Astrocast
Astrocast operates a LEO nanosatellite IoT network providing bidirectional, low-power connectivity for remote asset tracking across maritime, agriculture, logistics, and industrial verticals, selling hardware modules and subscription connectivity services globally.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersRenens, Switzerland
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Astrocast does
Astrocast is a Switzerland-based satellite IoT (SatIoT) network operator founded in 2014 and publicly listed on Euronext Growth Oslo since August 2021. The company operates a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) nanosatellite constellation — 18 satellites as of January 2023, targeting 100 by 2024 — that provides bidirectional, low-power IoT connectivity for the approximately 85% of the planet not covered by terrestrial cellular networks. Its distinguishing technical asset is exclusive commercial access to L-band spectrum through a strategic alliance with Thuraya (Yahsat), combined with ultra-low-power hardware (Astronode S module enabling 5-10 year battery life), AES-256 encryption, and proprietary ephemerides-based power management.
The product portfolio centers on the Astronode S surface-mount communication module, the Astronode S+ industrial-ready device, the Astronode Patch Antenna, and the Astronode DevKit, complemented by the Astrocast Portal and REST API for device management. Revenue is generated through a combination of hardware sales (direct for large volumes, via Mouser Electronics and other resellers for small volumes) and subscription-based connectivity service contracts (3-5 year terms with dynamic, usage-tiered pricing) accessed through the tiered Astropreneur Programs. Customers span maritime (ZIM, Oceanex via ArrowSpot), agriculture and livestock (Digitanimal, Avirtech), supply chain and logistics (ArrowSpot), and IoT platforms (Soracom, Wyld Networks).
Go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales for large deployments, an API-first approach for developer and system integrator adoption, and channel partnerships including Mouser (distribution), Soracom (platform integration exposing 20,000+ customers), and Wyld Networks (VSNO). The company acquired Hiber in May 2022 to consolidate a competing IoT connectivity player and secured a $17.5M convertible loan from Thuraya in April 2023 alongside a four-year extension of its L-band cooperation. Notable enterprise outcomes attributed to deployments include ArrowSpot's monitoring of over 30,000 trips valued at US$10 billion+ and US$500M+ in cargo saved.
Astrocast firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Astrocast
- Legal name
- Astrocast SA
- Website
- https://astrocast.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Astrocast operates a LEO nanosatellite IoT network providing bidirectional, low-power connectivity for remote asset tracking across maritime, agriculture, logistics, and industrial verticals, selling hardware modules and subscription connectivity services globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Astrocast industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Satellite IoT Connectivity
- NAICS
- Satellite Telecommunications (5174), Satellite Telecommunications (51741)
- SIC
- Radiotelephone Communications (4812), Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Satellite IoT & Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Connectivity (LPWAN over Satellite) (HDAIAJAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE) (HDAFAIAM), Satellite Network Operations & Capacity Services (NOC, Capacity Leasing, Managed Payload Services) (HDAIAJAI)
Keywords
Where Astrocast is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Renens
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Astrocast business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Satellite IoT Connectivity Service: Subscription-based data plans with dynamic pricing model. Customers pay for data usage based on expected volume of data transmission by modules. No activation fees for modules accessing the network. Minimum contract lengths of 3-5 years for long-term operations.
- Hardware Sales: Sale of Astronode S modules, Astronode S+ devices, Astronode Patch Antennas, and Astronode DevKit. Products available through direct sales team for large volumes and authorized resellers/distributors (Mouser Electronics) for small volumes.
- Service Agreements: Enter into service agreements with dynamic pricing model where the most cost-effective pricing always applies. Contracts cover long-term operations with no switching fees between plans.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Astropreneur Programs with three tiers offering different support data service levels |
| Usage-based | Multi-year contract | Standard plans adapted to expected volume of data transmission |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Astrocast product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Astrocast operates a commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) nanosatellite constellation that delivers bidirectional, low-power satellite IoT (SatIoT) connectivity for remote asset tracking and monitoring. The company sells its own Astronode S surface-mount modules, Astronode S+ industrial devices, patch antennas, and DevKits, while offering subscription-based connectivity service through the Astropreneur Programs covering 85% of the planet beyond terrestrial networks.
