HelicitySpace
Overview
Helicity Space is a commercial space company founded in 2018, based in Pasadena, California. It specializes in developing in-space propulsion and power technology using fusion power. The company was co-founded by Setthivoine You, Marta Calvo, and Stephane Lintner. With its innovative Helicity Drive, the company aims to revolutionize space travel with safer, faster, and more efficient deep-space transports. As of late 2023, Helicity Space successfully raised a $5 million seed funding round, supported by investors such as Airbus Ventures, TRE Ventures, and Voyager Space Holdings.
Recent Developments
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April 2024: Helicity Space secured an undisclosed investment from Lockheed Martin Ventures. This strategic partnership will provide Helicity with the opportunity to collaborate closely with Lockheed's engineers and further advance in the space transportation sector. The investment highlights the field's maturity and lends credibility to Helicity's technology.
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December 2023: Helicity closed its $5 million seed funding round, attracting investments from Airbus Ventures, TRE Ventures, Voyager Space Holdings, E2MC Space, Urania Ventures, and Gaingels. The funds are intended to advance their proprietary Helicity Drive technology, which includes scalable fusion propulsion engines.
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January 2025: Helicity was featured in NASA's list of NIAC (NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts) awardees for a project proposing a constellation of spacecraft powered by their Helicity Drive. This project aims to explore the heliosphere and beyond, highlighting Helicity as a potential key player in future space exploration.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Pasadena, California |
| Founders | Setthivoine You, Marta Calvo, Stephane Lintner |
| Industry | Space Propulsion Technology |
| Key Investors | Airbus Ventures, Lockheed Martin, Voyager Space |
Early History
Helicity Space was founded in 2018 by a highly experienced team including Setthivoine You, a specialist in plasma physics, and Marta Calvo, who brought her expertise from Aerojet Rocketdyne. Stephane Lintner contributed his analytical skills from his tenure at Goldman Sachs. Initially, the company operated in stealth mode, focusing on refining its fusion propulsion technology concept. The early years were dedicated to research and development, with significant input from high-caliber advisors affiliated with prominent research institutions.
Company Profile and Achievements
Helicity Space leverages a technological innovation known as the Helicity Drive, which uses advanced plasma physics for fusion propulsion. The company’s proprietary technology is designed to reduce space travel times drastically, potentially reducing a trip to Mars to a few months. Over the years, Helicity has achieved the following milestones:
- 2023: Raised $5 million, marking a significant milestone to develop proof-of-concept for their propulsion system.
- 2024: Secured additional investment from Lockheed Martin Ventures, enhancing their R&D capabilities.
- 2025: Partnership with NASA as a part of the NIAC program to fund innovative space exploration concepts.
Current Operations and Market Position
Helicity Space remains at the forefront of fusion propulsion technology, aiming to lead the market for deep-space exploration vehicles. By focusing on spacecraft propulsion rather than terrestrial applications, they maintain a unique market position. Helicity’s work includes ongoing R&D to validate their technology, with plans to demonstrate their first full fusion propulsion drive by 2032. Their collaborations with major aerospace investors and institutions further reinforce their position as a leader in this technological niche.
Conclusion
Helicity Space's advancement in fusion propulsion technology positions it as a potentially transformative player within the space industry. The company's trajectory is set towards enabling faster space travel and supporting future interplanetary missions. With their strong investor backing and strategic partnerships, Helicity is well-placed to develop practical applications for its technology, which could significantly impact space exploration over the coming decades.