What Tesat does

Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Backnang, Germany, designs and manufactures satellite communication payloads and equipment, with a particular focus on optical communication terminals that use laser technology for high-speed data transmission between satellites and from orbit to ground. Its product portfolio spans the SCOT family (SCOT135, SCOT80, SCOT20), the CubeLCT (the world's smallest laser communication terminal for CubeSats), the LCT135 (cornerstone of the European Data Relay System/SpaceDataHighway), the ConLCT80 for LEO mega-constellations, and the TOSIRIS terminal developed with DLR. Complementing the optical terminal line, Tesat produces RF/microwave components — TWTAs, MPMs, filters, switches, and space-qualified LTCC multilayer hybrids built in its automated Microwave Factory — and runs an EEE parts procurement agency serving the broader space industry.

The company operates as a B2B supplier embedded in the supply chains of the world's major satellite primes and government space agencies, including Airbus Defence and Space, OHB, MDA, Lockheed Martin, ESA, NASA, DLR, and the U.S. Space Development Agency. Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales of terminals and components sold to primes for integration into communication, navigation, Earth observation, and science satellites, supplemented by payload integration, parts agency distribution, and engineering/training services (TESAT Campus). Distribution is direct, with dedicated field sales to primes and government programs, and a U.S. foothold through the wholly owned TESAT Government subsidiary in Florida and Arlington, which produces "U.S. Assured OCTs" in partnership with Frontgrade Technologies to address U.S. security-restricted demand. Tesat is positioned as the global market leader in laser-based inter-satellite communication, claiming sole-source status with 10,000+ established laser links, 1 billion+ RF operating hours in space, and 21,000 m² of space-qualified cleanroom manufacturing capacity.

Name

Tesat

Legal name

Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://tesat.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG is a German aerospace manufacturer specializing in optical communication terminals (laser-based) and RF/microwave components for satellites, serving satellite primes (Airbus, Lockheed Martin, MDA, OHB) and government agencies (ESA, NASA, DLR, SDA) in telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, and defense programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Satellite Communication Equipment

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334220), Communications Equipment Manufacturing (3342)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Communications Equipment, Nec (3669)

akta.pro primary industry

Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR) (IMABACAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB), Avionics Communication Systems (VHF/UHF/SATCOM/Data Link) (IMABAFAG), Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE) (HDAFAIAM)

Keywords

• Satellite communication payloads
• Optical communication terminals
• Space-qualified RF components
• Laser inter-satellite links
• Microwave hybrid manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Backnang

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Optical Communication Terminals: Sale of laser communication terminals (SCOT135, SCOT80, SCOT20, CubeLCT, LCT135, ConLCT) for satellite communication, data relay, and inter-satellite links. These are flight-proven systems sold to satellite manufacturers and government programs.
2. RF/Microwave Equipment: Sale of RF components including TWTAs, MPMs, filters, switches, modulators, and LTCC multilayer hybrids for telecommunications, navigation, and science satellites.
3. Parts Agency Services: Procurement and supply chain management services for EEE (Electrical, Electronic, Electromechanical) space components, serving as certified parts distributor for space programs.
4. Payload Integration: Complete payload development and integration services including system design, manufacturing, testing, and in-orbit support for satellite communication payloads.
5. Engineering Services: TESAT Campus training programs and engineering support services for EEE space components, including DPA, failure analysis, and qualification services.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Tesat designs, manufactures, and integrates optical (laser) communication terminals and RF/microwave components used as payload equipment onboard telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, and science satellites. Its portfolio spans complete satellite communication payloads, traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs), microwave power modules (MPMs), filters, switches, LTCC multilayer hybrids, and EEE space parts agency services for global satellite primes and government space programs.