Product overview
Astrocast operates a nanosatellite-based IoT network offering cost-effective, bidirectional satellite IoT connectivity services. The product portfolio centers on the Astronode S and Astronode S+ communication modules, complemented by the Astronode Patch Antenna and Astronode DevKit for development. The core service includes the Satellite IoT network accessed via Astropreneur Programs, with device management through the Astrocast Portal and API. The Astronode S is the flagship surface-mount module, while the Astronode S+ provides a ready-to-install industrial solution. The constellation of LEO nanosatellites provides global coverage for the 85% of the planet not served by cellular networks.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Astropreneur Programs: Three Astropreneur programs with different support data service levels to access the Astrocast network
- Astronode S
- Astronode S+
- Astronode Patch Antenna
- Astronode DevKit
- Astrocast Inside
Products and services
- Astronode S
Quantifiable outcome
- 5-10 year battery life for remote IoT devices
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Astrocast
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Astrocast technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
AI capability2 records
Feature8 records
Astrocast partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Mouser ElectronicscoreIndustry giant Mouser Electronics signed distribution agreement with Astrocast to deliver satellite IoT components globally. Enables direct purchase of Astrocast modules through Mouser's distribution network.
- SpaceXcoreLaunch partner for Astrocast satellites on Transporter-6 mission (January 2023) and previous missions. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket used for constellation expansion launches.
- D-OrbitcoreMulti-year launch and deployment contract with D-Orbit covering launch of 20 satellites aboard ION Satellite Carrier over three years. First launch scheduled for November 2022 aboard SpaceX Falcon 9. D-Orbit is a space logistics company providing orbital transfer vehicle for precise satellite deployment.
- SoracomcorePartnership to embed Astrocast Satellite IoT solution into Soracom platform, enabling Soracom's 20,000+ customers to access blended IoT connectivity options comprising satellite and cellular connectivity.
- ArrowSpotcoreAstrocast integrating SatIoT technology into ArrowSpot's ArrowTrack SAT device and ArroWatch application. ArrowTrack SAT is first device combining cellular and satellite communication, enabling global supply chain monitoring. Multi-million dollar contract for mass production.
- Net Zero Space Initiative (Paris Peace Forum)minorAstrocast joined Net Zero Space initiative set up by Paris Peace Forum, committed to sustainable use of outer space by 2030. Initiative unites satellite operators, launchers, space agencies, and academics to address space debris.
- Wyld NetworkscoreMulti-year contract with ambition to target joint business of over 200 million messages. Wyld as Virtual Satellite Network Operator will use Astrocast's bidirectional SatIoT solution to extend blended IoT connectivity options globally.
- IoT M2M Council (IMC)minorAstrocast joined IMC, the largest trade association serving IoT sector, to educate industry about LEO satellite connectivity. IMC provides access to 25,000 product makers and enterprise users deploying IoT solutions.
- AirbuscoreIn partnership with Airbus, Astrocast developed Astronode S, an ultra-low power and miniaturized module compatible with inexpensive L-band patch antennas. Airbus partnership for satellite technology development.
- CEA/LETIcoreIn partnership with CEA/LETI, Astrocast developed Astronode S and CEA RF Chip enabling ultralow-power IoT connectivity for remote devices via Astrocast's nanosatellite network.
- European Space Agency (ESA)coreIn partnership with ESA, Astrocast developed Astronode S. Astrocast joined Net Zero Space initiative set up by Paris Peace Forum, committed to sustainable use of outer space by 2030.
- SpaceflightcoreLaunch partner for Astrocast satellites on SXRS-5 mission (June 2021) and other missions. Spaceflight provides launch services via SpaceX Falcon 9.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Astrocast competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Swarm Technologies: Operates a LEO nanosatellite constellation providing low-cost bidirectional IoT/data connectivity — almost identical product offering to Astrocast, serving similar IoT use cases with tiny satellites. Acquired by SpaceX in 2021, giving it unrivaled launch economics that directly pressure Astrocast's pricing.
- Sateliot: Spanish LEO nanosatellite operator building a 5G IoT satellite network using smallsats, targeting asset tracking, agriculture, and logistics with low-cost IoT modules. Directly comparable to Astrocast in constellation architecture, target verticals, and pricing strategy.
