What ANT61 does

ANT61 is an Australian private space-technology company that designs, manufactures, and sells the ANT61 Beacon — a satellite-mounted, independent recovery and real-time diagnostics module. The Beacon communicates via the Iridium constellation to provide two-way inter-satellite links independent of the host satellite's primary command and data handling system, enabling continuous telemetry, anomaly diagnosis, firmware updates, and recovery operations even when the satellite's main systems are offline. The product is offered in four hardware variants (Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large) targeting Cubesat through 200kg+ satellite platforms, with 2.2 MB to 6.48 GB of 24-hour data capacity and 0.2 kbps to 680 kbps bandwidth. The Small variant completed an inaugural in-orbit test in February 2024, and the company is scheduled to qualify the Medium and Large variants by February 2027.

The Beacon supports USART, CAN-FD (up to 5 Mbit/s), SPI, and I2C interfaces, uses FIPS-140-2 and ASC22FO end-to-end encryption, and includes a one-week independent battery reserve. The unit is non-ITAR regulated, space-grade in design (0.9 x 0.959 x 0.24U form factor, 275g base weight), and compliant with PC/104 connector standards. ANT61's customers are satellite operators and satellite OEMs requiring mission-assurance and backup communication capability across constellations.

ANT61 generates revenue through direct unit sales of the Beacon hardware, with Small and Medium variants available for immediate purchase and Large and Extra Large variants on pre-order, all with 12-20 week lead times. The company employs 1-10 people, is headquartered in Sydney, and is supported by partnerships with the Australian Space Agency, European Space Agency, DLR, NSW Government Investment NSW, the Swedish National Space Corporation, and Sompo Japan. Total disclosed funding to date is approximately $36,000 across a 2022 QuantumTX grant and a September 2025 Techstars investment, indicating an early-stage capitalization profile relative to typical space-hardware companies.

Name

ANT61

Legal name

ANT61

Website

https://ant61.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

ANT61 is a Sydney-based space hardware company that sells the ANT61 Beacon, an independent satellite recovery and real-time diagnostics module communicating via the Iridium constellation, serving satellite operators and OEMs globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Satellite Hardware

NAICS

Satellite Telecommunications (51741)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Satellite, GNSS & Positioning RF ICs (HDAHAMAJ)

Keywords

• Satellite beacon hardware
• Space technology solutions
• Satellite recovery systems
• Satellite diagnostics modules
• LEO satellite equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Sydney

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Satellite Beacon Hardware Sales: ANT61 generates revenue through the sale of satellite beacon hardware products across four product variants (Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large) designed for different satellite sizes and mission requirements. Products are sold directly with lead times ranging from 12-20 weeks depending on variant.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

ANT61 designs, manufactures, and sells the ANT61 Beacon, a satellite-mounted hardware module that delivers independent recovery, real-time diagnostics, and inter-satellite communication for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Available in four size variants (Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large) covering Cubesat to 200kg+ satellite classes, the Beacon operates independently of the host satellite's primary CDHS, communicates via the Iridium constellation, and supports USART, CAN-FD, SPI, and I2C integration. Products are sold directly through the company's website with customization available on request and lead times ranging from 12 to 20 weeks depending on variant.

Product overview

ANT61 offers a single product line called the ANT61 Beacon, available in four size variants (Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large). All variants provide satellite recovery, real-time diagnostics, and inter-satellite communication capabilities through the Iridium constellation. The variants differ primarily in data storage capacity (2.2 MB to 6.48 GB), physical dimensions, weight, and bandwidth (0.2 kbps to 680 kbps), allowing customers to select the appropriate variant based on their satellite size (from Cubesat to 200kg+).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ANT61 Beacon: Satellite recovery and real-time diagnostics solution product line, including Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large variants.

Products and services

• ANT61 Beacon Small A compact satellite recovery and real-time diagnostics module for Cubesat-class satellites, providing 2.2 MB of 24-hour data, 0.25U form factor, 375g weight, 0.2 kbps bandwidth, and a 12-week lead time. It supports inter-satellite communication via the Iridium constellation, multi-protocol bus integration (USART, CAN-FD, SPI, I2C), and is available for direct purchase (Buy Now) on the ANT61 website; proven in space during the February 2024 inaugural flight.
• ANT61 Beacon Medium A mid-size satellite recovery and diagnostics solution for 50-100kg satellites, providing 22 MB of 24-hour data, 50x100x100mm dimensions, 700g weight, 2.0 kbps bandwidth, and a 16-week lead time. It supports the same inter-satellite communication, multi-protocol bus integration, and independent power reserve as the Small variant, and is available for direct purchase (Buy Now); in-orbit qualification is planned for February 2027.
• ANT61 Beacon Large A full-size satellite recovery and diagnostics module for 100-200kg class satellites, providing 216-756 MB of 24-hour data, 50x100x200mm dimensions, 1000-1500g weight, 20-70 kbps bandwidth, and a 20-week lead time. It is available for pre-order on the ANT61 website and supports the same independent Iridium-based communication, multi-protocol bus integration, and one-week battery backup as the smaller variants.
• ANT61 Beacon Extra Large The largest ANT61 Beacon variant designed for 200kg+ satellites and constellation deployments, providing 3.24-6.48 GB of 24-hour data, 50x150x200mm dimensions, 1500-2100g weight, 300-680 kbps bandwidth, and a 20-week lead time. It is available for pre-order on the ANT61 website, with customization available on request, and supports the full feature set of inter-satellite communication, multi-protocol integration, one-week battery backup, and end-to-end encryption.

