The small geostationary satellite manufacturing market is undergoing significant transformation as companies adopt various strategies for vertical integration. This divide highlights the balance between sovereignty, speed, and scale in the evolving landscape of space-based communications.
Swissto12 Expands Downstream
On one end of the spectrum is Swissto12, based in Switzerland, which has recently acquired Ku-band active electronically steered antenna (AESA) terminal assets from Hanwha Phasor. This acquisition occurred during Hanwha Phasor’s liquidation process and aims to expedite the development of Ku-band capabilities while integrating them with existing Ka-band projects. Emile de Rijk, CEO of Swissto12, stated that this move positions the company to serve a wider range of customers, including government and mobility sectors that demand resilient and interoperable solutions across different orbits. The company’s first satellite, IS-45, remains on schedule for deployment in early 2027 for Intelsat.
ReOrbit Focuses on Software Solutions
In stark contrast, ReOrbit, a Finnish firm, has committed to a strategy that emphasizes software over hardware. Recently securing over $50 million in funding, ReOrbit intends to develop a software-defined operating system called Strawberry. This approach allows sovereign customers more control over their supply chains and systems. Sethu Suvanam, CEO of ReOrbit, emphasized the importance of sovereignty, arguing that vertical integration can hinder governments’ ability to dictate subsystem suppliers and data management. By relying on external hardware while integrating it with their software, ReOrbit aims to appeal to governments seeking independent networks amid rising geopolitical tensions.
AscendArc Strikes a Balance
Located in Portland, Oregon, AscendArc occupies a middle ground in this landscape. The startup recently announced its first customer, a major South Korean operator, for a mission set for the latter half of 2027. CEO Chris McLain highlighted the company’s focus on vertical integration around a novel payload design. By utilizing large-aperture antennas and hundreds of beams, AscendArc aims to enhance data transmission efficiency while sourcing standard spacecraft components from the market. McLain noted that their satellites could achieve the capabilities of traditional multi-ton geostationary spacecraft, all while weighing less than 1,000 kilograms. He drew parallels to terrestrial networks, indicating a goal to match the cost of dedicated fiber capacity in suburban markets.
Astranis Expands Its Fleet
Meanwhile, Astranis, a leading player in this new wave of small geostationary satellite manufacturers, continues to grow its fleet with a robust vertical integration strategy. The San Francisco-based company announced on September 15, 2023, plans for its fourth batch of satellites, set to launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket in 2027. These satellites will utilize Impulse Space’s Helios kick stage to reach geostationary orbit in a matter of hours, significantly reducing the time required compared to previous missions. CEO John Gedmark indicated that this mission would expand Astranis’s fleet to 16 satellites in geostationary orbit by 2027, positioning it as the eighth-largest commercial fleet in the sector.
The contrasting approaches of these companies illustrate the diverse strategies in the small satellite manufacturing market, driven by varying priorities of integration, speed, and customer requirements. As this sector continues to evolve, the choices made by these firms will likely shape the future of space communications.
