Constellation Technologies & Operations, a start-up focused on developing a satellite constellation to enable telecom operators to offer high-speed, low-latency internet from space, has secured €9.3 million in funding.
The investment comes from the Expansion fund, which specialises in New Space and New Air Mobility, and the French Tech Seed fund, managed by Bpifrance on behalf of the French government, under the France 2030 plan. This round also includes support from the company’s existing investor. The funding will allow the company to carry out its first end-to-end connectivity tests, both on the ground and in orbit, and complete detailed engineering studies for the first two satellites in its constellation.
Space-based Internet
The global demand for high-speed, low-latency Internet delivered via satellite is growing rapidly, driven by the narrowing performance and cost gap between terrestrial and satellite connectivity. A 2023 report by GSMA Intelligence estimates this market could generate up to $35 billion in annual revenue for telecom operators by 2035.
Despite this growth, new entrants such as SpaceX’s Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper, and Chinese projects are dominating the space, deploying vast satellite constellations for consumer use. With tens of thousands of satellites expected in orbit, traditional telecom operators need solutions that allow them to enter this space-based connectivity market as a complement to their existing terrestrial networks.
Constellation technologies and operations
Founded in 2022 by Charles Delfieux, Constellation Technologies & Operations aims to meet this need by developing a B2B2C satellite constellation that places telecom operators at the heart of the value chain. The company’s vision is to provide universal internet access, especially in underserved regions, enabling telecom operators to offer high-performance, affordable, and sustainable satellite internet services.
Constellation Technologies & Operations sets itself apart with two key innovations. Firstly, its constellation will operate in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), ensuring high-speed internet with minimal latency. This orbit also supports more sustainable space use, mitigating the risk of space debris and light pollution.
Secondly, the start-up has adopted an innovative frequency strategy, repurposing terrestrial 5G spectrum for space-based connectivity. This allows telecom operators to utilise unsaturated spectrum for space communications.
Funding to drive satellite development
The €9.3 million funding, led by Expansion and the French Tech Seed fund under the France 2030 initiative, will enable Constellation Technologies & Operations to achieve significant milestones. These include comprehensive connectivity tests using both orbiting satellites and ground stations, and detailed engineering work on the first two satellites, which are set to launch by 2026. The company, with a team of 30 based in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines and Toulouse, France, plans to industrialise and mass-produce satellites, user terminals, and the wider system in the coming years.
The long-term objective is to fully deploy its infrastructure by the end of the decade, offering global coverage. This will enable telecom operators to deliver space-based high-speed, low-latency internet, much like they currently do with terrestrial networks.
“We are thrilled to have secured this funding, which will allow us to continue developing our constellation and help telecom operators unlock the enormous potential of space-based connectivity. Our mission is to bridge the digital divide and provide universal internet access, empowering telecom operators to serve customers even in the most remote areas,” said Charles Delfieux, CEO and Founder of Constellation Technologies & Operations.
“Constellation Technologies & Operations represents a unique opportunity to support disruptive innovation in space connectivity infrastructure. Their approach ensures that telecom operators can fully participate in this new market while addressing the environmental challenges facing the space sector,” added Charles Beigbeder, Investor and Co-Founder of Expansion.
There’s plenty of other editorial on our sister site, Electronic Specifier! Or you can always join in the conversation by commenting below or visiting our LinkedIn page.
