Morpheus Space is a company that is spearheading innovation in satellite control systems with both their Journey simulation software as well as their highly efficient GO-2 propulsion system. And Morpheus aims to help as many companies in the commercial space sector get their missions into orbit. The company’s innovations enable satellites to move easily in orbit as well as re-enter orbit at the conclusion of their missions. With the new space race in full swing, Morpheus has big visions for the future of satellite missions. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Morpheus Space CEO Daniel Bock to learn more about the company.
Formation Of Morpheus Space
How did the idea for Morpheus Space come together? Bock said:
“Morpheus Space spun out of research at TU Dresden on the FEEP (Field Emission Electric Propulsion) technology with the aim of addressing the ever more pressing challenges of space mobility that all satellites and spacecraft increasingly face.”
“Current and traditional propulsion alone cannot solve the issues satellite operators face once in orbit. Our orbits are filled with debris, and many satellites are on the path to becoming debris themselves. As more satellites are launched every day, most friendly and some not, space becomes increasingly more congested, contested, and competitive. The need for satellite mobility will continue to increase.”
“With our technology, we offer promising possibilities for more accessibility and sustainability in space.”
Favorite Memory
What has been Bock’s favorite memory working for the company so far? Bock reflected:
“There are many great memories so far. The first tech in orbit demo in 2018 (which was our ignition of founding Morpheus), expanding to the US, closing our funding rounds (more than $30m to date), launch to orbit of first commercial products, the product launch of JOURNEY and most recently the Grand Opening of our production factory “Reloaded” where we produce our new propulsion systems “GO-2” in mass. All that brings us closer to our mission to make space mobility safe and simple.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Bock explained:
“Morpheus Space has developed the GO-2, an electric propulsion system based on the FEEP (Field Emission Electric Propulsion) technology designed for executing maneuvers required by Low Earth Orbit missions while having fuel left to extend the mission lifetime or to de-orbit.”
“At just about 10cm³ in size and weighing 2.7 kg (with full propellant loaded), the GO-2 is a fully self-contained propulsion system offering highly efficient maneuvering. Its modular design makes it scalable to satellites ranging from 6U to 250 kg. The array of 40 emission sites is made up of independent ion thrusters, each housing its own tank with the solid metallic propellant and electronics, designed with reliability in mind.”
“There is a lot more to the GO-2, like its availability. We are currently setting up our new production facility in Dresden, which will mass produce the GO-2, starting with 100 units in its first year. Availability and procurement of propulsion systems have been barriers to mobility long enough.”
“Additionally, we created JOURNEY, our mission planning and system design software, enabling anyone to design and simulate a mission in space in as little as two minutes.”
“Whether you are a total novice or a seasoned systems engineer, JOURNEY is the simplest way to simulate a single mission or a whole constellation of satellites. This makes it a great tool e.g. for decision makers at the early stages of mission planning.”
“JOURNEY also serves as a new space subsystem marketplace, making procurement easy and saving systems engineers weeks of time by finding subsystems that meet the mission requirements. Once a mission is simulated, you can easily compare and filter all qualified propulsion, ADCS, communication, and power systems. With more on the way!”
Challenges Faced
How has Morpheus Space’s technology evolved since launching? Bock noted:
“In 2018, we successfully demonstrated our technology in space for the first time. Four little thrusters were integrated into a 1U CubeSat that offered efficient thrust, which were the World’s first successfully operated thrusters onboard such a tiny spacecraft. It was able to perform real collision avoidance maneuvers as well as raise and decrease the orbit, and propulsion for such small satellites was enabled for the very first time. Following this, we developed our first-generation commercial thrusters, learned a lot, and discovered that we could not make space mobility safe and simple with hardware alone.”
“As the space industry evolved, we began to focus on a blend of software and hardware products that would offer a greater integration of features and approaches to maneuvering in space. One that would address the growing mobility needs of the assets we launch in space today and those we plan to send up in the future.Today, Morpheus Space is set to open its new mass manufacturing facility to produce the GO-2, our powerful second-generation electric propulsion system, while JOURNEY is currently in open beta and free to anyone at: https://www.journey.morpheus.space/signup”
“Our products are designed to help plan out a mission’s mobility throughout its lifetime, ensuring that missions have the capability to execute all necessary maneuvers including a safe deorbit.”
“There are additional premium features coming very soon on JOURNEY. One of these features launching next month is Constellation Designer, a feature that enables the mission planning and simulation of small to very large constellations of satellites.”
“GO-2 and JOURNEY help to address many of the mobility issues satellite operators face while laying the foundation for a better approach to space mobility solutions in the future.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Bock cited:
“We are thrilled to have a series of significant achievements and milestones that highlight our commitment to innovation and redefining space mobility.”
“We successfully demonstrated our Gen 1 propulsion systems in orbit, earning them “Flight Heritage” and used by our customers on more than a dozen satellites until today.”
“Additionally, we executed the first-ever collision avoidance maneuver by a nanosatellite.”
“In a groundbreaking move, we signed the first “Hardware as a Service” (HaaS) subscription for propulsion hardware.”
“Our Series A fundraising in 2022 was another highlight, raising $28 million to fuel our innovation.”
“We also proudly opened our headquarters in Los Angeles in 2021, strategically located in El Segundo, at the heart of the NewSpace and aerospace industry.”
“We’ve developed our second-generation electric propulsion system, GO-2, which is now undergoing rigorous testing and integration for the first launch and will be produced in mass at our new “Reloaded” factory.”
“On March 25th we launched the JOURNEY Open Beta to an amazing reception, securing immediate Requests for Information (RFIs) and attracting a growing number of other subsystem providers, who now actively sell and promote their systems on JOURNEY.”
“These milestones mark an exciting phase of growth and development for our company, reinforcing our position as experts and leaders in space mobility.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Bock affirmed:
“We are dedicated to providing holistic solutions to space mobility challenges. We understand that to solve issues with space mobility we must change the way we think about it.”
“As we add more satellites to Low Earth Orbit, satellite operators need to be more and more mindful of their neighbors. These crowded orbits require the capability to navigate reliably, safely, and sustainably. Just as SpaceX has made getting to orbit as easy as possible, we aim to make mobility in space safe and simple throughout the whole journey from planning to reach orbit to deorbit after mission completion.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future goals? Bock pointed out:
“We would like to see mass adoption of our products so that we can continue to improve them, making them even more intuitive to use and expanding our product offerings to support our customers. The more reputable space professionals that use our products, the larger the impact we will have on the industry as a whole and the better our products will get to make the lives of our customers easier.”
Additional Thoughts
Any other topics you would like to discuss? Bock concluded:
“We opened our first mass production facility for space systems on July 23rd, 2024 in Dresden, Germany. Now Morpheus Space will offer mobility to more missions than ever before. Mobility can ensure all planned maneuvers, collision avoidance, deorbit, and extending mission lifetime.”
