Several existing backers like Venrock, and Andreessen Horowitz, also contributed to the funding round. The company has now cumulatively raised $350 million since its launch in 2015. Gedmark has stated that this funding round will enable superior growth in the future, enabling an expansion of production for its satellite platform. The company has already created its satellite and is currently developing its very first commercial option. The company has a small form factor satellite. This is quite a like spacecraft at Starlink by SpaceX. It also makes use of its own technology and positioning within the geosynchronous orbit, which is where entities like Viasat operate.

A prototype was launched in 2018 by the company and it is already concluding work for its first-ever commercial satellite. It will launch sometime around the fourth quarter upon a SpaceX rocket. Its position will be just above Alaska and this will enable the company’s first client, Pacific Dataport (leading telecommunications entity) to beef up connectivity speeds for its user base. Services will start soon afterward.

Gedmark has stated that the company is adopting a wholly new approach of positioning a more focused internet beam upon a medium/smaller zone. The company has 120 professionals on its rolls, and is looking to ramp up hiring as well. Gedmark indicated that there is rising demand worldwide, with various projects across countries, with a view towards offering dedicated and focused satellites for various clients. The technical advisory board at the company has ex-NASA official Dan Goldin as its Chair. His experience helps massively with regard to helping the company understand the kinds of technologies required. The satellites weigh 350 kilograms at the company, while conventional geosynchronous counterparts are heavier, cost more, and require several years to be developed, according to Gedmark. Astranis has cracked the puzzle of putting it within a smaller and more affordable package for customers, while ensuring that it withstands radiation and other challenges.

Astranis’ plus points include software-tailored radio-based technologies for its satellites. This enables digital tuning for communication satellites across diverse frequencies, while conventional satellites are mostly analog ones according to Gedmark, meaning that they have locked-in frequencies. The company will scale up its production facility, acquiring 100,000+ square feet for ramping up production. The company is also in talks with leading launch providers for their missions in the future, according to Gedmark.

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