AULE SPACE SELECTS DAWN SATDRIVE PROPULSION FOR DOCKING DEMONSTRATION MISSION
Updated: 3 days ago
DELFT, Netherlands — September 9, 2026 — Dawn Aerospace has signed a commercial contract with in-orbit servicing company Aule Space. Under the agreement, Dawn will deliver a customized SatDrive propulsion system for Aule’s upcoming Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD) demonstration mission.
This contract marks the formalization of their partnership, transitioning from a recently signed memorandum of understanding to a binding hardware contract. The collaboration highlights the critical role of high-performance, responsive propulsion in enabling the next generation of in-orbit robotic servicing.
Aule Space's mission focuses on its autonomous "jetpack" satellite, engineered to provide life extension, on-orbit inspection, and debris mitigation services. This demonstration mission will showcase non-cooperative docking, where Aule's vehicle will autonomously rendezvous and dock with a target satellite that does not offer any cooperative docking interface or active RPO assistance.
Dawn’s propulsion system, which utilizes nitrous oxide and propene, will provide the Aule vehicle with the necessary performance to execute these complex maneuvers safely, as maneuvering close to other spacecraft during RPOD operations demands precision, rapid response times, and reliable propulsion.
"When executing a non-cooperative docking, there is zero room for error. We are proud to provide our flight-proven SatDrive technology to give Aule's 'jetpack' the precise, high-trust control required to make this complex mission a success,” said Jeroen Wink, co-founder and CRO at Dawn Aerospace.
Almost every satellite in orbit today was built without any provisions for docking and servicing. Servicing these existing satellites, rather than waiting for a generation designed for it, requires Aule’s chaser to approach, align with, and securely capture the passive target satellite. Aule has selected Dawn’s high-heritage, high-performance propulsion system to meet such highly demanding maneuvering requirements.
"Dawn brings the flight heritage and a credible team we wanted behind this mission," said Jay Panchal, CEO of Aule Space. "Dawn’s responsive system will give our demonstration vehicle the precise control required for rendezvous and docking. With their upcoming in-space refueling network, we can move closer to a truly reusable and serviceable fleet."
Delivery of Dawn’s propulsion system is scheduled ahead of Aule's planned RPOD demonstration mission, paving the way for a new era of circular, sustainable logistics in low Earth orbit (LEO) powered by Aule’s jetpack technology.
For more information on SatDrive propulsion, visit
About Dawn Aerospace
Dawn Aerospace is a space transportation company developing technologies that enable more frequent access to space and greater mobility once there. Founded in 2017, Dawn Aerospace has over 130 staff across the Netherlands, France, New Zealand, and the United States. The company operates two core programs: a flight-proven spaceplane program and an in-space mobility program encompassing satellite propulsion and on-orbit refueling. Dawn’s propulsion systems are currently operating aboard 55 satellites, while Loop, it’s refueling network, is being developed to allow spacecraft to refuel in orbit, maneuver more freely, and remain operational for longer.
About Aule Space
Aule Space is a deep-tech space robotics company building the "maintenance layer" for the orbital economy. Based in Bengaluru, India, Aule develops compact, autonomous "jetpack" satellites designed to physically dock with existing spacecraft including legacy satellites never originally built for servicing to take over station-keeping, provide life extension, and assist with active debris mitigation.
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