Alba Orbital: PocketQubes for European Space Autonomy
35 pages · PDF · 24 November 2025 · Licensed single-user copy, watermarked to the buyer
€499 excl. VAT — EU VAT calculated at checkout (VAT ID accepted for reverse charge); invoice issued after payment
One click to Stripe — guest checkout, no account. Your download appears on the confirmation page and arrives by e-mail right after payment (link valid 72 hours, up to 5 downloads).
About this report
Introduction Alba Orbital is a Glasgow-based startup turning hand-sized satellites into tools of strategic value. In an industry dominated by bus-sized spacecraft, this European company has pioneered “PocketQubes” – tiny 5cm-cubed satellites – to democratize access to orbit.
Founded in 2012, Alba Orbital began with a bold idea: leverage smartphone electronics and 3D-printing to build constellations of affordable satellites . Today, it operates the world’s leading PocketQube launch service and has put more than 50 pico-satellites in orbit . These miniature platforms, though small, carry out Earth observation and communications missions once reserved for far larger systems.
Key questions this report answers
- How do Alba Orbital's PocketQubes (5cm-cubed satellites) and launch service democratize access to orbit for Earth observation and communications?
- How mature is its pico-satellite technology, given 50+ satellites in orbit, and how does it fit European space autonomy?
- Who are its partners and customers for its leading PocketQube launch service?
- What capability gaps and dependencies affect this Glasgow-based startup founded in 2012?
Inside this report
- Corporate Identity & Legal Structure
- Strategic Business Profile
- Technology Portfolio Mapping
- Technology Readiness Assessment
- European Strategic Program Participation
- Academic & Research Origins
- Dual-Use Applications & European Market Strategy
- Strategic Partnerships & European Industrial Alliances
- European Market Focus & Operational Domains
- Intellectual Property & European Innovation Assets
- Leadership & European Technical Expertise
- Capability and Gap Analysis
- Strategic Indicators & European Innovation Metrics
Who it's for
Investors screening Alba Orbital, competitors and partners assessing their position, and analysts who need a sourced, structured account of the entity and its technology.
Related reports
Methodology, format & delivery
DFM reports are built from primary and official sources — TED procurement notices, CORDIS and the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, EIB operations, the NATO Innovation Fund portfolio, SIPRI data, official budget documents and company disclosures — read together with the underlying legal texts. Sources are cited in the document; it reflects them as of its publication date (24 November 2025). You receive a 35-page PDF, watermarked to you on every page, delivered on the confirmation page and by e-mail immediately after checkout (personal link valid 72 hours, up to 5 downloads). Guest checkout, single-user licence — Terms of Sale.
Related on DFM
More Tactical reports · Satellite Platforms · Launch Systems · All reports
Prefer unlimited access?
Prefer unlimited access? Every report like this is included in the DFM Analysis subscription. See plans →