Astranis

Demonstration satellite

On January 12, 2018, Astranis launched its first satellite, "DemoSat 2", using an Indian PSLV-XL rocket. The satellite was a 3U cubesat measuring 10 cm x 10 cm x 30 cm and weighing less than 3 kg. It carried a prototype of the company's software-defined radio.

Block 1

In 2019, Astranis leased its first MicroGEO spacecraft to Pacific Dataport, Inc., a subsidiary of Microcom. The satellite, named Arcturus, initially had an anticipated launch date in early 2022, which was later delayed to April 2023. After the launch, the company confirmed successful communication with the satellite and hardware deployment. Subsequent tests showed the spacecraft could deliver up to 8.5 Gbit/s, compared to its design specification of 7.5 Gbit/s.

In July 2023, Astranis reported a malfunction in an externally supplied solar array drive assembly on Arcturus, which affected the spacecraft's ability to provide internet service. According to Astranis CEO John Gedmark, no hardware built by Astranis failed.

Block 2

In April 2022, Astranis signed a launch contract with SpaceX for their "Block 2" MicroGEO spacecraft. The company had previously initiated component orders for these spacecraft, with an initial aim to complete them by the end of 2022. The four satellites launched on 29 December 2024.

Block 3

Block 3, consisting of five satellites, was originally planned to launch in mid-2024 but is now scheduled for 2025. Customers include Orbits Corp of the Philippines, Thaicom of Thailand, Orbith of Argentina, and Apco Networks of Mexico.

Future

A replacement for Arcturus is scheduled for early 2025. Astranis CEO John Gedmark stated in April 2022 that the company aims to have over 100 satellites in active service by 2030.