The Exploration Company 獲得 1.6 億美元的 B 輪融資，以重新定義太空物流並加強歐洲在太空探索領域的領導地位

歐洲最大、發展最快的太空技術創新公司 The Exploration Company (TEC) 透過獲得 1.6 億美元的 B 輪融資，達到了歷史性的里程碑。

The Exploration Company (TEC), a European space tech innovator, has secured $160 million in Series B funding. Led by Balderton Capital and Plural, the round marks the largest-ever Series B funding in the European space sector.

歐洲太空技術創新公司 The Exploration Company (TEC) 已獲得 1.6 億美元的 B 輪融資。此輪融資由 Balderton Capital 和 Plural 領投，是歐洲航太領域有史以來規模最大的 B 輪融資。

The capital will be used by TEC to redefine space logistics and bolster Europe's leadership in space exploration. Founded in 2021 by aerospace veterans, including CEO Hélène Huby, TEC has grown rapidly. With this latest funding, TEC's total funding now stands at nearly $230 million, further solidifying its position as a leader in the global space industry.

TEC 將利用這筆資金重新定義太空物流並鞏固歐洲在太空探索領域的領導地位。 TEC 由執行長 Hélène Huby 等航空航天資深人士於 2021 年創立，發展迅速。憑藉這筆最新資金，TEC 的總資金現已接近 2.3 億美元，進一步鞏固了其作為全球航太產業領導者的地位。

At the heart of TEC's operations is the Nyx spacecraft, a modular and reusable vehicle designed to make space exploration more accessible and sustainable. Standing out for its unique combination of affordability, flexibility, and efficiency, the spacecraft can launch from any heavy launcher worldwide, making it truly agnostic and adaptable to the needs of various missions.

TEC 營運的核心是 Nyx 太空船，這是一種模組化、可重複使用的運載工具，旨在使太空探索變得更加容易和可持續。該航天器以其經濟性、靈活性和效率的獨特組合而脫穎而出，可以從世界各地的任何重型發射器發射，使其真正成為不可知論者並適應各種任務的需求。

Its innovative design includes the ability to carry up to 4,000 kilograms of cargo to space and return 3,000 kilograms back to Earth—the largest capacity of its kind. Compared to competitors, Nyx missions are 25% to 50% more cost-efficient, promising to open the space sector to new industries and participants.

其創新設計包括能夠將多達 4,000 公斤的貨物運送到太空，並將 3,000 公斤的貨物返回地球，這是同類產品中最大的運載能力。與競爭對手相比，Nyx 任務的成本效率高出 25% 至 50%，預計將向新產業和參與者開放太空領域。

Sustainability is also a key focus, with Nyx powered by green, non-toxic fuel and designed for reusability and in-orbit refueling. This approach aligns with TEC's mission to prioritize environmental responsibility in space exploration.

永續性也是一個重點，Nyx 由綠色無毒燃料提供動力，專為可重複使用和在軌加油而設計。這種方法符合 TEC 優先考慮太空探索中的環境責任的使命。

Despite its recent establishment, TEC has already achieved remarkable milestones. In 2023, the company became the first European firm to sign a Space Act Agreement with NASA, a testament to its growing international reputation. Additionally, TEC ranked #1 in the European space capsule competition, securing its first major contract with the European Space Agency (ESA).

儘管成立不久，TEC 已經取得了非凡的里程碑。 2023 年，該公司成為第一家與 NASA 簽署《太空法案協議》的歐洲公司，證明了其日益增長的國際聲譽。此外，TEC 在歐洲太空艙競賽中排名第一，獲得了與歐洲太空總署 (ESA) 的第一份重要合約。

Looking ahead, TEC plans to launch its mid-size capsule, Mission Possible, in 2025, which will carry 300 kilograms of payloads into low-Earth orbit. The maiden flight of Nyx Earth is slated for 2028, where it will deliver cargo for the ESA to the International Space Station (ISS). These milestones underscore TEC’s ability to execute with speed and precision.

展望未來，TEC 計劃於 2025 年發射中型太空艙“Missionpossible”，它將攜帶 300 公斤的有效載荷進入近地軌道。 Nyx Earth 預計於 2028 年首次飛行，屆時它將為歐空局向國際太空站 (ISS) 運送貨物。這些里程碑凸顯了 TEC 快速、精確執行的能力。

As the global space logistics market grows—expected to exceed $300 billion over the next decade—TEC is positioning itself as a critical player. The market expansion is driven by the increasing number of space stations, such as Axiom, StarLab, Orbital Reef, and the Lunar Gateway, as well as a renewed focus on lunar and Martian exploration.

