Private Equity Firm Acquires Exolaunch in First Space Sector Investment
EQT X Takes Stake in German Satellite Deployment and Mission Management Company
Stockholm-based private equity firm EQT has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Exolaunch, a Germany-based global leader in satellite deployment technology and launch mission management services, in what marks the investment giant’s first foray into the space sector.
“With EQT’s backing, we’re moving from being the trusted name in deployment to building the backbone of the entire launch ecosystem.”
Dr. Robert Sproles, Exolaunch
The acquisition is being made through EQT’s X fund, with the transaction expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2026. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded by Dmitriy Sternharz, Exolaunch has deployed more than 790 satellites across 47 missions for more than 200 commercial and government customers from North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The company offers satellite deployment hardware, launch program planning, end-to-end mission management, launch capacity procurement, satellite integration, testing, logistics and orbital deployment — positioning itself as a one-stop shop for customers accessing orbit.
Exolaunch has maintained a strategic relationship with SpaceX since 2020, participating in every Falcon 9 Transporter and Bandwagon rideshare mission since those programs began. The company recently secured its first dedicated Falcon 9 launches — missions designated Exo-1 and Exo-2 — scheduled for 2027 and 2028.
“At Exolaunch, we transform the complex task of launch campaigns into seamless and affordable experiences for our customers,” said Dr. Robert Sproles, Chief Executive Officer of Exolaunch. “With EQT’s backing, we’re moving from being the trusted name in deployment to building the backbone of the entire launch ecosystem — expanding our technology, our services and our global reach to become the definitive partner for access to space.”
EQT said it plans to support Exolaunch’s international expansion, product innovation and new service offerings across the space value chain, including development of new satellite launch and deployment technologies and expansion of both dedicated and rideshare launch offerings. Nils Ketter, Partner and Head of Industrial Technology in the EQT Private Equity advisory team, cited growing demand for connectivity, Earth observation and orbital computing as key growth areas.
Sternharz, who is selling his ownership stake, traced Exolaunch’s origins to his time in the Aerospace Department at the Technical University of Berlin. “What began as a passion for space has grown into a leading global provider of satellite launch and deployment services,” he said.
Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE served as exclusive financial advisor to Sternharz, with DLA Piper UK LLP as legal counsel. Milbank LLP served as legal counsel to EQT.