Sateliot unveils plan to expand its 5G IoT satellite constellation this year

Sateliot unveils plan to expand its 5G IoT satellite constellation this year
by Hugo Ritmico
Barcelona, Spain (SPX) Mar 09, 2024

In a bold move to extend its reach in the space-based Internet of Things (IoT) sector, Sateliot has announced plans to launch four additional satellites this summer. These satellites will join its pioneering Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) 5G IoT constellation, which acts as a direct roaming extension to terrestrial cellular networks. This expansion marks the commencement of Sateliot's commercial phase and the first step towards its goal of connecting nearly 7 million IoT devices globally.

The forthcoming launches, in partnership with SpaceX, will bring the total number of Sateliot's operational satellites to six. This expansion is crucial for the company's strategy, as it begins to process euro 187 million in confirmed orders from over 350 clients across 50 countries. Sateliot aims to leverage these early revenues to hit a target of euro 500 million by 2027, setting the stage for reaching a billion in revenue by 2030.

Sateliot's recent fundraising efforts have successfully secured euro 13.5 million, with contributions from major backers including Banco Santander and the public company Avancsa. These funds are earmarked for advancing satellite technology, the imminent satellite launches, and bolstering the company's team in preparation for a complete constellation deployment by 2027/2028, which promises real-time global coverage.

The satellites, designed as cubesats, measure 20 x 10 x 35 centimeters-comparable in size to a microwave oven-and weigh 10 kilograms. They will orbit the Earth at altitudes between 500 and 600 kilometers, ensuring full planetary coverage with a five-year operational lifespan. The core of Sateliot's innovation lies within these satellites, encompassing technology endorsed by both the European Space Agency (ESA) and the 3GPP, the body that unites leading telecommunications entities. This technology ensures that Sateliot's services are standardized, scalable, and easily updated, catering to a broad spectrum of IoT applications, from agriculture to real-time global services.

Sateliot's initiatives have positioned it as a key player in the IoT and the Spanish New Space sector, highlighting Spain's rising prominence in space innovation. Jaume Sanpera, CEO and co-founder of Sateliot, expressed enthusiasm for the company's trajectory: "We are ready to enter a new dimension, both technologically and commercially. We are closer to becoming the first IoT constellation operating worldwide under the 5G standard. And we will place Spain at the forefront of the New Space revolution."