D-Orbit raises $53M as part of $128M Azimut deal to scale space logistics
What’s the deal? Italian space logistics company D-Orbit has secured $53 million in new funding as part of a larger $128 million investment by Azimut GroupDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. The deal combines fresh capital with a $75 million buyout of an existing investor and marks the first tranche of D-Orbit’s Series D round.
Founded in 2011, D-Orbit provides in-orbit transportation and logistics through its ION Satellite Carrier, which has deployed 137 satellites and hosted 77 payloads across 21 missions. The company raised $168 million in a Series C round in 2024.
Why now? The funding comes as launch bottlenecks ease and competition in low-Earth orbit intensifies. D-Orbit wants to move quickly to secure its position as demand grows for in-orbit transport, servicing, and hybrid satellite services.
The capital will fund acquisitions, expand industrial capacity for ION missions, and support new operational capabilities needed in an increasingly crowded orbital environment.
What could go wrong? Expansion through mergers and acquisitions carries integration risks, especially across borders and regulatory regimes. D-Orbit’s focus on Europe, aligned with European Space AgencyDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → frameworks and EU national security rules, could also slow deal-making.
Scaling hardware-heavy space infrastructure is capital-intensive, and delays in manufacturing or launches could strain cash and supply chains.
The signal: The deal points to consolidation in Europe’s space services market as well-funded players look to build scale. Azimut’s backing shows growing appetite from traditional asset managers for space infrastructure with long-term potential.
D-Orbit’s ambition goes beyond orbit delivery, targeting a multi-orbit and eventually interplanetary logistics network. It reflects a broader shift from launch-centric space startups to platforms focused on services, infrastructure, and sustained orbital operations.
Sources:
SpaceNews
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