U.S.-based Cartesian Capital Group led the investment round in the company, which promises to monitor other satellites and debris in Earth’s orbit to help customers avoid collisions and damage. Also involved: Investissement Québec and the government of Luxembourg, which has previously funded the company through subsidies and venture investments. (The Logic)

Talking point: As the space economy grows, finding safe orbits and routes through the thickening cloud of space junk around us is growing more difficult. The U.S. Defense Department tracks thousands of potentially lethal fragments for the U.S. government; NorthStar intends to provide the service commercially, along with Earth monitoring for purposes like agriculture and minding gas emissions. Two of Cartesian’s partners, Beth Michelson and Paul Pizzani, will join NorthStar’s board. The private equity firm also has a stake in a bigger Canadian name, as master franchisee for Tim Hortons in China.