- The space sector is often associated with large-scale projects and highly complex technologies. Yet your motto is “Keep it simple.” How does this philosophy shape OCCAM Space’s work, and why do you believe simplicity can become a competitive advantage in space?
- The “Keep it simple” philosophy, which lies at the heart of everything we do, is closely linked to our own name and to Occam’s Razor. It can be summed up by the idea that the simplest solution is often the right one, and this principle guides us from the very first stages of product design.
For us, simplicity means eliminating everything that does not add value. For example, our separation systems use approximately one-tenth of the components found in comparable systems. In the space industry, there is a well-known saying: “The best part is no part,” because every unnecessary component is a potential risk removed.
This is especially important in critical systems such as separation and deployment mechanisms, which must operate with absolute precision at a specific moment during a mission. We believe this approach provides a competitive advantage by reducing costs, minimizing risks, shortening integration times, simplifying testing, and delivering more scalable solutions for a wide range of missions.
In an increasingly demanding space market, with more launches and greater pressure for efficiency, having robust yet simple systems makes a real difference.
- Your systems play a role during one of the most critical moments of a space mission: satellite separation and deployment. What does it mean to design a component that only has one chance to work, and how do you approach that level of responsibility?
- Designing separation systems and deployment solutions requires working to exceptionally high standards, as they are responsible for a critical stage of every mission. During launch, the satellite must remain securely attached to the launch vehicle and, once the target orbit has been reached, the system must release it accurately, safely, and at exactly the right moment. There is no margin for error.
That is why, from the very beginning of the design process, we adopt a reliability-first philosophy.
At OCCAM Space, we meet this challenge by combining engineering, manufacturing, and testing under a single integrated approach. Every component is designed not only to function, but to do so consistently, reliably, and in full compliance with the requirements of both customers and launch providers.
- The New Space industry is driving more frequent missions, smaller satellites, and an increasing need to reduce costs. What do your customers find at OCCAM Space that helps them compete more effectively or deliver their missions with greater confidence?
- Our customers find a different way of working at OCCAM Space, with solutions that are simpler, more scalable, and specifically designed to make integration easier without compromising reliability.
The New Space industry demands shorter development cycles, greater flexibility, and growing pressure to reduce costs. In this context, having technology that simply works is no longer enough. It must also integrate efficiently, adapt to different mission requirements, and meet the needs of customers working under demanding schedules.
This is where we believe OCCAM Space delivers real value. Our systems are designed to reduce complexity, shorten integration times, and enable ground testing using the same hardware that will ultimately fly in space. We also work with scalable architectures that allow us to support everything from small satellites to applications several metres in diameter, all based on the same design philosophy.
For our customers, this translates into greater predictability, lower technical risk, and easier system integration.
- In just a few years, you have evolved from a startup into a company participating in space missions and collaborating with international organisations. What has been the greatest challenge during this growth, and what is your next milestone?
- In the space sector, developing a good idea is only the beginning. You must turn it into real hardware, manufacture it, test it, integrate it into missions, and prove that it performs under extremely demanding standards. Making the transition from initial engineering to industrial capability is probably one of the greatest challenges for any company in the sector.
For us, growth has meant strengthening our team, processes, facilities, and manufacturing capabilities without losing sight of the philosophy that inspired the company from the outset: developing simple, robust, and efficient systems.
Our next goal is to consolidate that industrial capability while continuing to expand our presence in space missions for customers around the world.
- How has OCCAM Space established itself in the Madrid Region?
- From our base here, we develop technological and industrial capabilities covering the entire value chain, from design and engineering to manufacturing, integration, and testing of hardware for the space industry.
For us, being located in the Madrid Region means being part of an ecosystem that brings together highly skilled talent, leading companies, technology centres, universities, public institutions, and an increasingly specialised supply chain.
We have also become actively involved in key initiatives and networks within the space and technology ecosystem. We participate in the ESA BIC Madrid Region and are members of organisations such as the Madrid Innovation and New Space Cluster (MINSC), the Innovation and Talent Cluster for Space Technologies (CITT), and the Spanish Aerospace Technology Platform (PAE).
All of this has helped us establish ourselves as a company that not only develops space technology but also contributes to the industrial growth of the sector from the Madrid Region
- Why did you choose the Madrid Region as one of your key locations? What advantages does the region offer compared with other cities?
- We chose the Madrid Region because it offered exceptionally favourable conditions for a space company entering its industrial growth phase. The region has a high concentration of engineering talent, a strong presence of aerospace companies and organisations, excellent connectivity, and a business environment that facilitates collaboration with customers, suppliers, and institutions.
In addition, the Madrid Region has developed an increasingly dynamic space ecosystem, supported by technology entrepreneurship initiatives, incubation programmes, and specialised clusters. This combination of talent and industry was a decisive factor in our choice.
- How would you describe your collaboration with Invest in Madrid?
- Very positive. Invest in Madrid has always been highly supportive and collaborative. For a growing technology company, having access to that kind of support is extremely valuable.
- How many jobs have you created in the Madrid Region? What types of professionals are you looking for?
We are currently going through a very important growth phase. Today, our team consists of more than 40 professionals, primarily working in engineering, production, quality, technical procurement, project management, and business development.
We are looking for specialised talent capable of working on space hardware in highly technical environments where precision and attention to detail are essential.
Our goal is to continue expanding our team over the coming years to strengthen our industrial capabilities and support the company’s growth across new missions and markets.
- Would you recommend the Madrid Region to foreign investors considering expanding their business internationally?
- Absolutely. For international companies looking to grow in Spain or across Europe, the Madrid Region is an extremely competitive location.
The region offers outstanding talent, excellent connectivity, a strong business ecosystem, access to customers and suppliers, and a highly supportive institutional environment for technology and industrial companies.