Arkadia Space: Green Propulsion Systems for Flexible Space Operations

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As satellite missions become more complex and sustainability considerations gain importance, propulsion systems are evolving beyond traditional approaches. Conventional propellants often involve significant handling complexity, particularly in the case of hydrazine-based systems, where high toxicity drives strict safety protocols and elevated operational costs. At the same time, new mission profiles require greater flexibility and precision. Arkadia Space develops propulsion systems based on high-test peroxide (HTP), designed to support a wide range of in-orbit operations. The company focuses on combining performance, operational simplicity, and reduced environmental impact. By reintroducing and advancing peroxide-based propulsion, Arkadia aims to provide versatile thruster solutions for orbital maneuvering, control, and end-of-life operations across different spacecraft classes.

Technology and Product

Arkadia Space develops both monopropellant and bipropellant thrusters based on high-test peroxide (up to 98% H₂O₂). Its bipropellant systems combine HTP with a proprietary in-house developed fuel, while its monopropellant architecture leverages HTP for simplified system design. Its propulsion portfolio includes the ARIEL 250N thruster, designed for reaction control, apogee maneuvers, and deorbiting operations. The system supports both high-frequency pulsed operation for precise attitude control and sustained burns for longer maneuvers. Features include cold-start capability, multi-restart operation, and relatively long firing durations, enabling flexible mission profiles. By using HTP as propellant, the architecture aims to reduce handling complexity while maintaining reliable performance across a range of spacecraft applications.

Arkadia’s ARIEL monopropellant thruster uses high-test peroxide to enable precise attitude control and orbital maneuvers (© Arkadia Space)

Industrial Fit and Applications

As spacecraft require more adaptable propulsion capabilities, systems must cover a broader range of mission phases. Arkadia’s thrusters are designed for orbital transfer, attitude control, proximity operations, and controlled deorbiting. According to the company, the technology can be integrated into satellites, launch vehicles, and re-entry systems, supporting both primary and secondary propulsion roles. Typical use cases include constellation maneuvering, collision avoidance, and end-of-life disposal. The approach is especially relevant in missions requiring a balance between operational flexibility, reliability, and simplified ground handling of propulsion systems.

Firing of the ARIEL thruster system during hot-fire testing to evaluate thrust performance (© Arkadia Space)

Founding Team

Arkadia Space was founded in 2020 by Francho García (CEO), Ismael Gutiérrez (CTO), Sergio Soler (CFO), and Francisco Espinosa (Director of Mechanical Engineering), a team of former PLD Space engineers. The founders bring experience across propulsion development, test operations, control systems, and mechanical design, with backgrounds spanning both the space and industrial sectors.