Latvian startup Deep Space Energy has closed a €350,000 pre-seed funding round led by Outlast Fund and angel investor Linas Sargautis, former co-founder of NanoAvionics. In addition, the company secured €580,000 in public contracts and grants from the European Space Agency, NATO DIANA, and the Latvian government.
The funding will accelerate development of the company’s novel radioisotope-based power generator, aimed at strengthening Europe’s sovereign space and defence capabilities while enabling future lunar exploration. The technology uses radioisotopes derived from nuclear waste to generate heat through natural decay, which is then converted into electricity. According to founder and CEO Mihails Ščepanskis, the system requires five times less radioisotope fuel than conventional radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) currently used in space.
Initially, Deep Space Energy is targeting high-value, dual-use satellites operating in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO), and Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO). The auxiliary power system is designed to enhance satellite resilience by providing backup energy independent of solar power — critical for military reconnaissance, signal intelligence, and missile early-warning systems. The company emphasises that its generator is not intended for weapons applications.
Looking ahead, Deep Space Energy plans to expand into the emerging lunar economy. The technology is being developed to support long-duration lunar rover missions, particularly during extended lunar nights and operations in permanently shadowed regions. With greater fuel efficiency — requiring approximately 2 kg of Americium-241 to generate 50W of power — the system could significantly reduce mission mass and cost compared to legacy RTGs, potentially accelerating lunar exploration timelines.
Investors say the company’s innovation aligns with Europe’s ambition to strengthen its independent space infrastructure. With growing commercial and strategic interest in lunar and deep-space missions, Deep Space Energy aims to position itself as a foundational energy provider for the next era of space exploration.
