Unveiling the Future of Satellite Technology: Swissto12’s Expansion in the Small GEO Satellite Market
Swissto12, a leader in 3D printing technology for satellite manufacturing, is expanding its production facilities in Switzerland to capitalize on the burgeoning small geostationary satellite market. The company’s recent announcement on March 19 outlines plans to add 1,200 square meters of production space to its existing headquarters in Renens, Switzerland, augmenting the current 4,500 square meter site.
This expansion involves acquiring additional floors within the building and includes the establishment of a sizable clean room dedicated to supporting the production of Swissto12’s HummingSat spacecraft and radio frequency subsystem products. Last year, the company already expanded its factory by 2,000 square meters to enhance its manufacturing capabilities.
Currently, Swissto12 has four connectivity satellites in various stages of construction, with one slated for Intelsat and three for Viasat. CEO Emile de Rijk confirmed that all four satellites are progressing as planned and are expected to launch into geostationary orbit (GEO) by 2026. Intelsat’s IS-45 satellite is scheduled for launch in the first half of 2026 aboard Arianespace’s Ariane 6 rocket, while the launch provider for Viasat’s trio of I-8 satellites is yet to be announced.
In addition to facility expansion, Swissto12 has bolstered its team with several satellite engineering experts, contributing to a 25% growth in staff since the beginning of the year, totaling 125 employees across facilities in Switzerland, Europe, and the United States.
This increased production capacity aligns with Swissto12’s current contracts for satellite and radio frequency subsystems valued at over $200 million, positioning the company for future growth opportunities.
Swissto12’s strategic vision is reminiscent of Astranis, a California-based company developing similarly-sized satellites. Both companies anticipate rising demand for localized services delivered by smaller, cost-effective spacecraft. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, which are comparable in size to a school bus and boast ample room for transponders and power, these smaller satellites offer more targeted and affordable solutions.
Looking ahead, Swissto12 envisions a future where their HummingSats proliferate in geostationary orbit, enabling satellite operators and nations to offer high-performance connectivity to billions of people worldwide. Emile de Rijk predicts that by 2030, there will be more than 10 HummingSats in GEO, revolutionizing the satellite industry’s landscape.
While Astranis faced setbacks with its first GEO satellite due to an issue with a solar panel component, the company remains undeterred. With plans to launch additional satellites this summer and a growing customer base, including recent announcements of new partnerships, Astranis is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of satellite communications.
In a statement during the Satellite Conference, Astranis CEO John Gedmark emphasized their ambitious launch schedule, highlighting their commitment to innovation and expansion in the GEO satellite market.
As Swissto12 and Astranis forge ahead with their respective missions, the stage is set for a transformative era in satellite technology, where smaller, more agile spacecraft redefine the boundaries of connectivity and exploration.