隨著全球太空物流市場的成長（預計未來十年將超過 3000 億美元），TEC 將自己定位為關鍵參與者。市場擴張是由 Axiom、StarLab、Orbital Reef 和 Lunar Gateway 等空間站數量的增加以及對月球和火星探索的重新關注所推動的。

Currently, the transportation capabilities for space logistics are concentrated among a few players in the United States, China, and Russia. TEC is stepping in to fill a critical gap, ensuring Europe has the infrastructure to support its space ambitions. With 98% of its shareholders based in Europe, TEC embodies a collaborative, European approach to innovation and exploration.

目前，太空物流的運輸能力集中在美國、中國和俄羅斯的少數參與者手中。 TEC 正在介入填補一個關鍵空白，確保歐洲擁有支持其太空雄心的基礎設施。 TEC 98% 的股東位於歐洲，體現了歐洲的協作創新和探索方法。

The Nyx spacecraft family is designed to meet a wide range of mission requirements, from Earth orbit to lunar destinations. Nyx Earth focuses on low-Earth orbit missions, while Nyx Gateway and Nyx Moon target lunar logistics and last-mile delivery to the lunar surface.

Nyx 太空船系列旨在滿足從地球軌道到月球目的地的廣泛任務要求。 Nyx Earth 專注於近地軌道任務，而 Nyx Gateway 和 Nyx Moon 則致力於月球物流和月球表面最後一英里的交付。

TEC’s proprietary propulsion systems are another cornerstone of its innovation. The Mistral green thrusters run on non-toxic fuel, while the Huracán in-orbit refillable engine utilizes cryogenic liquid methane and liquid oxygen. The high-thrust Typhoon engine further enhances Nyx’s versatility, showcasing TEC's commitment to cutting-edge technology and sustainability.

TEC 專有的推進系統是其創新的另一個基石。米斯特拉爾綠色推進器使用無毒燃料運行，而胡拉坎在軌可再填充引擎則使用低溫液態甲烷和液態氧。高推力 Typhoon 引擎進一步增強了 Nyx 的多功能性，展示了 TEC 對尖端技術和永續發展的承諾。

The Series B funding has attracted a diverse group of investors, including Bessemer Venture Partners, NGP Capital, and sovereign funds like French Tech Souveraineté and DeepTech & Climate Fonds (DTCF). This marks the first time two European sovereign funds have co-invested, reflecting the strategic importance of TEC’s mission.

B 輪融資吸引了多元化的投資者，包括 Bessemer Venture Partners、NGP Capital 以及 French Tech Souveraineté 和 DeepTech & Climate Fonds (DTCF) 等主權基金。這標誌著兩個歐洲主權基金首次共同投資，體現了 TEC 使命的戰略重要性。

Investors have expressed strong confidence in TEC’s potential. David Thévenon, Partner at Balderton Capital, noted, “The Exploration Company is poised to redefine European leadership in space exploration. Their mission promises to unlock unprecedented opportunities for humanity’s future in space.”

投資者對 TEC 的潛力表現出強烈的信心。 Balderton Capital 合夥人 David Thévenon 指出：「探索公司已準備好重新定義歐洲在太空探索領域的領導地位。他們的使命有望為人類未來的太空帶來前所未有的機會。

Emphasizing the importance of Europe’s independence in space, CEO Hélène Huby said, “Space will play a critical role in shaping humanity’s future, and I want to contribute to building a future that is peaceful and cooperative. Our European DNA fits perfectly with this mission.”

執行長 Hélène Huby 強調了歐洲在太空領域獨立的重要性，她表示：「太空將在塑造人類未來方面發揮關鍵作用，我希望為建立一個和平與合作的未來做出貢獻。我們的歐洲基因與這項使命完美契合。

With its innovative spacecraft, ambitious milestones, and strategic European partnerships, TEC is not just building a vehicle but a vision—a future where space exploration is accessible, sustainable, and inclusive. As TEC scales its operations and prepares for upcoming launches, it stands at the forefront of a new era in space exploration. For Europe and the world, The Exploration Company is shaping a transformative path toward the stars.

憑藉其創新的太空船、雄心勃勃的里程碑和歐洲戰略合作夥伴關係，TEC 不僅製造了一種飛行器，而且還創造了一個願景——一個太空探索變得可實現、可持續和包容的未來。隨著 TEC 擴大營運規模並為即將到來的發射做準備，它站在了太空探索新時代的前沿。對歐洲和世界來說，探索公司正在塑造一條通往星空的變革之路。