Astranis is a private satellite manufacturing company based in San Francisco, California, focused on providing affordable, reliable, and flexible internet connectivity to underserved and remote regions of the world. The company specializes in developing MicroGEO satellites—a new class of small, geostationary satellites designed for cost efficiency and targeted coverage.
MicroGEO Satellites is a small, lightweight geostationary satellites compared to traditional GEO satellites.
Typically weigh around 300 kilograms, much smaller than conventional GEO satellites (which can weigh several tons). It has customizable payloads design for specific regions or customers.
It provides Internet service for focused regions that have limited or no internet access, such as rural areas, developing countries, and islands. It provides tailored bandwidth for customers like telecom operators, governments, and enterprises.
Before Astranis, satellites came in one of two types: small and inexpensive for low earth orbit, or large and expensive for high orbits. At Astranis we built a new class of satellite— small, powerful satellites for high orbits with the latest in digital processing technology.
High orbits satellites enable fewer satellites you need to provide constant service — all the way to GEO, where a single satellite can carry out a 24/7 mission on its own.
Key Technology
- Onboard Processing:
- Advanced digital payloads with software-defined capabilities allow dynamic reconfiguration of frequencies and bandwidth allocation.
- This ensures optimal performance and adaptability to customer needs.
- Electric Propulsion:
- Uses electric propulsion systems for orbit adjustment and station-keeping, improving fuel efficiency and extending satellite lifespan.
- Small-Satellite Manufacturing:
- In-house manufacturing facilities enable the production of cost-effective satellites at scale.
- Streamlined designs reduce complexity and development timelines.
- Ground Support Systems:
- Works in conjunction with ground stations to optimize data relay and maintain stable connections.
- Advanced telemetry and control systems ensure smooth operations.