by Aziza Ibrayeva
Aurora Propulsion Technologies founder recognised for making space more sustainable.
Perttu Yli-Opas, founder and CTO of Aurora Propulsion Technologies, has won Gold in the Young Founder of the Year category at the Founders Awards. The prize was handed out on 24 September at Founders Alliance’s 25th anniversary gala.
It is a rare moment for a space company. Founders Awards cover the whole startup scene, not just aerospace. So the win puts in-space propulsion and debris prevention in front of a much wider business audience.
The award
Young Founder of the Year is open to founders under 30. They must own at least 40% of their company together, show at least €50,000 in revenue, and have clear growth potential.
The jury was chaired by Erik Fjellborg (Quinyx). It said:
“With bold ambition and high technical expertise, this visionary drives breakthrough progress in the complex space industry. Guided by a strong purpose and a clear CSR focus, the winner has built a powerful team aiming for the stars as they make space technologies more sustainable through safer propulsion solutions.”
Why it matters
Low Earth orbit is getting crowded. Every satellite that can’t move is a collision risk, and every dead one left in orbit adds to the debris problem.
Aurora builds compact, cost-efficient propulsion that lets small satellites dodge collisions and deorbit safely at end of life. Eight Aurora systems have flown so far, with seven more booked.
That is the “safer propulsion” the jury pointed to. For satellite operators, it means meeting tightening deorbit rules without giving up mass, power or budget.
In Perttu’s words
Perttu founded Aurora in 2018 and has led its technology from first prototype to flight heritage.
“I feel deeply honored by receiving this award; it’s great for the whole Aurora team to see that our work is appreciated also outside the space industry.”
The last part is the point. The prize recognises one founder, but it reflects a team of engineers in Espoo who have turned a niche space technology into flight-proven hardware.
About Aurora Propulsion Technologies
Aurora Propulsion Technologies is a Finnish in-space propulsion company based in Espoo, founded in 2018. It develops compact, cost-efficient propulsion and deorbiting systems that help satellites avoid collisions and leave orbit safely. Learn more at aurorapt.space.