Siemens Software Aids Reusable Spacecraft Development
Munich-based startup The Exploration Company aims to reduce complexity and accelerate engineering with Siemens Xcelerator
Published July 21, 2026
The Exploration Company has adopted software from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio to speed the development of its reusable space systems (Image credit: The Exploration Company)
European aerospace industry startup The Exploration Company is using software from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio to decrease design complexity and accelerate its engineering processes. Founded in 2021 in Gauting near Munich, The Exploration Company develops reusable, launcher-agnostic space systems, including the Nyx spacecraft family and high-performance rocket propulsion systems, designed to transport cargo – and eventually crew – to destinations in Earth orbit and beyond.
“The future of aerospace will be defined by companies that combine speed, innovation and engineering precision at scale,” said Edwin Severijn, senior vice president and general manager for Europe, Middle East, Africa, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “Our work with The Exploration Company exemplifies how Siemens Xcelerator helps customers build a connected digital enterprise that accelerates development and enables them to meet the rigorous demands of next generation space programs.”
“At The Exploration Company, our mission is to make space more accessible through reusable technology. Achieving this requires an advanced, scalable engineering environment,” said Daniel Prudente Martins, principal EWIS & electrical interfaces, Nyx Avionics, The Exploration Company. “Working with Siemens and adopting its best-in-class industrial software is helping us connect our engineering processes, reduce rework, accelerate development and streamline manufacturing as we scale our operations. For Mission Bikini, our orbital demonstration capsule, we progressed from initial concept to flight hardware in just nine months, demonstrating the speed at which our integrated engineering approach enables rapid development.”
The integrated software tools within the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio help enable seamless data exchange and traceability throughout the development process, supporting certification requirements typical in aerospace programs. By bringing together mechanical, electrical and simulation disciplines in a single engineering environment, teams can work more efficiently. For example, during development of Storm, The Exploration Company’s high thrust rocket engine, the team can model and optimize its additive manufacturing processes more effectively, with changes in one domain reflected across others.
