NewSpaceVision #48: From Spin-Off to Spin Control with Chemical Propulsion (feat. Lukas Werling, CEO & Co-Founder, ISPTech)
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Mar 4, 2026 Lukas Werling, co-founder and CEO of ISPTech and former DLR propulsion lead, discusses spinning out from research to build non-toxic chemical thrusters for satellite mobility. He covers test-site culture and engine-testing risks. He compares chemical and electric propulsion, explains green propellants and modular thruster designs, and outlines scaling, funding, and Europe’s deep-tech landscape.
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Use Spin‑Off Programs And Transfer Officers Early
- Do seek awareness and institutional support before founding: know spin‑out options and use transfer/spin‑off programs like DLR/Helmholtz or EXIST for salary and time to build the company.
- Use transfer officers early to access licensing, mentors, and incubators; seeing High Impulse founders helped Lukas realise founding was possible.
Secure An Exclusive License Before Fundraising
- Do negotiate an exclusive license with your research institution early; expect many months and use exclusivity to attract investors.
- Avoid weak or non‑exclusive IP terms because they block deep‑tech fundraising and investor confidence.
When Chemical Beats Electric For Agility
- Chemical and electric propulsion serve different needs: chemical gives high thrust and responsiveness, electric gives much higher efficiency.
- For fast, agile maneuvers, rendezvous, docking or landing you need chemical propulsion despite lower efficiency.