May 19, 2026
Each quarter, our team at neuco takes a closer look at the Satellite, Space & Defence landscape to highlight companies we believe are making a significant impact across the industry.
These selections are shaped by ongoing conversations with industry leaders, market activity, and the wider developments we’re seeing every day across the sector. From funding rounds and expansion plans to innovation, strategic hires, new products and partnerships, we look at the signals pointing towards momentum and long-term influence.
Of course, this is subjective. There are many businesses doing exceptional things across the market, but these are the companies that have particularly caught our attention heading into Q2 2026.
The Q2 2026 Companies in Focus
With defence spending, private investment and commercial innovation continuing to accelerate across the sector, these are the businesses we feel are worth watching closely this quarter.
Orbit Fab
As on-orbit servicing continues to gather pace, Orbit Fab appears to be moving from promise towards commercial scale.
In March, the company announced a $20 million Series B funding round alongside a leadership transition, with founder Daniel Faber stepping back from day-to-day operations as the business prepares for its next stage of growth. Orbit Fab also strengthened its strategic positioning through collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space on satellite refuelling initiatives.
Together, these developments place Orbit Fab at the centre of a market increasingly focused on satellite longevity, manoeuvrability and mission resilience.
ISPTech
Momentum is continuing to build around ISPTech following the announcement of a €5.5 million seed round aimed at accelerating its in-orbit manoeuvring technology.
The funding is expected to support manufacturing expansion, infrastructure testing and future commercial deployment, giving the business a stronger platform as demand grows for efficient and reliable propulsion systems.
As the market increasingly prioritises orbital agility, congestion management and mission flexibility, ISPTech’s progress reflects growing investor confidence in propulsion-focused specialists.
Quantum Systems
Few businesses are combining growth and strategic depth quite like Quantum Systems right now.
In quick succession, the company secured a €150 million European financing package, acquired Hacker Motor to strengthen sovereign supply chains, and landed a significant interceptor drone contract linked to Ukraine’s air defence requirements.
That combination of funding, vertical integration and operational demand points towards a company scaling with clear intent, while also reflecting the broader shift towards European defence technology groups controlling more of the value chain internally.
D-Orbit
D-Orbit continues to demonstrate why space logistics is becoming one of the industry’s most important battlegrounds.
The business recently announced its 22nd commercial ION mission, secured a €110 million investment led by Azimut, and was selected by ESA as prime contractor for MORPH, an on-orbit satellite refurbishment mission.
These developments highlight both execution and ambition, with D-Orbit continuing to expand into infrastructure and servicing capabilities that are increasingly critical for sustainable and scalable orbital operations.
ClearSpace
A major step forward came for ClearSpace with the launch of PRELUDE alongside ESA, a programme designed to bridge the gap between demonstration missions and operational in-orbit services.
With launch targeted for 2027, the programme strengthens Europe’s wider push towards more responsible and commercially viable space operations.
As governments and agencies continue to prioritise orbital sustainability and security, ClearSpace is helping shape a market where debris removal and in-orbit servicing become essential parts of mission planning.
Robin Radar Systems
Robin Radar Systems continues to strengthen its defence positioning through both partnership and deployment activity.
The company recently partnered with DroneShield to integrate its IRIS 3D counter-UAS radar technology into a wider defence ecosystem, while also confirming support for counter-drone operations during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The increasing importance of radar-led drone detection across defence, homeland security and major event protection is creating significant momentum in this area, and Robin Radar Systems is positioning itself firmly within that conversation.
MDA Space
MDA Space is continuing to sharpen its defence strategy with the launch of 49North, a dedicated Canadian defence business focused on multi-domain and mission-critical capabilities.
The move expands the company’s strategic footprint at a time when sovereign capability is becoming increasingly central to defence procurement and national priorities.
Combined with its growing capital markets profile, MDA Space appears to be aligning scale with specialisation as larger space players adapt to rising security demand.
Telesat
Defence demand is clearly shaping the next phase of growth for Telesat.
The company is adding 500 MHz of military Ka-band spectrum to its Lightspeed constellation, secured a position on the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s SHIELD IDIQ contract, and signed a strategic agreement with Hanwha.
These developments reinforce how commercial LEO infrastructure is increasingly being aligned with sovereign and defence priorities, particularly around secure and resilient connectivity.
Vast
Momentum continues to grow around Vast as commercial space stations move closer towards operational reality.
The company recently secured $500 million in new funding to accelerate production of its Haven stations, while also being selected by NASA for a future private astronaut mission to the ISS.
That combination of investment and validation strengthens Vast’s position within a strategically important market spanning commercial platforms, future exploration and defence-related infrastructure.
Final Thoughts
With investment, innovation and defence priorities continuing to shape the future of the industry, these are the companies that have stood out most to our team heading into Q2 2026.
That said, there are many organisations across Satellite, Space & Defence doing incredible work and driving meaningful change across the market.
If you are part of a company doing exciting things in the sector, we would love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out to the team at hello@neuco-group.com and tell us why you believe your organisation is helping shape the future of the industry.
Article brought to you by neuco, global specialists in recruitment and executive search across Satellite, Space & Defence.
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