Product overview

TESAT is a technology leader in optical satellite communication terminals and satellite equipment. The product portfolio centers on laser-based optical communication terminals (SCOT135, SCOT80, SCOT20, CubeLCT, LCT135, ConLCT80, TOSIRIS) which enable high-speed data transmission via laser links between satellites and from satellite to ground. Complementary offerings include RF modules and microwave components for telecommunications payloads, the TESAT Parts Agency for EEE space parts procurement, and TESAT Campus training services. TESAT Government (a U.S. subsidiary) provides security-restricted U.S. Assured OCTs for American government programs. The company operates an Automated Microwave Factory for high-volume RF module production.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SCOT135 Optical Communication Terminal High-performance optical communication terminal designed for MEO and GEO satellite missions, supporting 100 Gbps data transmission over 45,000 km distances (range up to 80,000 km) with optical output powers up to 40W. Sold to satellite primes and government programs for high-bandwidth inter-satellite links.
• SCOT80 Scalable Optical Terminal Scalable Optical Communication Terminal for satellite optical communication, SDA-compatible, used for inter-satellite links and GPS demonstration programs. Targeted at LEO constellations and U.S. defense programs including GPS and SDA Transport/Tracking Layer.
• SCOT20 Optical Communication Terminal Compact optical communication terminal for micro-satellites and CubeSats supporting data rates up to 1 Gbps, compliant with SDA and ESTOL standards. Sold to smallsat operators and NewSpace companies for cost-effective optical communications in LEO.
• CubeLCT World's smallest laser communication terminal, designed for CubeSats and small satellites, enabling data transmission up to 100 Mbps from low Earth orbit directly to ground. Sold to smallsat operators for compact LEO broadband and direct-to-ground optical links.
• LCT135 GEO Laser Communication Terminal GEO Laser Communication Terminal with 135mm narrow aperture — the smallest terminal in geostationary orbit — enabling data rates up to 1.8 Gbps over 45,000 km. Cornerstone technology of the European Data Relay System (EDRS/SpaceDataHighway). Sold to satellite primes for inter-satellite link payloads.
• ConLCT80 Constellation Laser Communication Terminal Constellation Laser Communication Terminal designed for LEO mega-constellation deployments, providing optical inter-satellite links for satellite networks. ConLCT modem has demonstrated SDA laser communication standard interoperability. Sold to constellation operators such as Kepler Communications for the Kepler Network.
• U.S. Assured OCT Security-restricted optical communication terminals adapted from TESAT's German-designed OCTs with U.S.-sourced circuit cards from Frontgrade Technologies (Colorado Springs). Produced through TESAT Government for U.S. defense and government programs requiring supply chain integrity and security compliance.
• TESAT Parts Agency Procurement service for EEE (Electrical, Electronic, Electromechanical) space parts including components, assemblies, and qualification testing services. Certified parts distribution serving satellite manufacturers and space programs globally.
• TESAT Campus Training Technical training program covering EEE space parts, procurement, quality, radiation, specification systems, upscreening, destructive parts analysis, and failure analysis. Sold to space industry customers for workforce development in space-grade component engineering.
• RF Power Modules for Telesat Lightspeed RF power components supplied to MDA for its Direct Radiating Array on the Telesat Lightspeed LEO constellation (1,000+ units). Built on Tesat's heritage in space equipment development and high-reliability production for telecom payloads.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100 Gbps data transmission capability over 45,000 km distances
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kepler CommunicationscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 April 2026Kepler selected as ESA HydRON Element 3 prime contractor with TESAT as one of multiple European optical communication partners including Vyoma, MBRYONICS, and Astrolight. €18.6M contract for hosted-payload mission validating interoperability of multiple optical communication terminals.
• Frontgrade TechnologiescoreTechnology or Integration · 11 December 2025TESAT Government partnered with Frontgrade Technologies to produce U.S. Assured Optical Communication Terminals. Complete TESAT OCTs are shipped to Florida and retrofitted with circuit cards produced by Frontgrade at Colorado Springs facilities. Cards combine TESAT original designs with U.S.-sourced parts. Team scheduled qualification testing completion for Q1 2026.
• Airbus ProtectminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 8 January 2025TESAT engaged Airbus Protect to develop and implement ISO 27001-certified Information Security Management System and prepare for cybersecurity incidents. Airbus Protect consultants helped TESAT achieve certification and conducted incident response emergency drill for NIS2 compliance.
• Kepler Communications & Airbus Defence and SpacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 April 2024Kepler, TESAT, and Airbus Defence and Space entered agreement to develop high-bandwidth optical communications network in LEO for ESA's HydRON program. Three-way partnership combining Kepler's constellation expertise, TESAT's optical terminals, and Airbus's satellite capabilities.
• Kepler CommunicationscoreTechnology or Integration · 8 June 2022Kepler Communications selected TESAT to supply optical inter-satellite links for its next generation constellation. TESAT's ConLCT80 (Constellation Laser Communication Terminals) installed on Kepler's first tranche of ÆTHER satellites enabling the Kepler Network, a real-time LEO communication network.
• MDAcoreTechnology or Integration · 22 March 2021TESAT partnered with MDA for Telesat Lightspeed LEO broadband constellation. MDA delivers over 1,000 Direct Radiating Array units, with TESAT providing essential RF power components based on heritage in space equipment development and high-reliability production.
• European Space Agency (ESA)coreOthersCore institutional partner for multiple programs including EDRS/SpaceDataHighway, Copernicus Sentinel missions, Greek Connectivity Programme, and HydRON optical network development. ESA serves as both customer and program enabler.
• DLR (German Aerospace Center)coreTechnology or IntegrationLong-standing cooperation with DLR-IKN on laser communication terminal development. TOSIRIS terminal developed jointly for ISS Bartolomeo platform. CubeLCT developed with DLR scientists. DLR provides optical ground station network access through Optical Nucleus Network.
• Airbus Defence and SpacecoreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary customer for complete payloads including EDRS-A, EDRS-C, and multiple communication satellites. Airbus integrates TESAT equipment including LCTs, hybrid relay payloads, TWTAs, filters, and switches into satellite platforms.
• OHBcoreTechnology or IntegrationSatellite prime receiving EDRS-C hybrid payload and other communication modules from TESAT. OHB integrates complete TESAT payloads into satellite platforms for European space programs.
• Space Development Agency (SDA)coreOthersU.S. government agency selecting TESAT optical terminals for Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. TESAT SCOT80 and ConLCT terminals meet SDA interoperability standards for Transport Layer and Tracking Layer constellations.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a large incumbent defense prime with broad space communications, RF, and payload capabilities across military and intelligence programs. While not specialized exclusively in optical comms like TESAT, it competes for many of the same SDA, Space Force, and NASA payload awards.
• General Dynamics Mission Systems: General Dynamics Mission Systems provides secure space communications, RF payloads, and tactical satellite ground systems for U.S. and allied defense customers. It competes with TESAT in trusted-supplier space comms and is bidding for SDA-adjacent transport-layer hardware.
• Honeywell Aerospace: Honeywell supplies space-qualified RF components, amplifiers, and communication subsystems for commercial and government satellites. It is a broad incumbent in space RF/microwave similar to TESAT's RF heritage products (TWTAs, filters, switches), though not specialized in laser comms.

