AscendArc Raises $4M to Build Small GEO Satellites, Betting on Cost-Efficient Connectivity
Ascend Arc provides bandwidth as a service from proprietary geo stationary satellite hardware.
AscendArc, a Portland-based satellite startup founded by ex-Starlink engineer Chris McLain, has officially emerged from stealth with $4 million in funding to develop small geostationary (GEO) communication satellites. The company secured $505,000 in pre-seed funding and $3.45 million in seed funding from investors including Seraphim Space, Everywhere Ventures, Portland Seed Fund, Thermo, and Hunter Communications.
A Different Approach to Satellite Communications
While the industry has largely focused on low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, AscendArc is taking a contrarian approach. The company believes small GEO satellites—sub-1,000 kg instead of the traditional 5,000+ kg giants—can provide a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to both large GEO systems and massive LEO constellations.
LEO satellites, though known for low-latency connectivity, require vast fleets that spend much of their time over uninhabited areas like oceans. In contrast, AscendArc’s small GEO satellites can provide continuous regional coverage, making them an attractive option for targeted broadband and secure communications, albeit at slightly slower speeds.
Military and Commercial Applications
Beyond commercial connectivity, AscendArc has caught the attention of the U.S. military. The company recently secured a $1.8 million Phase II Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contract from the Air Force to refine its technology for secure military communications, focusing on encryption, anti-jamming capabilities, and military frequency bands.
“Their innovative approach holds the potential not only to revolutionize commercial satellite communications—providing even lower-cost satellites for the commercial market—but also to provide crucial solutions for countries’ national security,” said Lewis Jones, an investor at Seraphim Space.
Small GEO Satellites Gaining Traction
AscendArc’s funding comes at a time when investors are increasingly backing small GEO satellite startups. The sector has gained momentum with companies like Astranis, which raised $200 million in a Series D round earlier this year—the largest U.S. space funding round of 2024.
With its fresh capital, AscendArc is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving satellite market. By challenging industry norms and betting on smaller, more cost-effective GEO satellites, the company aims to provide an alternative that balances affordability, efficiency, and reliable coverage.
Read more on SpaceNews and Payload
Listen to Kelvin Chan with Jenny Fielding on the Venture Everywhere podcast: The Road to Nirvana. Now on Apple & Spotify and check out to all our past episodes here!
