ALIENA is a space tech company on a mission to bring the benefits of space down to Earth. Founded to bridge the gap between advanced satellite technology and terrestrial industries, the company designs and develops low-power propulsion engines that allow satellites to operate closer to our planet. These satellites generate datasets that serve a wide array of sectors, including banking and finance, maritime, aviation, agriculture, energy, security, and defense.
Mark Lim Jian Wei, CEO of ALIENA, set out to create a company that makes space both accessible and practical for businesses. By delivering dependable propulsion systems, ALIENA allows satellites to operate efficiently in very low Earth orbits, generating high-value data while keeping costs under control. The company aims not just to provide advanced hardware, but also to evolve into a service provider, giving enterprises the ability to leverage space-based resources without owning satellites.
Innovative Technology for Real-World Impact
The technology powering ALIENA’s vision is both innovative and rigorously tested. At the company’s privately owned Jet Propulsion Test Facility, engineers develop turnkey plasma propulsion solutions ranging from tens to hundreds of watts. These engines deliver thrust capabilities from micro to milli Newtons, tailored for small satellite missions. The designs draw on mature Hall thruster technology, a proven choice for high-value space missions and large satellite constellations, ensuring reliability under the harsh conditions of low Earth orbit.
ALIENA’s propulsion systems are modular, compact, and plug-and-play. This approach allows satellites to be quickly adapted to a range of missions and orbital requirements, enhancing the value of every customer deployment. By simplifying integration and improving scalability, ALIENA equips clients with tools that maximize both efficiency and impact.
Empowering Businesses Through Data
Mark explained that ALIENA sees these propulsion systems as more than hardware. They are technological enablers that pave the way for new markets, including satellite-acquired data services. By operating in very low Earth orbits, ALIENA’s satellites can capture highly granular, real-time information, which can then be applied to solve real-world problems. Whether optimizing crop yields, monitoring maritime traffic, or supporting financial risk analysis, the data empowers decision-makers across industries.
The company’s approach combines innovation with a strong focus on reliability. Mark emphasized that every component is designed to meet the most demanding conditions. The modularity also allows clients to scale their satellite operations without investing in entirely new hardware, making space accessible for businesses that previously lacked the capability.
A Vision for Accessible Space
ALIENA’s team brings together expertise in propulsion, aerospace engineering, and systems integration. This interdisciplinary approach has enabled the company to maintain a lean but highly effective operation. From developing engines to running performance tests in the JPTF, the company retains full control over its technology and quality standards. This level of in-house capability distinguishes ALIENA from competitors who rely heavily on outsourced components or third-party testing.
ALIENA is exploring ways to expand its offerings into space-based services. By leveraging proprietary propulsion systems and very low Earth orbit satellites, the company aims to become a provider of actionable data as a service. Mark noted that the ultimate goal is to create a feedback loop where satellite technology not only supports research and exploration but also delivers measurable benefits to industries on the ground.
Through careful engineering, strategic planning, and a commitment to impactful applications, ALIENA exemplifies how private space companies can merge technical excellence with practical utility. The company’s focus on small satellites and low-power propulsion positions it to capitalize on emerging opportunities while providing tangible benefits to everyday life.
Mark Lim Jian Wei, CEO, ALIENA
