Boeing today announced its investment in BridgeSat Inc., a Denver-based company specializing in optical communications solutions, which will make the future of connectivity in space possible through a network of ground stations and private space terminals.
BridgeSat is developing a global network of Optical Earth Stations (OGS) to transmit large amounts of data into space quickly and reliably. Its stations support low earth orbit (LEO) and optical geostationary satellite communications (GEO), enabling secure transmissions between satellites, other spacecraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and high-altitude aircraft.
"This partnership will help us drive the digital transition in the field of satellites with a technology that provides next-generation capabilities to our customers", Commented Brian Schettler, managing director of Boeing HorizonX Ventures. "Allowing BridgeSat to resize its operations accelerates secure and reliable satellite communications around the world".
BridgeSat was established in 2015 to address cost, bandwidth and infrastructure restrictions in space-based optical communications. The company recently announced an agreement, the first in the sector, with NASA to develop a commercialized free-space optical communication system that supports future agency missions.
"As we are expanding our OGS into a global network, this investment will enable us to meet the need for secure big data delivery from LEO and GEO satellites at higher speeds and lower cost than traditional radiofrequency solutions"Said Barry Matsumori, CEO of BridgeSat.
Boeing HorizonX Ventures led to BridgeSat's Series B funding, with the participation of Allied Minds. The investment and the relationship with Boeing connects BridgeSat with Boeing experts, testing laboratories and other precious resources to accelerate the distribution of its OGS services in the world.
The role of Boeing HorizonX Ventures is to focus on investments that contribute to increasing large-scale start-up innovation in the aerospace sector. Its portfolio consists of companies specializing in autonomous systems, additive manufacturing, energy and data storage, advanced materials, augmented reality systems and software, machine learning, hybrid-electric and hypersonic propulsion and Internet of Things connectivity.
(image: BridgeSat Inc.)
