MADRID, Spain, and LUDWIGSBURG, Germany, 11/08/2026 – IENAI Space and ISPTech have signed an agreement to develop Europe's first multi-mode propulsion system designed to give defence and commercial satellites uncompromised space mobility by combining rapid maneuvering capability with long-duration operational efficiency.

The joint system will combine ISPTech’s HIP_11 chemical propulsion technology with IENAI Space’s ATHENA electrospray electric propulsion family. By bringing these two proven propulsion approaches together, the companies aim to remove one of the central trade-offs in spacecraft design: choosing between high thrust for fast maneuvers and high efficiency for long mission life.

Today, satellite operators need to compromise. Chemical propulsion can deliver the thrust required for rapid orbit changes, collision avoidance, responsive repositioning, or rendezvous operations, but typically consumes more propellant. Electric propulsion is highly efficient and well suited for station keeping, orbit maintenance, and end-of-life disposal, but usually performs maneuvers over longer periods of time. As satellites become more maneuverable and orbital environments increasingly dynamic, spacecraft operators require propulsion systems capable of both immediate response and efficient long-term operation. The multi-mode system is designed to give operators access to both modes within one propulsion architecture. This would allow a spacecraft to use chemical propulsion when time matters and electric propulsion when efficiency matters.

For defence and security missions, the system provides the ability to react to changing conditions in orbit without sacrificing long-term persistence, providing ultimate mission flexibility across changing operational scenarios. Operators can perform responsive maneuvers when required, protect high-value assets, maintain positional advantage, and adapt to evolving mission requirements while preserving propellant for extended operations. Commercial satellite operators benefit from faster orbit raising, earlier service start, more efficient station keeping, and improved compliance with increasingly stringent end-of-life disposal requirements. For in-orbit servicing, refueling, and orbital transfer vehicles, the architecture enables a broader mission envelope, combining rapid transfers, rendezvous, and repositioning with the efficiency needed to conduct multiple operations over extended periods.

The planned architecture is designed for alll spacecraft, including small satellites, agile platforms, servicing vehicles, and transfer systems. By sharing tanks, feed systems, and compatible propellants, the architecture is expected to reduce propellant mass requirements by up to 20% while lowering system complexity compared to separate chemical and electric propulsion systems.

Rather than developing an entirely new propulsion technology, the partnership combines two independently proven propulsion systems into a single operational architecture. ISPTech’s HIP_11 propulsion technology has successfully completed multiple hot-fire campaigns in collaboration with ESA and DLR. IENAI Space is preparing three in-orbit demonstrations of its ATHENA technology in 2026, including one ATHENA NANO system currently at the launchpad aboard the Isar Aerospace Spektrum rocket.

Both companies will first define the joint system architecture and applicable mission envelopes before moving into engineering work on the shared feeding and propulsion architecture. A first mission opportunity is targeted before 2029.

“We founded IENAI Space to give satellites full mobility once they reach orbit,” said Daniel Pérez Grande, CEO and co-founder of IENAI Space. “Chemical propulsion delivers the impulse needed for fast maneuvers. Electric propulsion delivers the efficiency needed for long-duration operations. By combining both, we can give spacecraft the agility to react and the endurance to last.”

“Europe needs sovereign space mobility,” said Lukas Werling, CEO and co-founder of ISPTech. “The next generation of spacecraft will need to move more often, react faster, and remain operational for longer. Together with IENAI, we are combining two proven propulsion technologies into one uncompromised architecture. It is a direct step toward making true multi-mode mobility available to customers.”

By combining chemical and electric propulsion in one system, IENAI Space and ISPTech aim to provide satellite operators with a more flexible propulsion stack for the missions now emerging across commercial, institutional, and defence markets. As orbital operations become more dynamic, satellites will increasingly need propulsion systems that support both immediate response and efficient long-term presence.

About IENAI

IENAI SPACE is building an end-to-end in-space mobility platform combining electric propulsion (ATHENA) and mission-level software (360) to address one of the last non-commoditized segments of satellite manufacturing: in-space mobility. As the satellite manufacturing market accelerates, IENAI is targeting clear gaps in commercial propulsion solutions for <100 kg satellites and a disruption opportunity in the 100–500 kg class. The company is scheduled to carry out three in-orbit demos of ATHENA in 2026 (with renowned satellite integrators such as Endurosat, ISISpace or FOSSA Systems -one currently at the launchpad aboard the ISAR 2 rocket-), and is focused on growing its user base for its 360 Mission and Space Mobility Analysis tool.

About IspTech

InSpacePropulsion Technologies (ISPTech) is pioneering a new era of space mobility - delivering mobility solutions for every spacecraft and every mission. As spin-off from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the company offers cost-effective, robust and quickly available in-space propulsion solutions based on more than 10 years of R&D. ISPTechs two technologies - HyNOx and HIP_11 - serve every spacecraft from small CubeSats to large landers and capsules. The propulsion technologies are designed to meet the growing demand for reliable and economical propulsion systems in the rapidly growing space market.