Cardiff, UK – 7th November 2023 – SmallSpark Space Systems a company building a hardware and software ecosystem for cislunar, and deep-space exploration and commercialisation has announced its acquisition of key assets from Porkchop Space, a developer of high-performance electric thrusters for orbit transfer vehicles.  

This strategic move highlights SmallSpark’s meteoric growth, transitioning from a team of four to twenty-two members in less than eighteen months, while simultaneously attracting top-tier international talent to its management teams. While specific transaction details remain confidential, this acquisition encompasses a diverse array of proprietary propulsion intellectual property (IP), cutting-edge hardware, and machine vision technologies. 

By incorporating the assets acquired from Porkchop Space, SmallSpark solidifies its aspiration to become an international frontrunner in the cislunar and deep-space market by delivering comprehensive, integrated solutions to its customers, significantly enhancing its ability to provide efficient, cost-effective in-space solutions, and enabling the company to continue to maintain a competitive presence on the global stage. The tech is expected to be commercially available within the next 12 months, and in anticipation of this launch, SmallSpark is actively collaborating with early adopter customers. 

Joseph Ward, CEO of SmallSpark Space Systems, commented on the acquisition, stating, “Porkchop’s electric propulsion technology, which we are rebranding under the S4-ARC α and S4-ARC β banner significantly broadens our strategic portfolio and brings us years ahead of schedule in some key technologies. This will allow us to provide high-performance mobility for our customers and to further our mission of supporting a thriving, cislunar economy – and gives us a firm foundation to further scale the technology. This acquisition firmly establishes SmallSpark’s commitment to driving the UK’s progress in space exploration and significantly accelerates the development of some of our core upcoming services. “ 

SmallSpark’s acquisition of Porkchop’s assets not only emphasises its dedication to domestic growth but also signifies its determination to make a significant contribution to the rapidly expanding UK space sector through continuous innovation and investments in innovative technologies, actively shaping the future.