Space Robotics Pioneer GITAI Secures $15.5M to Advance In-Orbit Servicing Capabilities

GITAI, a space robotics company, has raised an additional $15.5 million in venture capital for in-orbit servicing expansion, bringing their total Series B funding to $60.5M

Following their strategic headquarters relocation from Japan to the United States in late 2023, GITAI has made significant strides in both technological development and market positioning. The company’s recent achievements include advancing the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of two key robotic systems. Their 2-meter Inchworm robot arm reached TRL 6 after successfully completing thermal vacuum chamber tests on Earth, simulating lunar South Pole conditions, while their 1.5-meter S2 robotic arm system achieved TRL 7 during International Space Station external testing.

The company has secured notable contracts with major space agencies, including a NASA contract for lunar tower construction using autonomous robots and a DARPA award for lunar architecture studies.

Looking ahead, GITAI has ambitious plans for in-orbit servicing. CEO Sho Nakanose announced two upcoming missions: a 20-kilogram test satellite scheduled for December launch, followed by a more advanced 500-kilogram-class spacecraft mission in October 2025. The latter will showcase proximity operations, docking capabilities, and life extension services in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using a robotic arm and a dummy satellite. With SpaceX launch contracts already secured for both demonstrations, GITAI is well-positioned to monetise space robotics and in-orbit servicing technologies.