SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Safran Defense & Space, Inc. (Safran DSI), through its Space Solutions business unit, has been selected by AstroForge to manufacture and deliver two EPS®X00 electric propulsion systems for the company's upcoming Vestri asteroid mission, scheduled to launch in early 2026.

AstroForge, a California-based startup pioneering the field of asteroid mining, focuses on extracting valuable resources from asteroids, such as platinum group metals (PGMs) including platinum, palladium, rhodium, and iridium. These materials are rare and in high demand on Earth. Sourcing the resources from space offers the potential for significant supply and environmental advantages over traditional mining.

Safran DSI will provide two complete EPS®X00 systems, each comprising the PPS®X00 thruster, a Power Processing Unit, and a Fluid Management System. These advanced propulsion systems will support AstroForge's mission to rendezvous with¹ and analyze a target asteroid in deep space.

"We selected Safran Electric Propulsion after witnessing a successful test firing of their EPS®X00 propulsion system at their Normandy (France) factory," said Robyn Ringuette, Chief Operating Officer of AstroForge. "Many people claim to have a product nowadays, but we were totally impressed by Safran's 30 years' experience in electric propulsion, witnessing the successful test fire, and touring the robust manufacturing facility. After all, this is the company that already went all the way to the moon using electric propulsion."

"We are honored to support AstroForge's ambitious Vestri mission with our EPS®X00 platform," said Pier M. Roviera, President of Space Solutions at Safran DSI. "Being selected for a cutting-edge New Space mission underscores the reliability and innovation of our technology and our team's expertise. Also, there's real energy and pride in being part of a team pushing the boundaries of what's possible, such as asteroid mining."

Safran DSI is also expanding its U.S. manufacturing capabilities with a new facility under construction in Parker, Colorado. The site will produce EPS®X00 units domestically, with initial deliveries expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.

This achievement is a key step for Safran, reaffirming its commitment to supporting innovative New Space companies.

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.

Safran Defense & Space, Inc. (Safran DSI) is a leading provider of cutting-edge solutions designed to address the evolving challenges of U.S. national defense and advanced space missions. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Safran Defense & Space, Inc. specializes in advanced electro-optical and infrared systems; fluid, fuel, and oxygen systems; resilient navigation and geospatial artificial intelligence; power and propulsion technologies; space solutions; and testing and ground evaluation capabilities. Safran DSI leverages its parent company's innovative technologies and global resources to deliver unparalleled solutions across air, land, sea, and space domains.

For more information: www.safran-group.com / http://www.safran-dsi.com

¹ Rendezvous is the process of bringing two spacecraft together, whereas docking is their subsequent meeting and physical joining. 

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SOURCE Safran Defense & Space, Inc.