Key facts
- Argotec raised €50 million (about $55.8 million) in a funding round led by NUO Space S.p.A., the space-focused arm of a Milan-based private equity firm.
- Argotec plans to increase its annual satellite production capacity from 52 to 80 satellites per year with the new funding.
- Argotec will use part of the funding to improve edge computing and onboard data processing capabilities for its satellites.
- The funding will also support the expansion of Argotec’s artificial intelligence (AI) offerings for satellite applications.
Argotec raised €50 million, or about $55.8 million, in a funding round led by NUO Space S.p.A., Payload reported. NUO Space is the space-focused arm of a private equity firm based in Milan. Payload said the funding aims to accelerate Argotec’s expansion of small-satellite manufacturing capacity.
Payload said the company plans to increase annual satellite production capacity from 52 to 80 satellites per year with the new funding. Argotec will use part of the investment to improve edge computing (processing data on board) and onboard data processing capabilities for its satellites.
The funding will also support the expansion of Argotec’s artificial intelligence offerings for satellite applications. Argotec will accelerate integration processes at its Florida factory, which opened in 2026.
The company will grow its telecom and radio frequency (RF) facility in California with the funding. Argotec is preparing to raise a larger follow-on funding round to pursue more ambitious commercial opportunities. Payload described the current round as an initial down payment toward this larger fundraising effort.
Argotec founder and Chief Executive David Avino stated that the funding will accelerate the company’s industrial roadmap, strengthen its international market presence, and consolidate its technological leadership. Avino said the funding is the first step toward even more ambitious commercial opportunities for the company.
Argotec is working on Italy’s Hawk for Earth Observation (HEO) Earth imaging constellation program. Argotec participates in ESA’s Heliospheric Pioneer program, which aims to collect space-weather measurements and defend against interplanetary threats. Payload said the Heliospheric Pioneer program focuses on advancing space-weather monitoring and threat defense.
The company is participating in JAXA and ISRO’s LUPEX mission, which aims to search for lunar water. Payload said LUPEX is a collaborative effort between JAXA and ISRO to explore lunar resources, including water ice. Argotec has built two microsatellites that flew on NASA’s DART and Artemis I missions.
Argotec specializes in building small satellites up to 350 kg in weight. Argotec began in 2008.
Join the discussion