Quantifiable outcome

• Independent battery operation for up to one week during satellite power loss
• +2 more outcomes

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• Australian Space AgencymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustralian government space agency that provided support enabling the Beacon development. The company acknowledges this organization as a key supporter that enabled the Beacon to reach new heights.
• European Space Agency (ESA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean intergovernmental space organization that supported the ANT61 Beacon development. ESA support provides credibility and validation of the technology for European space industry applications.
• DLR (German Aerospace Center)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman Aerospace Center that provided support for the Beacon project. DLR is Germany's national research center for aeronautics and space, providing technical validation and development support.
• NSW Government Investment NSWcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew South Wales government investment agency that supported the company. Investment NSW enables strategic investments in innovative companies within the NSW space and technology sector.
• SSC (Swedish National Space Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwedish space company providing satellite services and ground segment solutions. SSC's support indicates potential integration and service capabilities within the European space ecosystem.
• Sompo JapanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJapanese insurance company with space industry interests. Sompo Japan's support suggests potential applications for space insurance and risk management related to satellite missions.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• GomSpace: GomSpace is a Denmark-based manufacturer of cubesat and smallsat subsystems, including on-board computers, communication systems, and ADCS components. It is directly comparable to ANT61 because it sells standardized, plug-and-play satellite hardware subsystems to the same constellation and satellite-manufacturer customer base, competing for similar procurement budgets.
• AAC Clyde Space: AAC Clyde Space builds smallsat platforms and subsystems (avionics, communication, power) and operates a constellation-as-a-service business. It is a direct peer to ANT61 because both sell standardized, integrated satellite hardware modules to smallsat operators, with overlapping product positioning in on-board communications and diagnostics.
• Innovative Solutions In Space (ISIS): ISIS is a Dutch provider of cubesat and smallsat subsystems, including on-board computers, communication modules, and structure products. It is directly comparable to ANT61 because it sells standardized bus subsystems into the same cubesat-to-100kg satellite market with similar payload-integration sales motions.
• NanoAvionics: NanoAvionics is a Lithuania-based smallsat bus manufacturer and subsystem supplier offering standardized satellite platforms and avionics. It is a direct peer to ANT61 because both target constellation operators with modular, pre-engineered satellite hardware and pursue similar commercial and government customers.
• SITAEL: SITAEL is an Italian smallsat platform and subsystem manufacturer covering satellites from cubesats up to 200kg class. It is directly comparable to ANT61 because both sell integrated satellite modules — including communication and platform subsystems — into the same commercial and institutional smallsat market.
• EnduroSat: EnduroSat builds cubesat and smallsat platforms and modular subsystems (communication, payload, power) and operates a shared cubesat service. It is a direct peer to ANT61 because both target the cubesat-to-smallsat segment with standardized hardware modules and compete for the same commercial constellation procurement.

Broad incumbents

• Beyond Gravity (formerly RUAG Space): Beyond Gravity is a major European space hardware prime producing satellite structures, payload adapters, and on-board electronics for institutional and commercial missions. It is a broad incumbent peer of ANT61 because it supplies satellite subsystem-grade hardware across a much wider portfolio but competes for similar on-board avionics and communication module budgets.
• Tesat-Spacecom: Tesat-Spacecom is a German prime specializing in satellite communication payloads and terminals, including LEO and GEO communication hardware. It is a broad incumbent peer of ANT61 because it overlaps in on-board satellite RF communication modules but operates across much larger institutional programs and full payloads.
• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris produces satellite communication systems, avionics, and space-based RF hardware for defense and commercial customers. It is a broad incumbent peer of ANT61 because it competes for similar on-board communication and telemetry subsystem budgets at the prime-contractor level, particularly with defense and government satellite operators.

Emerging players

• Astro Digital: Astro Digital designs and operates smallsat constellations and associated on-board processing hardware for Earth-observation and communication missions. It is an emerging-player peer of ANT61 because both operate at the intersection of satellite subsystems and constellation services, with overlapping buyer personas in commercial and institutional satellite operators.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ANT61COM
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCEcj6D7PJSVWLeRA29IQsiQ/featured
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ant61

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about ANT61