B2 – Upper Intermediate
Spain’s Kreios Space, a pioneering SpaceTech startup based in Vigo, has secured €8 million in the largest European investment yet for very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellite technology. The funding round, led by the NATO Innovation Fund and JOIN Capital, will accelerate the development of Kreios’ groundbreaking air-breathing plasma propulsion system and support the launch of its first two satellites into orbit.
Founded in 2021, Kreios Space is redefining satellite propulsion with its Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) system, which uses atmospheric air instead of traditional onboard fuel. This innovation enables satellites to operate closer to Earth for extended periods, providing sharper imaging, faster broadband connectivity, and new opportunities for defence, climate monitoring, and disaster response — thereby strengthening Europe’s independence and leadership in the global space sector.
Read this article and learn more about the project.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “seed round” mean? “The Seed round was led by the NATO Innovation Fund and Berlin-based JOIN Capital, with participation from Grow Venture Partners, Xesgalicia, and Tasivia Global.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “sovereign broadband communication” mean? “Meanwhile, the potential for resilient, sovereign broadband communications could transform connectivity for remote regions, emergency response, and military operations.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “direct-to-device broadband” mean? “By bringing satellites closer to Earth, they enable high-resolution imaging and direct-to-device broadband at an entirely new level – capabilities vital for European security.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What is Kreios Space, and what recent achievement has it made?
- How might Kreios Space’s innovation change global space competition?
- Do you think VLEO satellites could replace traditional ones in the future? Why or why not?
- What risks might investors face when funding new space technologies?
- Do you think space innovation should be a priority for governments? Why or why not?