At Space Symposium 2026, Laura Todd spoke with Jeroen Wink, Chief Revenue Officer of Dawn Aerospace, about the company’s progress in reusable spaceflight and its plans to enable in-orbit refueling.
Dawn Aerospace operates across two core domains. In New Zealand, the company is advancing spaceplane technology with vehicles already flying to suborbital altitudes. In Europe, it is scaling satellite propulsion systems, with dozens of spacecraft currently using its technology in orbit.
On the flight side, the company is moving steadily toward higher altitudes and increased reusability. Recent test campaigns have included supersonic operations and defense-related applications. The next major milestone is clear. Within the next year, Dawn aims to cross the Kármán line, transitioning from high-altitude flight to true space operations.
In parallel, its propulsion business continues to grow, supporting a rising number of satellites and expanding its presence across commercial missions.
Looking ahead, the most significant development may come in 2028. Dawn Aerospace is preparing for an in-orbit refueling demonstration, enabling spacecraft to dock and transfer propellant in space. If successful, this capability could fundamentally change how satellites are designed and operated, reducing the need for replacement and extending mission lifetimes.
The underlying concept is straightforward. Instead of building new systems for every mission cycle, space infrastructure should become reusable, serviceable, and responsive.
As the sector evolves, Dawn Aerospace is positioning itself around that idea.
