Quark
An electric-propulsion space tug Atomos designed to latch onto satellites after a cheap rideshare launch and tow them to GEO or toward the Moon. Katalyst Space Technologies bought Atomos in 2025.
Why it matters
Rideshare launches are cheap but drop everyone in low orbit. Atomos estimated customers could save 20 to 50% by riding share and hiring a tug for the rest of the trip instead of buying a dedicated launch.
How the technology works
The first-generation tug was to use electric propulsion to tow 50 to 100 kg satellites over a roughly five-year life. A 2024 demo flew two spacecraft, Quark-LITE and Gluon, to rehearse close approaches and refueling ahead of the first Quark.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction