Redwire Deal Boosts Europe's Quest for Autonomous Space Access

KRUIBEKE, Belgium & MUNICH – December 18, 2025 – In a significant boost to Europe's ambitions for independent space operations, U.S.-based Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW) has secured an eight-figure contract to supply critical docking systems for The Exploration Company's (TEC) flagship spacecraft, Nyx. The agreement will see Redwire provide two of its state-of-the-art International Berthing and Docking Mechanisms (IBDM), a move that equips the European reusable capsule with the standardized "handshake" needed to connect with future orbital destinations.

This transatlantic partnership represents a pivotal moment for Europe's burgeoning commercial space sector. It directly supports a continent-wide strategy to develop sovereign capabilities for accessing and returning from low-Earth orbit (LEO), a domain currently dominated by American and Russian providers.

A Partnership for European Autonomy

For years, the European Space Agency (ESA) has relied on international partners for transporting cargo and astronauts. The retirement of the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) in 2014 left a gap that Europe is now racing to fill. The new contract is a cornerstone of this effort, directly feeding into ESA's LEO Cargo Return Services (LCRS) initiative, which aims to foster commercial solutions for space logistics. The Exploration Company is one of the key firms selected by ESA to develop these services.

The choice of Redwire's IBDM, a system developed in Belgium with collaboration from international partners and ESA, underscores a strategy of leveraging established European expertise. "This agreement marks a significant step in supporting Europe’s fast-growing commercial space sector,” said Marc Dielissen, General Manager of Redwire Belgium, in a statement. “We are thrilled to contribute to one of the most exciting space programs in Europe.”

The involvement of Redwire's offices in both Belgium and Poland in the IBDM program highlights a pan-European industrial footprint. This collaboration not only strengthens regional supply chains but also builds on a foundation of proven success. The same IBDM technology is already slated for use on the international Lunar Gateway's I-Hab module, with the lessons learned from that deep-space project bolstering confidence in the systems being delivered for Nyx.

The 'Handshake' in Space: Standardizing Docking

At the heart of the deal is the technology of interoperability. The International Docking System Standard (IDSS) is the universal rulebook for how spacecraft connect in orbit. By adopting this standard, TEC ensures its Nyx capsule will be able to dock with a wide array of current and future platforms, from the International Space Station to the commercial outposts being developed by companies like Axiom Space, Starlab, and Vast—all of whom TEC has pre-booked agreements with.

Redwire's IBDM is a fully compliant, next-generation system designed for flexibility and safety. It is capable of both berthing, where a spacecraft is captured by a robotic arm and guided into place, and fully autonomous docking, where the vehicle uses its own sensors and navigation to perform the entire maneuver without external help. This autonomous capability is crucial for achieving the efficiency and reduced operational overhead required by the commercial space economy.

"IBDM allows for future docking operations in IDSS-compliant environments and positions our system to support missions that demand flexibility, safety, and precision,” Dielissen noted. This standardization is the key to creating a modular, "plug-and-play" ecosystem in orbit, where different vehicles, modules, and services can interact seamlessly.

Powering Nyx: A Vision for Sustainable Space Logistics

Founded in 2021, The Exploration Company has rapidly emerged as a leader in Europe's New Space scene with its ambitious vision for Nyx. The company aims to build a family of modular, reusable, and in-orbit refuelable space vehicles to slash the cost of space logistics. Nyx is being designed to carry thousands of kilograms of cargo to orbit and return a substantial portion back to Earth, a critical capability that Europe currently lacks.

The company's commitment to sustainability is a core part of its mission. Nyx will be the first global capsule to use green, non-toxic propellants, and its reusability is central to making space access more affordable and environmentally responsible. The partnership with Redwire is a vital enabler of this vision.

"With Nyx, our goal is to build the most affordable and sustainable vehicle for space cargo transit. Partnering with Redwire on the Nyx docking system strengthens that mission," said Najwa Naimy, Chief Program Officer at The Exploration Company. "Their expertise and collaborative mindset make them an ideal partner... as we together believe that the greatest achievements in space are built on trust and shared purpose."

TEC has made significant strides in its development timeline. Following a demonstration mission on Ariane 6's maiden flight, the company is preparing for its "Mission Possible" orbital demonstrator in 2025 and has already passed a key Phase 1 safety review with NASA and ESA for visiting the International Space Station. The first operational cargo mission for Nyx is scheduled for 2028.

The Business of Orbit: An Eight-Figure Bet on the Future

The "eight-figure" value of the contract underscores the serious investment being made in the future of space logistics. For Redwire, a publicly traded company, the deal represents a substantial revenue injection and reinforces its market leadership in critical space infrastructure. It validates its technology and expands its customer base into the dynamic European commercial market.

For The Exploration Company, this is a strategic expenditure that de-risks its entire program. Securing a flight-proven, standardized docking system is essential to fulfilling its €770 million in pre-booked resupply agreements and its cargo delivery contract with ESA. Backed by nearly $230 million in venture funding from investors like Balderton Capital and Plural, TEC has the financial firepower to make such critical acquisitions, which in turn builds further confidence among its stakeholders.

This partnership is more than a simple transaction; it is a powerful indicator of the maturation of the global space economy. It demonstrates how transatlantic collaboration, combining American commercial prowess with European strategic ambition, is paving the way for a more interconnected, sustainable, and accessible presence in low-Earth orbit and beyond.