DeltaOrbit – Rocket Science made in Bavaria

Rocket science made in Bavaria – what sounds like a slogan is already reality at DeltaOrbit. The deep-tech gate-startup is developing a novel propulsion system for space travel that could play a key role in shaping the future of space exploration.

WHEN FOUR EXPERTS FOUNDED A STARTUP…

This is how the story of DeltaOrbit, a spin-off from the Technical University of Munich, begins. The four co-founders are pursuing the goal of developing the next generation of rocket engines. At the heart of this innovation is a newly developed propulsion system that optimally utilizes the performance potential of cryogenic methane and oxygen. DeltaOrbit aims to create a space transporter capable of reaching any point in low Earth orbit within a few days.

“I WANT THESE ROCKET ENGINES TO ACTUALLY FLY !”

For Jan Beushausen, CFO and one of the founders of DeltaOrbit, starting the company marked a turning point in his life:

“There was a day in my career when I realized I needed a change. I wanted something new—something of my own. So I reached out to TUM and said: ‘I want to support a startup.’”

This decision brought him together with Dr. Christian Bauer, who would later become CTO. During his doctoral research at the Chair of Space Propulsion, Christian had developed a technology with enormous potential. The two began discussing business models, technology, and long-term visions.

Ultimately, these early ideas took shape in the form of a startup: DeltaOrbit. Together with Felix Schily and Dr. Rahand Dalshad – two experts in space propulsion – the founding team was complete.

A FOUNDING TEAM WITH A CLEAR PROFILE

Jan Beushausen (CFO) – the “Solver”
Space enthusiast with over 13 years of professional experience who confidently balances finance, strategy, and operational pressure.

Dr. Rahand Dalshad (COO) – the “Man of Action”
Combustion chamber expert with tireless drive and a hands-on mentality – where precision meets speed.

Felix Schily (CQO) – the “Optimist”
Specialist in extreme thermal conditions – whether hot or cold. With deep roots at TUM and comprehensive expertise in the development of complex space systems.

Dr. Christian Bauer (CEO | CTO) – the “Visionary”
Two patents, a PhD scholarship, and the strategic mind behind the big picture – technological depth meets forward thinking.

The founding team behind DeltaOrbit: Jan Beushausen, Dr. Rahand Dalshad, Felix Schily, and Dr. Christian Bauer

FROM THE LECTURE HALL TO SPACE – WITH TAILWIND FROM THE ECOSYSTEM

Market demand is strong – and this is exactly where DeltaOrbit steps in with its innovative in-orbit propulsion system. Success soon followed: out of more than 2,600 applications, DeltaOrbit was selected for NATO’s prestigious Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) – as one of only 72 startups from member countries, and one of just four from Germany.

In addition, the team is supported by a range of leading programs:

• EXIST – Existenzgründungen aus der Wissenschaft
• ESA BIC Bavaria
• TUM Venture Labs
• XPRENEURS Incubator for High-Tech Startups
• SpaceFounders
• gate Garching

It’s no coincidence that DeltaOrbit is based at the gate Garching:

“If you want to start a space startup, there are only a few places in Europe that truly make sense and Munich is definitely one of them. The city is home to one of Europe’s leading space clusters, made up of research institutions, international aerospace companies, innovative SMEs, and a growing number of space startups.

The Garching research campus is especially attractive – its proximity to the Technical University of Munich (TUM), UnternehmerTUM, MakerSpace, and ESA BIC creates a unique environment for innovation and startups.”

It is particularly difficult for hardware startups to find suitable premises. DeltaOrbit not only has offices at the gate, but also workshop space and, above all, the flexibility to grow with the company without long-term large contracts. This is a decisive advantage for a young team.

Want to start your own startup? Find out how we support tech-driven founders at the gate Garching.

CHALLENGES? PLENTY. BUT THE GOAL IS CLEAR.

Hardware development rarely runs without setbacks. Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Sometimes time or funding runs short. But what drives the team is a shared conviction:

“What keeps us going is our confidence in the technology – and, above all, in our team. That combination has helped us overcome every challenge.”

DELTAORBIT`S GRAND VISION

In the medium term, DeltaOrbit aims to offer customers fast, cost-effective access to any desired orbit through a dedicated last-mile delivery service. But the team is thinking far beyond that:

“Our goal is to build sustainable infrastructure in space. That’s why we’re developing concepts for in-orbit refueling – to supply satellites and spacecraft with fuel and enable long-term, efficient use of space.And that’s just the beginning: in the future, these fuels could also be produced on the Moon or Mars.

We’re thinking ahead – to the Moon, to Mars. Because we want to help shape the journey to new destinations in the solar system.”

DELTAORBIT – SHAPING THE FUTURE, STEP BY STEP

Germany’s aviation industry is working toward CO₂-neutral air transport by expanding the production of PtL kerosene in the coming years. The goal: to sustainably reduce emissions and drive the development of climate-friendly technologies.

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