ISIS - INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS IN SPACE BV

Their core work

ISISpace (Innovative Solutions in Space) is a Dutch SME specializing in small satellite systems, space access solutions, and in-orbit services. They design and develop payload interfaces, small launcher subsystems, and orbital infrastructure components that enable European access to space. Their work spans the full chain from launch vehicle technologies (hybrid propulsion, composite tanks) to on-orbit assembly and robotics, making them a practical engineering partner for missions requiring affordable, modular space hardware.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2015-2016), ISISpace focused on foundational space infrastructure — payload interfaces (PLUGIN) and in-orbit validation (INVEST), establishing themselves as a reliable subsystem provider. From 2020 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward two ambitious domains: European launcher development with specific propulsion and materials work (ENVOL), and in-orbit manufacturing and robotics (PERIOD). This evolution shows a company moving up the value chain from component-level contributions to system-level participation in Europe's strategic space autonomy goals.

ISISpace is positioning itself at the intersection of European launch autonomy and in-orbit servicing — two areas receiving growing EU investment as Europe seeks independent space access.

How they like to work

ISISpace predominantly operates as a participant (4 of 5 projects), contributing specialized engineering expertise to larger consortia rather than leading them. With 34 unique partners across 13 countries, they maintain a broad and diverse network for an SME of their size, suggesting they are valued as a flexible technical contributor that integrates well into varied consortium configurations. Their single coordinator role (INVEST) indicates they can lead when the scope aligns with their core validation expertise, but they prefer to focus on technical delivery.

ISISpace has collaborated with 34 unique partners across 13 countries, building a wide European network that spans major space-faring nations. For an SME with only 5 projects, this breadth signals strong reputation and repeat demand from diverse consortium builders.

What sets them apart

ISISpace occupies a distinctive niche as a Delft-based SME that bridges the gap between small satellite hardware and emerging European launcher and in-orbit servicing programmes. Unlike large primes (Airbus, Thales), they bring SME agility and cost-effectiveness to space missions, while their dual expertise in both launch subsystems and orbital infrastructure makes them unusually versatile. Their location in the Delft aerospace ecosystem (near TU Delft and ESA ESTEC) gives them direct access to talent and institutional partnerships.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ENVOL
  Largest funding (EUR 312,500) and most technically specific — hybrid propulsion and composite tanks for a European small launcher, directly addressing EU strategic space access autonomy.
• INVEST
  Their only coordinator role, focused on in-orbit validation of European space technologies — demonstrates their ability to lead and their core competence in flight-proving hardware.
• PERIOD
  Most forward-looking project — in-space manufacturing, orbital robotics, and the Bartolomeo ISS platform, signaling their move into next-generation orbital services.