Ukrainian space startup attracts $4M in investment.

Kurs Orbital, founded by Ukrainian space industry veterans, has raised $4M to accelerate the commercialization of its satellite maintenance technology. Based in Turin, Italy, Kurs Orbital led the seed round by European venture capital firm OTB Ventures with participation from Credo Ventures, Galaxia, In-Q-Tel, and Inovo. Kurs Orbital plans to use the funds to expand its team, which currently consists of 11 people.

The company is developing an ARCap module that can be integrated into any spacecraft. It is capable of docking with satellites in orbit and does not require additional equipment on the satellites. Kurs Orbital plans to launch the first ARCap module into space in 2025.

The startup will help satellite operators save money. Large telecommunications satellites in geostationary orbit cost between $300M and $500M.