Solstar Space Company, founded in March 2017, is a pioneering entity in the space communications industry, providing internet-based communication solutions specifically designed for the space environment. Headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Solstar was established by M. Brian Barnett, alongside co-founders Michael Potter and Mark Matossian. The company has raised approximately $1.48 million, focusing on offering internet connectivity to astronauts and spacecraft operators for seamless mission operations.
Over the last few years, Solstar Space Company has made significant strides in enhancing space-based communications technology:
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Founding Date | March 2017 |
Headquarters | Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA |
Founders | M. Brian Barnett, Michael Potter, Mark Matossian |
Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
Key Investors | AFWERX, United States Space Force, WeFunder |
Industry | Aerospace, Telecommunications |
Number of Employees | Approximately 12 |
Solstar Space Company was founded in 2017 by veterans from the aerospace industry with the ambition of transforming space communication technology. M. Brian Barnett, who had a longstanding career at NASA and space-related enterprises, began with an innovative communication system that sent the first commercial text message from Earth to space in 2013. The company quickly partnered with NASA under a Space Act Agreement to test Wi-Fi capabilities aboard spacecraft, demonstrating their Schmitt Space Communicator aboard Blue Origin rockets in 2018.
Solstar Space Company's core business revolves around developing robust communication systems aimed at providing WiFi services and data links in space. Key achievements include:
Solstar Space currently operates at the forefront of space communications, primarily targeting LEO, sub-orbital, cis-lunar, and lunar operations with their space-customized WiFi solutions. Their market share as an ISP for space is growing, backed by continuous contracts and funding from government and defense entities. The company leverages existing satellite constellations, reducing the need for launching proprietary hardware, thereby positioning itself as a cost-effective option for persistent space communication services.
Solstar Space Company stands out in the aerospace communications sector by being one of the few companies focused on developing reliable internet connectivity solutions for space. As interest in space tourism and exploration grows, Solstar’s pioneering technology makes it a crucial player in facilitating seamless communications between Earth and space. With successful funding, strategic contracts, and continuous innovation, Solstar is well-positioned to lead future developments in space-based telecommunications, potentially transforming how data is relayed in space.