Top 32 Space Communication startups

Updated: Jan 27, 2026
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These startups are developing space communication solutions for satellite internet, deep space missions, inter-satellite connectivity, Earth observation data relay, space tourism communication systems, etc.
1
Zaitra
Country: Czech Republic | Funding: €1.7M
Zaitra helps in reducing costs in data transmission along with spacecraft onboard and artificial intelligence services.
2
Nxgsat
Country: Belgium | Funding: €1.2M
nxgsat is a Flemish technology startup that specializes in revolutionary satellite communications. In particular it develops a virtual 5G modem, designed for multi-orbit compatibility across traditionally closed communications infrastructure.
3
Thorium Space
Country: Poland | Funding: 1,03M
Thorium Space is a designer and builder of satellite telecommunications systems.
4
Interstellar Technologies
Country: Japan | Funding: ¥36.7B
Interstellar Technologies is developing Zero - small satellite launch vehicle. It is a two-stage rocket designed to provide space transportation services exclusively for small satellites, capable of launching payloads of up to 1,000 kg into low-Earth orbit (LEO). It is expected to be the world's first privately developed rocket to use liquefied biomethane (LBM) as propellant. LBM is produced from biogas derived from local livestock manure and launch costs are expected to be under 800 million yen once mass production begins. The company is also developing the DECA heavy lift vehicle, tailored to meet the demands of the 2030s and its own satellites, and plans to provide high-speed, high-capacity broadband services capable of connecting directly to smartphones, vehicles, and other devices.
5
Northwood Space
Country: USA | Funding: $136.4M
Northwood Space develops more modern and efficient ground communications infrastructure - hardware solution that expands the orbits and frequency ranges accessible from Earth for satellite communications. The company manufactures and installs small phased array antennas designed to support or replace legacy systems using large parabolic antennas. Northwood's “portal” sites can handle eight satellite communications links (potentially up to 12 satellites) and the company's overall network is able to communicate with hundreds of satellites. Northwood has a contract with the U.S. Space Force to modernize the satellite control network.
6
Goonhilly Earth Station
Country: UK | Funding: £3.8M
Goonhilly Earth Station is a satellite communication teleport that provides telecommunication services.
7
Inmarsat
Country: UK | Funding: $1.8B
Inmarsat is a mobile satellite communication service provider that aims to power global connectivity services. Acquired by Viasat
8
BlueHalo
Country: USA | Funding: $723.2M
BlueHalo develops laser communications for space.
9
ADA Space
Country: China | Funding: CN¥1.1B
Guoxing Aerospace is a commercial satellite R&D operations and data service provider of low cost satellite and communication technology.
10
Intuitive Machines
Country: USA | Funding: $144.5M
Intuitive Machines offers engineering solutions at the unimagined intersections between energy, medicine, and aerospace. In particular it's build Earth-Moon communications infrastructure for NASA.
Boris Maslennikov
Editor: Boris Maslennikov
Boris Maslennikov is a senior editor for Space-Startups. He has spent more than a decade covering the global space industry as a business journalist. He earned a Ph.D. in planetary sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree with honors in geophysics and planetary science from the California Institute of Technology. In his free time, Boris enjoys studying history and mathematics, with a particular interest in the history of mathematics. You can contact Boris at borismaslenikov(at)space-startups(dot)com