# The Exploration Company: defense robotics company

Canonical ID: `b37eb8eb-e838-4f69-9b2a-1b866d8d9b7b`

## Key facts

- **Product:** [Nyx](/models/exploration-company-nyx.md) — autonomous cargo vehicle, 4-5 ton payload, autonomous docking, 3000kg return
- **HQ:** Munich, Germany
- **Founder & CEO:** [Hélène Huby](/people/helene-huby.md)
- **Total funding:** [$160M+ (Nov 2024)](/investors.md) ([see investors](/investors.md))
- **Product — Nyx Earth:** 4,000 kg to LEO, 6-month duration, reusable 5x, in-orbit refueling
- **Product — Nyx Moon:** Lunar lander variant, cylindrical design, Breeze thrusters
- **Crewed version:** 4-5 people to LEO, expected mid-2030s
- **ESA program:** LEO Cargo Return Service (LCRS)
- **First orbital mission:** 2026 (launch provider TBD)
- **Acquisition target:** Orbex (UK small launch) — in talks

- **Slug:** exploration-company
- **Founded:** 2021
- **HQ:** Munich, Germany

## Models

- [Nyx](/models/exploration-company-nyx.md) (defense) (id: `286e1c38-2aeb-4bca-b06d-79ff4a6c7886`)

## Current leadership (1)

- [Hélène Huby](/people/helene-huby.md) Founder & CEO (_reported, not verified_)

## Supplies to

_No verified supply relationships on file. Supply-chain coverage is being added across the registry; check back as the seed populates this company's outbound edges._

_Outbound supply edges. Each appears when verified with at least two strong sources. Sources are append-only; corrections add new sources rather than rewrite history._

## Common questions

### What is The Exploration Company?

The Exploration Company (TEC) is a German-French space company developing Nyx, an autonomous cargo vehicle for orbital and lunar missions. Founded 2021 by CEO Hélène Huby. Nyx Earth carries 4,000 kg to LEO for 6 months, reusable 5x, in-orbit refueling. Nyx Moon lunar lander variant. Raised $160M. ESA LCRS program. First orbital mission 2026. In talks to acquire Orbex.

### What does The Exploration Company make?

The Exploration Company has 1 robot model on the DEPLOY registry: Nyx (The Exploration Company builds physical robots).

### Where is The Exploration Company headquartered?

The Exploration Company is headquartered in Munich, Germany.

### Where does The Exploration Company operate robots?

The Exploration Company is a robot manufacturer and does not directly operate deployments on the DEPLOY registry. Its products are deployed by customer operators; see the company page for the verified deployment record.


## Sources (1)

1. **The Exploration Company (official)** · https://www.exploration-company.com

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