Astrocast

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.

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

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

• Satellite IoT connectivity
• Nanosatellite network operator
• IoT asset tracking
• Satellite communication modules
• Bidirectional IoT service

Headquarters

HQ city

Renens

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core 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

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability2 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Mouser ElectronicscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 9 March 2023Industry 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.
• SpaceXcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 January 2023Launch partner for Astrocast satellites on Transporter-6 mission (January 2023) and previous missions. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket used for constellation expansion launches.
• D-OrbitcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 August 2022Multi-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.
• SoracomcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 July 2022Partnership 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.
• ArrowSpotcoreTechnology or Integration · 30 June 2022Astrocast 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)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 April 2022Astrocast 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 NetworkscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2022Multi-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)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Astrocast 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.
• AirbuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 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/LETIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 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.
• SpaceflightcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaunch 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

Direct 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

• Xx.com/strocast
• GitHubgithub.com/astrocast
• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLB0le8nHxrk8rw0zPN-5NIZpaPYC6vCzs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/astrocast

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds7 records

Investors11 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Astrocast