Building fully automated, unmanned space stations that refuel and repair spacecraft in orbit — service stations along the space superhighway. Two breakthrough technologies: cryogenic fuel tanks that store propellant in space for years with zero loss, and modular robotic arms that transfer fuel to any spacecraft design. $86.1M in binding commercial contracts with missions booked for 2029-2030. Aerospace and mechanical engineer with an MEng from the University of Ottawa. Previously led the university's rocketry team — building a high-powered rocket that flew to 30,000 feet. Spaceium (YC S24) raised a $6.3M seed round led by Initialized Capital.
Spaceium builds fully automated space stations that refuel and repair spacecraft in orbit. Think of them as service stations along the space superhighway. They handle both cryogenic and non-cryogenic fuels and serve launch vehicles, orbital transfer vehicles, moon landers, and deep-space spacecraft.
They've built two core technologies. The first is a cryogenic fuel storage system that can hold up to 30 metric tons of fuel for up to 10 years with zero boil-off. The second is a modular robotic arm with built-in fluid and thermal systems that docks with any spacecraft design and transfers fuel at the correct temperature. Their orbital actuator achieved 0.003-degree rotation accuracy on SpaceX's Transporter-15 mission.
Right now, spacecraft have to carry all their fuel from launch, which severely limits how much payload they can carry and how far they can go. Being able to top off in orbit extends mission range to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. It's one of the biggest bottlenecks in deeper space exploration.
Spaceium (YC S24) raised a $6.3M oversubscribed seed round led by Initialized Capital. They have $86.1M in binding commercial contracts with missions booked for 2029-2030 and $230M in pipeline. They also successfully tested their refueling actuator in orbit on SpaceX's Transporter-15 mission.
Ashi Dissanayake (CEO) is an aerospace and mechanical engineer with an MEng from the University of Ottawa. He led the university's rocketry team and built a rocket that flew to 30,000 feet. Reza Fetanat (CTO) specializes in robotics, structures, and cryogenics, and developed 4 rocket engines. They met at university and bonded over their shared obsession with space.
Next up is the first-ever in-orbit cryogenic refueling mission with Space Machines Company. In 2026, they're partnering with The Exploration Company to refuel vehicles for Moon missions. By 2027, they plan to have an automated refueling station operational. The network will expand from LEO to GEO, the Moon, and Mars by 2030.
