Astrocast

Astrocast operates a global nanosatellite Internet-of-things (IoT) network that enables companies to monitor, track, and communicate with remote assets from anywhere globally. It utilizes an L-band spectrum, which ranges from 1 GHz to 2 GHz, ideal for satellite machine-to-machine communications (M2M)/IoT from its efficient use of the radio spectrum. L-band radios offer advantages for IoT applications, including the need for smaller antennas, lower-cost RF components, and improved signal propagation compared to other frequency bands. 

Astrocast has developed a range of IoT modules, which includes the Astronode S, a proprietary ultra-low-power and miniaturized chipset compatible with inexpensive L-band patch antennas, in partnership with Airbus, CEA/LETI, and the European Space Agency (ESA). It also provides Astronode S+ for a steady data connection at a compact size. The company launched its commercially available bidirectional satellite IoT service in February 2022, enabling IoT connectivity outside terrestrial networks at a comparable cost.

Astrocast claims its solution minimizes human intervention and repair, extending the lifecycle of IoT deployments. Its small devices offer low power consumption and battery life of up to 10 years, transmitting data only when satellites are in range to conserve power. This bidirectional IoT capability enables remote management of equipment, such as commanding silos, gates, or irrigation systems. 

Key customers and partnerships

As of May 2024, Astrocast key customers included Arrowtrack SAT and Digitanimal. The firm’s solutions are applied across a range of industries, including maritime, where leading system integrator ArrowSpot signed a multi-million dollar deal with Astrocast in December 2022 for its hybrid, multi-connectivity container tracking solution. It is also used for agriculture and livestock, where Avirtech, a pioneer in AgriTech, provides crop intelligence and plantation control systems and other industries like environmental and utilities, land transport, mining, oil and gas, and other IoT industrial applications. Additionally, it has been involved in projects with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Wildlife Computers for applications like wildfire detection, animal tracking, water monitoring, vehicle monitoring, wildlife tracking, and biodiversity management.

Astrocast has also established key integration partnerships with companies like Airbus, Thuraya, the ESA, and Wayra/Telefonica.