Summary:
$10 million investment from France’s state-backed Expansion Ventures fund
Plans for 1500 small 5G broadband satellites in very low Earth orbit (VLEO)
Initial satellites set to launch in 2026
Focus on providing high-speed, low-latency satellite broadband services
Navigating regulatory hurdles to ensure no interference with terrestrial networks
French Startup Receives $10M Seed Funding
France’s state-backed Expansion Ventures fund has invested approximately $10 million in Constellation Technologies & Operations, a promising two-year-old startup aiming to deploy 1500 small 5G broadband satellites in very low Earth orbit (VLEO).
Credit: Constellation Technologies & Operations
Funding Impact
The investment, announced on October 14, will facilitate the completion of engineering studies for the startup's first two satellites, which are set to launch in 2026. These satellites will utilize cellular frequencies from terrestrial partners to provide services through user terminals developed in-house. The funding also supports initial end-to-end tests via a payload aboard a spacecraft from Italy’s D-orbit, scheduled for a June launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission.
Vision for Connectivity
Founder Charles Delfieux highlighted that the startup's inception was inspired by his experience managing large World Bank infrastructure programs aimed at improving access to essential services. He noted that connectivity is a fundamental service in today’s world, yet remains a challenge in many regions.
Market Opportunities
The convergence of terrestrial and satellite networks presents new opportunities to tackle connectivity challenges. Constellation Technologies & Operations aims to provide terrestrial operators access to an expanding high-speed, low-latency satellite broadband market, currently led by SpaceX’s Starlink. Several European telecom companies have already shown interest in potential revenue-sharing agreements with the startup.
Regulatory and Technical Challenges
To operate commercially, the startup must navigate regulatory hurdles and demonstrate that its satellites won't interfere with terrestrial communications. Delfieux emphasized that while VLEO allows for quicker communications, it also presents challenges such as air drag at an altitude of 335 kilometers above Earth. Their satellites, weighing 350 kilograms, are designed to last seven years in VLEO before naturally disintegrating.
Future Plans
The startup plans to initiate mass production and deploy its full global constellation between 2027 and 2029. Currently, Constellation Technologies & Operations employs 30 people across its offices in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines and Toulouse, France. The Expansion Ventures fund, managed by Bpifrance, supports this initiative as part of France's 2030 strategic investment plan.
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