Cloud-based satellite antenna sharing platform developer, Infostellar, has received a Series A investment of $7.3 million led by Airbus Ventures along with WERU Investment, D4V, Sony Innovation Fund, and existing investors.
Founded in January 2016 in Tokyo, Infostellar's long-term mission is to provide smart, efficient communications infrastructure for humanity's ongoing space expansion. The first step in this journey is the creation of StellarStation, set to begin closed beta launch in October 2017. Through implementation of the StellarStation hardware unit, satellite operators can share their antennas through a cloud-based platform during otherwise idle time, allowing increased transmission at much lower cost, while also passing on revenue to antenna owners in the network.
Lowering costs and increasing access will lower barriers for new businesses entering the satellite industry, as well as solve two major problems for existing satellite operators: namely, insufficient satellite access time and unused antenna idle time. The process is simple: Users can share their antenna's idling time and receive credits, then use those credits to access other antennas around the globe. Alternatively, users can exchange credits for cash.
The StellarStation platform sits between antenna holders and satellite operators, managing the complex processes required to connect both sides in a shared network and provide opportunities for revenue. In order to facilitate this antenna sharing network, the StellarStation platform has a number of functions built in. First, it evaluates antennas for a given satellite's usage by referencing various factors like antenna specs and data transmission history. Using that information, it displays the most viable antennas for said satellite, and the user can book a transmission window that automatically begins once the satellite is in range.
Because there are various forms of data in both satellite uplink and downlink, StellarStation also performs the necessary data processing so that the data can be received in a usable form. Lastly, all operations are presented to the user in a comprehensive graphic interface, with complete API support. Through this easy-to-use sharing platform, Infostellar hopes to create a paradigm shift in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite operation.
The financing raised will be used to fund the launch of Infostellar's flagship platform, StellarStation, expand its network of partner antennas, and hire additional talented team members. Following the closing of the investment round, Infostellar also welcomed Dr Lewis Pinault, Managing Investment Partner for Airbus Ventures in Japan, to the Infostellar company board.
