EQT to Buy SpaceX Satellite Launch Partner Exolaunch

By Dominic Chopping

STOCKHOLM--Swedish buyout group EQT agreed to buy Exolaunch, a satellite launch service provider and SpaceX partner.

Headquartered in Germany, Exolaunch is a satellite deployment technology and launch mission management company that enables access to space for global satellite operators.

The company offers services such as satellite launch planning, mission management, launch vehicle integration, and in-orbit deployment. It develops and manufactures its own satellite separation systems and payload launch stacks that allow multiple satellites to be attached to rockets for a single launch.

Exolaunch has deployed more than 790 satellites across 47 missions for commercial and government customers. It has been a rideshare launch partner for SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets since 2020. It recently started procuring its own dedicated launches, with the first secured Falcon 9 missions--from SpaceX, Exo-1 and Exo-2--scheduled for 2027 and 2028.

"EQT will support Exolaunch in scaling its global operations and investing in the development of new satellite launch and deployment technologies," the companies said in a joint statement.

It will also support an expansion into new services across the satellite mission lifecycle and provide resources to expand the dedicated and rideshare launch offerings.

Exolaunch has offices in Germany, the U.S., France, and Japan.

EQT will buy the company from founder Dmitriy Sternharz. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

Closing is expected in the fourth quarter and the EQT X fund is expected to be at 80%-85% invested following the deal.

Write to Dominic Chopping at dominic.chopping@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 18, 2026 07:12 ET (11:12 GMT)