Boeing leads $10 million funding round for BridgeSat laser communications venture

BridgeSat uses optical systems to send data to orbiting satellites. (BridgeSat / Boeing Illustration)

Boeing HorizonX Ventures is leading a $10 million investment round to boost BridgeSat, a Denver-based satellite communications company that aims to use laser technology for ground-to-space data connectivity.

Founded in 2015, BridgeSat is developing a network of optical ground stations and proprietary space terminals for use with satellites in low Earth orbit and geostationary orbit.  The technology enables secure, high-bandwidth data transmission between satellites, other spacecraft, drones and high-altitude aircraft.

In March, the company announced an agreement with NASA that could open the way for a commercial, laser-based communications system to be used on future space missions. The agreement calls for a ground station demonstration by the end of this year, with on-orbit testing to be completed by next May. BridgeSat is also providing laser terminals and data services for ICEYE’s commercial satellite radar constellation.

In a news release issued today, Boeing and BridgeSat said the new round of investment will accelerate progress on the network of optical ground stations.

“As we grow our OGS into a global network, this investment will help us meet the need for secure delivery of big data from LEO and GEO satellites at faster speeds, and a lower cost than traditional radio frequency solutions,” said BridgeSat CEO Barry Matsumori, a veteran of Virgin Galactic and SpaceX.

As we enable faster, reliable space-based communications, #BoeingHorizonX invests in @BridgeSat_Inc