- Kepler Communications: Canadian operator building a LEO nanosatellite network for IoT/data backhaul and store-and-forward connectivity. Comparable to Astrocast on orbit class (LEO smallsats), connectivity focus (IoT and data), and target customers (maritime, logistics, remote industrial).
- Myriota: Australian direct-to-satellite IoT connectivity provider using LEO smallsats and low-power modules to connect remote assets. Closely comparable to Astrocast in technology approach (LEO SatIoT, low-power modules) and target use cases (asset tracking, agriculture, environmental monitoring).
- Lacuna Space: UK-based LEO nanosatellite IoT operator offering low-power, low-cost global connectivity for asset tracking and environmental sensing. Directly comparable to Astrocast in constellation design, IoT-first focus, and ultra-low-power module strategy.
Broad incumbents
- Iridium Communications: Established L-band satellite operator with global IoT/M2M service (Iridium Edge, Short Burst Data) serving maritime, aviation, logistics, and industrial IoT. Overlaps with Astrocast on L-band IoT but operates an LEO legacy constellation with much higher cost structure and broader portfolio.
- ORBCOMM: Incumbent satellite IoT/M2M operator with global IsatDataPro and OGx services for asset tracking, fleet management, and industrial monitoring. Overlaps significantly with Astrocast on vertical focus (logistics, transportation, supply chain) but uses GEO satellites and serves larger established customers.
- Viasat/Inmarsat: Major incumbent satellite operator (post-Viasat acquisition of Inmarsat) with global L-band IoT services for maritime, aviation, and land mobile. Competes with Astrocast in maritime and asset tracking, but offers much broader connectivity portfolio and higher-bandwidth solutions.
Emerging players
- Wyld Networks: UK-listed developer of low-power satellite IoT modules and Virtual Satellite Network Operator services using LEO networks including Astrocast. Functions as both a partner and competitor — targets similar blended cellular/satellite IoT use cases, with multi-year contract to consume Astrocast capacity while pursuing its own network integration strategy.
Others
- Soracom: Global IoT connectivity platform with 20,000+ customers that embedded Astrocast SatIoT into its offering for blended cellular/satellite connectivity. Functions as a key distribution channel rather than a competitor; comparable business model around subscription-based IoT data services and developer-friendly APIs.
Market position
Strengths3 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Astrocast social profiles
Digital presenceAstrocast compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Astrocast financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Astrocast leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Astrocast funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds7 records
Investors11 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Astrocast M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Astrocast
What does Astrocast do?
Astrocast operates a commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) nanosatellite constellation that delivers bidirectional, low-power satellite IoT (SatIoT) connectivity for remote asset tracking and monitoring. The company sells its own Astronode S surface-mount modules, Astronode S+ industrial devices, patch antennas, and DevKits, while offering subscription-based connectivity service through the Astropreneur Programs covering 85% of the planet beyond terrestrial networks.
Is Astrocast a public or private company?
Astrocast is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Astrocast founded?
Astrocast was founded in 2014. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Astrocast based?
Astrocast is headquartered in Renens, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does Astrocast make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Satellite IoT Connectivity Service is the primary driver. The others are hardware Sales and service Agreements.
Who are Astrocast's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Swarm Technologies, Sateliot, Kepler Communications, Myriota and Lacuna Space. Broad incumbents are Iridium Communications, ORBCOMM and Viasat/Inmarsat. Wyld Networks is listed as an emerging player. Soracom is listed as an others.
Does Astrocast have an API?
Yes. Astrocast provides a REST API that allows customers to manage their Astronode S modules and devices, retrieve messages received from their assets, and send commands back through secure REST API built on standard JSON messages. Customers control access and permissions to their devices and data through access tokens. The API runs on encrypted HTTPS connections secured by SSL/TLS. API authentication is performed with random tokens. Developer documentation is at api.astrocast.com.
What industry is Astrocast in?
Astrocast's product category is Satellite IoT Connectivity. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAIAJAF, Satellite IoT & Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Connectivity (LPWAN over Satellite), with a secondary code of HDAFAIAM, Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE). Its NAICS code is 5174 and its SIC code is 4812.