Four months after announcing plans for a new MicroGEO satellite constellation, in-flight connectivity supplier Anuvu secured $50 million to help develop and launch the platform. The capital is anticipated to support the expansion of the Anuvu Constellation ground and space networks, including its network management and data platforms and advanced mobility-focused antennas.
More than ever, our clients are looking to Anuvu to provide flexible satellite capacity built for mobility, without the inherent compromises of traditional geostationary designs.
– Josh Marks, Anuvu CEO
A $50 million investment would barely make a dent in the down payment on a traditional GEO satellite. Anuvu expects that the MicroGEO systems being built by Astranis will come at much lower cost, however. As smaller, lighter satellites the launch into orbit should also be less expensive than traditional GEO, though neither party disclosed specifics on expected costs for the system.
Anuvu expects two payloads, built by Astranis, in service by early 2023. The companies could add an additional six to the constellation based on the initial agreement.
A hybrid constellation
These first two payloads will integrate with the existing Ku-band GEO satellites according to Anuvu CEO Josh Marks. He also expects that, eventually, the MicroGEO satellites will integrate with the Telesat LEO constellation.
The idea of mixing LEO and GEO capacity into a cohesive constellation is also not new. But the Anuvu version is rather different. The current GEO constellation runs on Ku-band while the Telesat LEO constellation plans to run on Ka-band. Those won’t mix.
Exactly how that integration will work (or how the architecture shifts) remains to be seen.
The additional capital raise comes from the same group of investors that shepherded the company through its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings over the past 18 months. Apollo Capital Management, L.P., Sound Point Capital, and Arbour Lane Capital Management, LP all contributed to the funding round.
Sean Bratches, chairman of Anuvu’s Board of Directors notes that the increased investment “is an affirmation of Anuvu’s technology leadership and demonstrates the strong confidence and commitment of Anuvu’s investor base.”
More news from APEX EXPO 2021
- OneWeb, GDC Technics partner on new ESA solution
- SmartSky announces ATG availability for regional airlines
- Inmarsat, GDC celebrate 737 certification of Falcon 300 terminal for GX Aviation
- Anuvu adds $50 million for MicroGEO connectivity growth
- Malaysia Airlines plans IFE update with Flymingo
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