CesiumAstro Inc., a developer of aerospace communications systems, has secured a $3.6 million contract with the U.S. Air Force to install its technology in an unmanned aircraft.
Headquartered in Austin, CesiumAstro builds high-throughput, software-defined phased array communications payloads for airborne and space platforms, including satellites, missiles, unmanned vehicles and traditional aircraft.
The new contract, announced in late June, is led by AFWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Air Force through its Tactical Funding Increase program.
“We are honored to support the U.S. Air Force in realizing the tactical advantages of AESAs on the MQ-9A Reaper platform,” said Shey Sabripour, founder and CEO of CesiumAstro. “AESA technology offers advantages for both commercial and military applications.”
CesiumAstro will integrate and demonstrate its satellite communications, or SATCOM, terminal aboard an MQ-9A Reaper, a remotely piloted aircraft. The contract will directly supports the Department of Defense’s need for enhanced, higher throughput connectivity aboard airborne vehicles, the company states.
The contract serves as an example of continued government interest in the Lone Star State's aerospace industry. With more than 138,000 professionals working in the field, Texas was named the state best equipped to foster defense and aerospace growth by accounting giant PricewaterhouseCoopers. In recognition of this lucrative business sector, Texas lawmakers recently approved the formation and funding of the Texas Space Commission to foster growth in the industry.
“Satellite communications are essential to ensure the warfighter remains connected in future operating environments,” stated Wayne Phelps, retired Marine Corps UAS pilot and director of business development at CesiumAstro. “We’re thrilled to continue working with our U.S. Air Force partners to demonstrate this critical communications solution.”
The newly approved agreement serves as an opportunity for the company to scale its SATCOM terminal to fit the size, weight and power requirements of a Group 5 unmanned aerial system. The terminal will be integrated on a General Atomics MQ-9A capital asset to demonstrate connectivity benefits with a commercial satellite network.
“We are excited to demonstrate the advantages that active phased array satellite communications systems will bring to our family of UAS. This technology is imperative for maintaining a tactical advantage,” stated Douglas Hardison, sector vice president for Navy and Marine Corps strategic development at General Atomics – Aeronautical Systems Inc.
This latest announcement follows the unveiling of its multi-beam active electronically steered array for commercial and defense in-flight connectivity applications. The system is designed as a cost-effective and scalable solution for a wide range of airborne communications and connectivity platforms spanning large commercial aircraft, business jets, helicopters and unmanned aerial systems.
The new contract also follows the March announcement of a $5 million contract with the Department of Defense’s Space Development Agency in addition to another deal with the European commercial aircraft manufacturer Airbus to use its in-flight connectivity SATCOM terminal.
In 2022, CesiumAstro raised $60 million in new venture capital funding. The latest round, which brings its total funding to nearly $90 million, was co-led by Airbus Ventures and Forever Ventures. The company also maintains offices in Broomfield, Colorado, El Segundo, California and the United Kingdom.
The private company currently maintains an estimated annual revenue of $6 million and a team of about 100 employees, according to data from Kona Equity.