Direct peers

• CACI International: CACI's optical communications business provides laser comm terminals for defense and intelligence customers and is actively pursuing SDA-aligned contracts. It competes head-to-head with TESAT in U.S. government optical comms and has built trusted-supply credentials relevant to ITAR-restricted awards.
• Mynaric: Mynaric is a direct competitor in laser communication terminals for airborne and space-based platforms, targeting the same SDA Transport/Tracking Layer and commercial LEO constellation markets as TESAT's SCOT80/ConLCT family. It is publicly listed and has emerged as the most aggressive direct challenger to TESAT in SDA-compliant optical terminals.
• Communications & Power Industries (CPI): CPI is a leading supplier of traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs), microwave power modules, and satellite communication RF amplifiers — directly overlapping TESAT's RF product line. It is a primary competitor for RF power components across commercial and government satellite payloads.
• Thales Alenia Space: Thales Alenia Space is a major European satellite prime and payload manufacturer, competing directly with TESAT in telecommunications and Earth observation payloads across ESA and commercial constellation programs. It is the most direct European peer in payload integration and RF subsystem supply.
• Ball Aerospace: Ball Aerospace (now part of BAE Systems) manufactures satellite payloads and optical communication systems for U.S. government and commercial customers. It is a direct peer in space-based RF and optical comms payloads and competes with TESAT for U.S. defense and NASA contracts.

Emerging players

• BridgeComm: BridgeComm is an emerging provider of optical wireless communication solutions for space and airborne platforms. It is earlier-stage than TESAT and Mynaric but pursues the same LEO constellation and government customers for optical inter-satellite links.
• Cailabs: Cailabs is a French photonics company developing optical ground stations and adaptive optics for satellite laser communications. It is an emerging player addressing the ground-side complement to TESAT's space-based optical terminals and competes in ESA-funded optical comms programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TesatSpacecom

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Tesat