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EQT makes first space deal with Exolaunch purchase

The Swedish investor buys a German rideshare integrator that has deployed nearly 800 satellites on SpaceX missions.

M&A News deals deskIndustrials / Space services · Germany, Europe18 Jun 2026

EQT agreed on 18 June to acquire Exolaunch, a Germany-based satellite deployment and launch mission management company, from its founder through the EQT X fund.

Exolaunch website: exolaunch.com

Why EQT (EQT X) is buying Exolaunch

EQT plans to fund international expansion, product innovation and new services across the space value chain. Partner Nils Ketter said the deal marks EQT Private Equity's first investment in the space sector.

“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, EQT Private Equity advisory team

Deal terms and financing

Terms were not disclosed. Founder Dmitriy Sternharz, who is selling, welcomed EQT as the new owner.

Regulatory approvals and timing

Closing is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary conditions and approvals.

Market context

Exolaunch's roots lie in the aerospace department of the Technical University of Berlin. It has worked with SpaceX since 2020 and has secured dedicated Falcon 9 missions for 2027 and 2028.

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