Switzerland defunct

Swiss Space Systems

Swiss Space Systems (S3), founded in 2012 and based in Payerne, Switzerland, was a commercial spaceplane venture developing SOAR, a reusable suborbital carrier aircraft intended to air-launch a small expendable upper stage capable of placing payloads of up to 250 kg into low Earth orbit.

Headquarters
Payerne, Switzerland
Founded
2012
Type
commercial
Founded
2012
Headquarters
Payerne, Switzerland
Ownership
Private
Quick Facts
Country
Switzerland
Founded
2012
Type
commercial
Status
defunct

About Swiss Space Systems

Updated 2026-06-30

Swiss Space Systems (S3), founded in 2012 and based in Payerne, Switzerland, was a commercial spaceplane venture developing SOAR, a reusable suborbital carrier aircraft intended to air-launch a small expendable upper stage capable of placing payloads of up to 250 kg into low Earth orbit. The company attracted significant early publicity and partnership announcements but struggled to secure sustainable financing. S3 was declared bankrupt by a Swiss civil court in December 2016 after accumulating substantial debt, and its SOAR launch system never reached flight.

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Frequently asked about Swiss Space Systems

Quick answers to the questions readers most often search for.

When was Swiss Space Systems founded?
Swiss Space Systems was founded in 2012 in Switzerland.
Where is Swiss Space Systems headquartered?
Swiss Space Systems is headquartered in Payerne, Switzerland.
What does Swiss Space Systems do?
Swiss Space Systems (S3), founded in 2012 and based in Payerne, Switzerland, was a commercial spaceplane venture developing SOAR, a reusable suborbital carrier aircraft intended to air-launch a small expendable upper stage capable of placing payloads of up to 250 kg into low Earth orbit. The company attracted significa…
Is Swiss Space Systems still operating?
Swiss Space Systems is no longer operating. Status: defunct.
What sector does Swiss Space Systems operate in?
Swiss Space Systems works in launch vehicles, Launch services and Spaceplane.

Data Accuracy Notice: Information about Swiss Space Systems is compiled from publicly available sources including company websites, press releases, regulatory filings, and industry reports. Data is reviewed periodically but may not reflect the most recent developments.

Last verified: June 30, 2026
Editorial owner: Dr. Donovan, Editor-in-Chief Company representatives may submit corrections This page does not constitute an endorsement or affiliation Learn about our data methodology