Constellation Technologies & Operations, a startup developing a constellation of satellites to empower telecom operators to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet access from space, has secured €9.3 million in funding.
The global market for high-speed, low-latency internet from space is expanding rapidly, driven by the convergence in performance and pricing between terrestrial and satellite connectivity for the first time in telecommunications history.
However, new telecom entrants are largely capturing this growing market, particularly US projects like SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper, along with Chinese ambitions. These players are already developing or operating satellite B2C constellations, with several thousands of satellites – a number that could reach tens of thousands in the future.
To remain competitive, telecom operators need solutions that allow them to tap into this new space-based connectivity market and provide internet access from space to complement their terrestrial networks.
Founded in 2022 by Charles Delfieux, Constellation Technologies & Operations aims to address this challenge by developing a B2B2C constellation of satellites that places telecom operators at the center of the value chain.
The company aims to enable universal internet access, which is essential for social and economic development, by allowing telecom operators worldwide to offer their customers high-performance, affordable, and sustainable internet access from space, particularly in areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable.
Constellation Technologies & Operations stands out with two key technological innovations. First, the company ensures high-speed connectivity with minimal latency by deploying its constellation in Very Low Earth Orbit. It also supports a more sustainable use of space by reducing the risks of space debris and light pollution.
Further, the startup has adopted an innovative radio frequency strategy by repurposing telecom operators’ terrestrial 5G spectrum for space-based connectivity. This approach provides operators with alternative access to unsaturated spectrum.
The investment comes from Expansion, which is a fund dedicated to New Space and New Air Mobility, and the French Tech Seed fund managed by Bpifrance on behalf of the French government, as part of the France 2030 plan in addition to its historical investor.
Charles Delfieux, CEO and founder of Constellation Technologies & Operations, stated:
“We are thrilled to have secured this funding, which will allow us to continue developing our constellation and help telecom operators unlock the enormous potential of space-based connectivity.
Our mission is to bridge the digital divide and provide universal internet access, empowering telecom operators to serve customers even in the most remote areas.”
Investor Charles Beigbeder, Co-Founder of Expansion, concluded:
“Constellation Technologies & Operations represents a unique opportunity to support disruptive innovation in space connectivity infrastructure.
Their approach ensures that telecom operators can fully participate in this new market while addressing the space sector's environmental challenges.”
Claire Waché, Senior Investment Officer at Bpifrance:
“We're pleased to support Constellation Technologies & Operations, as its technological innovations around ultra-low orbit and the use of 5G spectrum are key to enable telecoms operators to enter and compete in the space connectivity market.
This investment reflects Bpifrance's mission to support disruptive innovation in strategic sectors.”
Constellation Technologies & Operations has already received several expressions of interest from European telecom operators and is in advanced discussions with international operators.
This funding will enable the company to conduct its first end-to-end connectivity tests on the ground and in orbit, and complete detailed engineering studies for the first two satellites of its constellation.
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