of IT, communications and HR at industrial startup Latitude..
Since 2019, 112 employees of approximately ten different nationalities have been developing Marshmallow. This launch vehicle, complementing such giants as SpaceX or Ariane, will be able to launch up to one hundred kilograms into orbit from 2025. The company’s goal is to double this capacity by 2028.
Reduce the time between production and launch into orbit
Once in orbit, these small satellites will be deployed for Earth observation, meteorology, maritime surveillance against illegal fishing and piracy, as well as agricultural applications and pollutant detection. ” Our goal is to reduce the time between manufacturing a satellite and launching it into orbit. Currently it is eighteen to twenty-four months. During these two years, the satellites do not generate income for the company that ordered them. Significant financial losses.”
European Space Agency as a launch pad
Another area at the heart of European sovereignty: defence. “Satellites are prime targets for attacks and cyberattacks. You should be able to quickly restart it without depending on foreign companies. »
In this regard, Latitude can count on the support of the European Space Agency (ESA), whose incubator it joined in 2020. Most recently, director Josef Aschbacher visited its premises. “ESA provides us with valuable technical assistance.” In particular, the first plans were approved, which made it possible to raise funds in 2022 (10 million euros) and 2024 (27 million euros).
Funding programs can also support a startup, particularly by financing the purchase of airline tickets. The goal is to ” promote business development through contracts and trade rather than subsidies. Receiving Continental Agency approval will strengthen our ability to secure new contracts. »
Winning new contracts to fly to the Moon is Latitude’s boundless ambition.
Kevin Monvoisin (left) and Stanislas Maximin (right), co-founders of Latitude
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