Exolaunch has arranged launches of hundreds of satellites on rideshare missions, many with SpaceX. Credit: Exolaunch
WASHINGTON — Private equity firm EQT is acquiring Exolaunch, a company that has handled the rideshare launches of hundreds of satellites, to help it meet growing launch demand.
The companies announced June 18 that EQT would buy Exolaunch from its founder, Dmitriy Sternharz, for an undisclosed sum. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Berlin-based Exolaunch is best known for arranging launches of satellites as rideshare payloads. That has included more than 790 satellites on 47 missions, including every Transporter and Bandwagon dedicated rideshare launch by SpaceX. Exolaunch has also developed a series of satellite deployment systems.
“EQT is excited to partner with Exolaunch, which marks EQT Private Equity’s first investment in the space sector,” Nils Ketter, partner and head of industrial technology at EQT Private Equity, said in a statement. “We look forward to supporting Exolaunch’s management as it works with customers and partners to expand access to space.”
