The Exploration Company (TEC) is democratizing access to space by building Nyx, a modular, reusable, and in-orbit refillable orbital vehicle. Nyx launches from any heavy launcher worldwide to safely and affordably transport cargo to and from space stations in low-Earth orbit and beyond, with future capabilities for crewed missions. The company’s innovative approach combines launch vehicle agnosticism, competitive pricing at €20,000 per kg for LEO missions, and open interfaces that enable both space and non-space companies to leverage their technology for new applications.
Founded in 2021 by aerospace veteran Hélène Huby, TEC has rapidly grown into one of Europe’s fastest-growing space companies, raising €196.8 million in funding and securing landmark contracts with ESA, Axiom Space, and Starlab Space. The company achieved a significant milestone with its "Mission Possible" re-entry demonstration flight in June 2025, validating its carbon-based thermal protection system. As the first European company to sign a Space Act Agreement with NASA, TEC is positioned to serve the growing commercial space station market with Nyx Earth missions starting in 2026, followed by Nyx Gateway to the Lunar Gateway and Nyx Moon for lunar surface operations by 2028. With approximately 400 employees across Germany, France, and Italy, The Exploration Company is building a globally cooperative future in space where spacecraft serve as accessible, sustainable logistics platforms for stations and exploration missions alike.