Alpha Impulsion CEO to share insights on in-space propulsion
04/09/2025
Marius Celette, CEO and founder of Alpha Impulsion, will be bringing fresh perspectives to the in-space propulsion – current developments and opportunities panel at the Aerospace Test & Development Show on Wednesday 1st October.
The session will examine advances in propulsion technologies such as Hall Effect thrusters, electric propulsion, and alternative propellants, while exploring future opportunities for the sector.
Celette founded Alpha Impulsion in late 2022 with the goal of industrialising and commercialising a new propulsion technology: the autophage rocket engine. “We created the company mainly to do one thing, which is development, industrialisation, and commercialisation of autophage propulsion,” he explained. “It’s a rocket engine technology applicable across satellites, defence, and launchers.”
In just over two years, the Toulouse- and Turin-based start-up has grown to a team of 15, secured patent applications, and achieved a major milestone with its first autophage engine test in May 2024. The company is now pivoting toward in-space propulsion, signing an MOU with Thales Alenia Space to join its Space Business Catalyst accelerator, which will help transform their demonstrator into a market-ready product.
Looking ahead, Alpha Impulsion has already secured its first mission as a propulsion supplier: the ShakthiSat lunar mission, led by Meridian Space Command for NGO Space Kidz India. “It’s quite a nice first step,” Celette said, noting the mission’s dual scientific and educational focus.
Despite the progress, Celette is candid about the challenges of operating in such a fast-moving industry. “The in-space propulsion business is moving so fast, it really helps to keep track of everything that’s new. But sometimes it’s difficult to know how to stay relevant,” he said. For him, the key lies in ecosystem collaboration: “Not everything is public. It’s not like you can go online to buy a satellite. You have to get in touch with suppliers, you’ll discover new solutions you didn’t know existed.”
At the panel, Celette intends to bring an “outsider perspective” as both a newcomer to the in-space propulsion market and as a developer of novel technology. Above all, he is eager for open debate. “I always try to get involved with the other speakers as much as possible. I think that’s where the value is, in the discussion.”
As the in-space propulsion sector evolves toward more complex missions, logistics, and new services, Celette sees the next decade as transformative. For him, autophage propulsion could be at the heart of it.
Session: Panel discussion: In-space propulsion – current developments and opportunities
Date: Wednesday 1st October
Time: 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
Celette founded Alpha Impulsion in late 2022 with the goal of industrialising and commercialising a new propulsion technology: the autophage rocket engine. “We created the company mainly to do one thing, which is development, industrialisation, and commercialisation of autophage propulsion,” he explained. “It’s a rocket engine technology applicable across satellites, defence, and launchers.”
In just over two years, the Toulouse- and Turin-based start-up has grown to a team of 15, secured patent applications, and achieved a major milestone with its first autophage engine test in May 2024. The company is now pivoting toward in-space propulsion, signing an MOU with Thales Alenia Space to join its Space Business Catalyst accelerator, which will help transform their demonstrator into a market-ready product.
Looking ahead, Alpha Impulsion has already secured its first mission as a propulsion supplier: the ShakthiSat lunar mission, led by Meridian Space Command for NGO Space Kidz India. “It’s quite a nice first step,” Celette said, noting the mission’s dual scientific and educational focus.
Despite the progress, Celette is candid about the challenges of operating in such a fast-moving industry. “The in-space propulsion business is moving so fast, it really helps to keep track of everything that’s new. But sometimes it’s difficult to know how to stay relevant,” he said. For him, the key lies in ecosystem collaboration: “Not everything is public. It’s not like you can go online to buy a satellite. You have to get in touch with suppliers, you’ll discover new solutions you didn’t know existed.”
At the panel, Celette intends to bring an “outsider perspective” as both a newcomer to the in-space propulsion market and as a developer of novel technology. Above all, he is eager for open debate. “I always try to get involved with the other speakers as much as possible. I think that’s where the value is, in the discussion.”
As the in-space propulsion sector evolves toward more complex missions, logistics, and new services, Celette sees the next decade as transformative. For him, autophage propulsion could be at the heart of it.
Session: Panel discussion: In-space propulsion – current developments and opportunities
Date: Wednesday 1st October
Time: 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM