Arkisys has partnered with space debris specialist Odin Space to introduce what the companies describe as the world’s first collision insurance product for on-orbit customers, a move aimed at reducing financial risk in an increasingly congested orbital environment.
Under the agreement, Odin Space will equip Arkisys’ upcoming Cutter mission with its Nano Sensors™ technology. The sensors are designed to detect and record impacts from sub-centimetre debris — fragments too small to be tracked by existing space surveillance systems but capable of causing serious damage to spacecraft.
Nano Sensors provide verified debris impact data
At the core of the collaboration are Odin’s Nano Sensors, which function as a “black box” for spacecraft. The technology records the precise time and location of debris impacts, offering operators a level of insight that has not previously been available, particularly for non-trackable debris.
Continuous, always-on monitoring of sub-centimetre debris enables confirmed attribution of collision events. Arkisys says this capability allows it to offer customers affordable insurance products backed by verified impact data rather than predictive modelling alone.
Addressing the insurance gap in space operations
Industry estimates suggest that around 93 per cent of spacecraft currently operate without insurance due to the high cost of traditional in-orbit policies. Arkisys and Odin Space aim to address this gap through Collision Insurance Gateway™, a new collision-specific insurance solution.
By using data generated by Odin’s sensors, underwriters can reliably attribute damage to specific debris impacts. The companies claim this enables collision insurance premiums up to 100 times lower than those associated with legacy in-orbit insurance, potentially broadening access to financial protection for satellite operators and in-space infrastructure providers.
Supporting sustainable and responsible use of orbit
The partnership comes amid rising launch activity and increasing concern over orbital congestion. As more satellites and platforms are deployed, the risk posed by sub-centimetre debris — which cannot be tracked or avoided — continues to grow.
Arkisys positions the integration of debris monitoring and insurance as part of its commitment to sustainable operations in orbit. The company argues that reducing uncertainty around collision risk allows operators to expand their missions without increasing long-term orbital hazards.
Industry leaders highlight shift in risk management
James New, CEO and Co-founder of Odin Space, said: “Our partnership with Arkisys marks a pivotal shift in how the industry tackles the rising threat of lethal, non-trackable debris. As space operations mature, insurance must become a standard part of every mission. Offering premiums up to 100× cheaper than legacy policies is a major step toward that future. Equipping Arkisys spacecraft with Odin’s Nano Sensors is the first move in a new era of safer, smarter, more sustainable space activity.”
Enabling commercial growth and a circular space economy
For Arkisys, the collaboration supports its Port Architecture, including the Cutter mission and future Port Modules, which are designed to provide modular, on-orbit logistics and infrastructure services to commercial customers.
David Barnhart, CEO and Co-Founder of Arkisys, said: “By enabling insurance for the Arkisys Port Architecture flight elements (Cutter and Port Modules) in orbit, this partnership offers customers not just a new on-orbit commercial logistics domain but a proven method to safeguard their business investments and operations. We see this partnership as one of the key enablers for the new in-space circular economy to enable thousands of new customers to develop new commercial innovations in space. We are proud to host Odin’s unique new technology that enables this next step in space commercialization”.
A step towards mainstream insurance in space
Although financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed, the initiative reflects a broader trend in the space sector towards embedding risk mitigation and financial assurance into mission planning. As commercial activity in orbit accelerates, solutions that combine operational data with targeted insurance are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting sustainable growth of the space economy.
