Render of Muon Space climate-monitoring satellite in low-Earth orbit. Credit: Muon Space

WASHINGTON — Muon Space, a Silicon Valley-based startup developing small satellites for Earth monitoring and other applications, announced Aug. 5 it has secured $56.7 million in Series B funding. 

The fundraising round was led by Activate Capital, with participation from Acme Capital and existing investors Costanoa Ventures, Radical Ventures, and Congruent Ventures.

The company said it plans to use the new capital to accelerate the development of its Halo low-Earth orbit satellite platform and scale operations. 

Muon Space reported it has secured over $100 million in committed customer contracts in 2024 for its smallsats. 

Coinciding with the funding announcement, Muon Space revealed a new agreement with aerospace and defense contractor Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to produce three satellites for SNC’s Vindlér commercial radio-frequency remote sensing system. The first Vindler satellites are scheduled for launch in 2025.

Gregory Smirin, president of Muon Space, said the Series B funding round “underscores investors’ confidence in Muon Space’s technology and market potential. With this capital raise, Muon Space plans to scale its operations, expand its product offerings, and continue to pioneer advancements in space-based sensing and analytics.”

The satellites for SNC’s Vindlér system will be used to detect and geo-locate specific objects from low-Earth orbit based on targeted radio frequency emissions. SNC partnered with Spire Global to launch the first four satellites of the planned Vindler constellation.

Muon Space in May announced an agreement with the nonprofit Earth Fire Alliance to build a constellation focused on wildfire prevention and monitoring. 

Sandra Erwin writes about military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. She has covered the military, the Pentagon, Congress and the defense industry for nearly two decades as editor of NDIA’s National Defense...