Astrum Mobile, a Singapore-based satellite-to-device services provider, has selected SWISSto12 to manufacture NEASTAR-1 geostationary satellite, making it Asia Pacific’s first dedicated Satellite-to-Device platform delivering 5G Non-Terrestrial Network services.
SWISSto12 is a leading manufacturer of advanced satellite RF products, payloads and systems, including the HummingSat: a small yet powerful geostationary telecommunications satellite developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) through its public-private-partnership program.
Ina recent milestone, Astrum Mobile, a Singapore-based company pioneering in the field of satellite-to-device (S2D) services, specifically targeting the Asia-Pacific region, selected the Swiss company will manufacture NEASTAR-1 satellite, based on its small geostationary HummingSat platform. The satellite will be operated from geosynchronous position 105E over Asia Pacific, covering the Asia Pacific region. This marks Asia Pacific’s first Satellite-to-Device (S2D) platform.
“SWISSto12 was selected for its commercial approach, experienced satellite telecommunications team, as well as its small and agile spacecraft platform. NEASTAR-1 is the fifth satellite in the HummingSat product line, benefiting from extensive manufacturing experience, heritage and synergies to meet Astrum Mobile’s business plan”, says Michael Do, Chief Operating Officer of Astrum Mobile.
As the industry shifts towards direct-to-end-user device services, Astrum Mobile’s S2D service will leverage 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) to deliver rich media, data casting, IoT, mass notification, and in addition, emergency notification services throughout Asia Pacific. Operating as a high-power S2D service in L band and resistant to severe weather-related radio frequency service fade, Astrum Mobile will provide enhanced Service Level Assurances (SLA) and avoid natural service disruptions caused by events such as typhoons, floods, and earthquakes. End users will access the service using standard smartphones and smart devices.
Astrum Mobile aims to offer ubiquitous services and will partner with local innovators to provide compelling services in each country. NEASTAR-1 will be equipped with on-board reconfigurable beams to address market changes and dynamics over time.
“We have received significantly positive assurance from customers and partners that such a service will address the need to provide ubiquitous service access that meets national and commercial interests for enabling communications anywhere, everywhere. NEASTAR-1 is generating tremendous interest and excitement, and we look forward to launching Asia Pacific’s first S2D services”, Sean Wallace, Chief Executive Officer of Astrum Mobile
“SWISSto12 is delighted to partner with Astrum Mobile to deliver NEASTAR-1 on its first S2D mission. We will demonstrate the performance of a powerful S2D payload packed into the compact form factor of HummingSat. This adds another validation to our mission to better connect and protect users worldwide by providing agile geostationary satellite communications”, says Emile de Rijk, CEO and Founder of SWISSto12.
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