What once started as a napkin idea has now grown into an internationally recognized leader in satellite propulsion, right here in the Keweenaw. Orbion Space Technology has long been one of MTEC SmartZone’s standout success stories, and this year, they have continued to raise the bar. As one of our longstanding clients, their success is something we’re especially excited to celebrate.
This past summer, Orbion’s labs were full of energy and curiosity from a dynamic group of individuals: over two dozen interns ready to make an impact. These students did more than just support ongoing projects. They exceeded expectations and contributed meaningful work all while gaining invaluable, hands-on experience. From mechanical engineering to plasma physics, Orbion’s interns brought fresh perspective and bold ideas to every corner of the facility.
Many have gone back to school, some already plan to return next summer, and a few have joined Orbion’s team. Their contributions highlight Orbion’s role in driving the future of electric propulsion technology and building a talented workforce that will shape the industry for years to come.
Amid all of this growth, one of Orbion’s team members was recognized on a global stage. Dr. Scott Hall was honored at the 39th International Electric Propulsion Conference in London with the Kuriki Award for Young Professionals.
This award is rewarded to professionals whose work demonstrates outstanding excellence and the potential to shape the future of electric propulsion. Dr. Scott Hall’s contributions brought this award back to a United States recipient for the first time since 2018. His achievements reflect the depth of talent that drive Orbion’s mission.
Orbion recently achieved a significant milestone with one of its customers, Capella Space. The company confirmed that Capella’s spacecraft is now on-orbit and operating with Orbion’s Aurora electric propulsion system — a notable proof point for the reliability and precision of their technology in delivering high-quality Earth observation capabilities.
The momentum built this year is a testament of who Orbion is; a company driven by innovation, grounded in technical excellence, and fueled by an exceptional team. From global recognition and successful collaborations, to building the next generation of engineers, Orbion continues to prove what’s possible.
As an organization that has been a part of Orbion’s story from the very beginning, we couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments. On behalf of MTEC SmartZone, we’re excited to see where this momentum of success leads them next!