Our Story
2019
HeliuSpace began at the University of Glasgow, where co-founders Marwan and Philip launched GU Orbit, a student-led CubeSat team consisting upwards of 60 engineering students. A spinoff team entered the UKSEDS satellite design competition and won on the first try—fueling the ambition to go further.
Shortly before joining the Yes!Delft Validation Lab, Vasileios came aboard after an online call where the fit was immediate. During the program, Arend and Erick also joined as key contributors in business development and strategy.
After graduating in 2020, we set our sights on building an aerospace company worthy of powering the space industry’s next chapter. The first step: a low-thrust apogee engine using an aerospike nozzle and additive manufacturing.
2020
2021
Incorporating in 2021, we officially became "HeliuSpace", followed by the Ignition Programme, where we deepened our network and refined our concept. But building apogee engines proved too ambitious with few resources. So we pivoted to something more familiar - CubeSats.
With a solid technical plan in place, we entered the Innovation Quarter’s Market Readiness Programme, where Tetra started to take shape. Built for satellites that need more from less, it’s designed to extend lifetimes, increase agility, and keep integration simple.
2024
Today
We’ve built HeliuSpace from the ground up with deliberate focus and independence. Tetra’s scale strikes the perfect balance—ambitious enough to push the boundaries of propulsion, yet lean enough for our team of three to drive forward with precision and momentum.
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But we’re thinking far beyond small satellites. Our sights are set on apogee propulsion and launch vehicles designed for flight frequencies that rival modern aviation. This isn’t just space tech—it’s the foundation for what comes next.
The Team
Meet the HeliuSpace team—a tight-knit group of engineers and advisors with backgrounds in aerospace, mechatronics, and business development. Each member brings hands-on experience and a deep technical focus to the table. Together, we’re building propulsion systems designed to go the distance.
Philip Voudouris - CEO
With an MEng in Mechatronics from the University of Glasgow, Philip leads Tetra’s electronics and control systems. As co-founder of both GU Orbit and HeliuSpace, he’s now channeling that drive into control dynamics, power systems, and a flight computer built to perform under pressure.
Marwan Hussein - CTO
Holding an MEng in Aeronautical Engineering, Marwan co-founded HeliuSpace & GU Orbit and led its UKSEDS-winning satellite team as its Mission Designer. He now designs Tetra’s structure and manifolds—making propulsion hardware compact, durable, and sleek, just as aerospace should be.
Vasileios Sassanis - COO
PhD in Aeronautical Engineering and a former rocketeer at Mississippi State's Space Cowboys, Vasileios turns CFD into craft. He’s behind Tetra’s aerospike simulations and flow design—powered by his custom aerodynamic and exhaust analysis tools.
Arend van de Stadt - Business Development
With deep startup experience, Arend supports HeliuSpace’s commercial strategy. He helps guide our growth with a steady hand and ensures our propulsion ambitions are built on solid business ground.
Erick Vink - Business Development
A former systems engineer at Fokker Aerospace, Erick connects engineering with market needs. He keeps our tech aligned with industry demands—ensuring performance always serves a purpose.
Click below to see how we leverage cutting edge technology to put together our flagship thruster!