WISeSat.Space Progresses on European Low Earth Orbit Satellite Constellation
WISeSat.Space, a subsidiary of WISeKey (NASDAQ: WKEY), announced significant progress in developing a European Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to compete with SpaceX's Starlink and China's Thousand Sails. The company has already launched 17 mini-satellites and plans to deploy 88 more over the next 36 months, with a next-generation satellite launch scheduled for January 2025 from California.
The project aims to establish technological independence and secure data transmission for Europe. WISeSat.Space has installed a satellite antenna in La Línea, Spain, and plans another in Switzerland. By 2027, the company targets a constellation of 100 satellites incorporating WISeKey cryptographic keys and SEALSQ Corp semiconductor technology.
The initiative includes partnerships with the Swiss Army for military operations and will be discussed at a high-level roundtable during the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2025.
WISeSat.Space, una controllata di WISeKey (NASDAQ: WKEY), ha annunciato progressi significativi nello sviluppo di una costellazione di satelliti in orbita terrestre bassa (LEO) per competere con il Starlink di SpaceX e il Thousand Sails della Cina. L'azienda ha già lanciato 17 mini-satelliti e prevede di lanciare altri 88 nei prossimi 36 mesi, con un lancio di satelliti di nuova generazione previsto per gennaio 2025 dalla California.
Il progetto mira a stabilire l'indipendenza tecnologica e assicurare la trasmissione dei dati per l'Europa. WISeSat.Space ha installato un'antenna per satelliti a La Línea, in Spagna, e prevede un'altra in Svizzera. Entro il 2027, l'azienda ha come obiettivo una costellazione di 100 satelliti che incorporano chiavi crittografiche di WISeKey e tecnologia dei semiconduttori di SEALSQ Corp.
L'iniziativa include partnership con l'esercito svizzero per operazioni militari e sarà discussa in un tavolo rotondo di alto livello durante il World Economic Forum a Davos nel gennaio 2025.
WISeSat.Space, una subsidiaria de WISeKey (NASDAQ: WKEY), anunció avances significativos en el desarrollo de una constelación de satélites en órbita terrestre baja (LEO) para competir con Starlink de SpaceX y Thousand Sails de China. La compañía ya ha lanzado 17 mini-satélites y planea desplegar 88 más en los próximos 36 meses, con un lanzamiento de satélites de nueva generación programado para enero de 2025 desde California.
El proyecto tiene como objetivo establecer independencia tecnológica y asegurar la transmisión de datos para Europa. WISeSat.Space ha instalado una antena satelital en La Línea, España, y planea otra en Suiza. Para 2027, la compañía tiene como meta una constelación de 100 satélites que incorporan claves criptográficas de WISeKey y tecnología de semiconductores de SEALSQ Corp.
La iniciativa incluye asociaciones con el Ejército Suizo para operaciones militares y se discutirá en una mesa redonda de alto nivel durante el Foro Económico Mundial en Davos en enero de 2025.
WISeSat.Space는 WISeKey (NASDAQ: WKEY)의 자회사로, SpaceX의 Starlink와 중국의 Thousand Sails와 경쟁하기 위한 저궤도(LEO) 위성 군집 개발에서 중요한 진전을 발표했습니다. 이 회사는 이미 17개의 미니 위성을 발사했으며, 향후 36개월 동안 88개의 추가 위성을 배치할 계획이며, 차세대 위성 발사는 2025년 1월 캘리포니아에서 예정되어 있습니다.
이 프로젝트는 유럽의 기술 독립성을 확립하고 데이터 전송을 안전하게 하는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다. WISeSat.Space는 스페인 라 리니아에 위성 안테나를 설치했으며, 스위스에도 안테나를 설치할 예정입니다. 2027년까지 이 회사는 WISeKey의 암호 키와 SEALSQ Corp의 반도체 기술을 통합한 100개의 위성 군집을 목표로 하고 있습니다.
이 이니셔티브에는 군사 작전을 위한 스위스 군과의 파트너십이 포함되어 있으며, 2025년 1월 다보스에서 열리는 세계 경제 포럼에서 고위급 원탁 회의에서 논의될 예정입니다.
WISeSat.Space, une filiale de WISeKey (NASDAQ: WKEY), a annoncé des progrès significatifs dans le développement d'une constellation de satellites en orbite terrestre basse (LEO) pour rivaliser avec Starlink de SpaceX et Thousand Sails de Chine. L'entreprise a déjà lancé 17 mini-satellites et prévoit de déployer 88 autres au cours des 36 prochains mois, avec un lancement de satellites de nouvelle génération prévu pour janvier 2025 depuis la Californie.
Le projet vise à établir l'indépendance technologique et à sécuriser la transmission des données pour l'Europe. WISeSat.Space a installé une antenne satellite à La Línea, en Espagne, et prévoit une autre en Suisse. D'ici 2027, l'entreprise vise une constellation de 100 satellites intégrant des clés cryptographiques de WISeKey et la technologie des semi-conducteurs de SEALSQ Corp.
L'initiative comprend des partenariats avec l'armée suisse pour des opérations militaires et sera discutée lors d'une table ronde de haut niveau pendant le Forum économique mondial à Davos en janvier 2025.
WISeSat.Space, eine Tochtergesellschaft von WISeKey (NASDAQ: WKEY), gab bedeutende Fortschritte bei der Entwicklung einer Konstellation von Satelliten in niedriger Erdumlaufbahn (LEO) bekannt, um mit SpaceX's Starlink und Chinas Thousand Sails zu konkurrieren. Das Unternehmen hat bereits 17 Mini-Satelliten gestartet und plant, in den nächsten 36 Monaten weitere 88 zu starten, wobei der nächste Start eines Satelliten der nächsten Generation für Januar 2025 in Kalifornien geplant ist.
Das Projekt zielt darauf ab, die technologische Unabhängigkeit zu etablieren und die Datenübertragung für Europa zu sichern. WISeSat.Space hat eine Satellitenschüssel in La Línea, Spanien, installiert und plant eine weitere in der Schweiz. Bis 2027 verfolgt das Unternehmen das Ziel, eine Konstellation von 100 Satelliten mit WISeKey-Kryptographietasten und der Halbleitertechnologie von SEALSQ Corp. zu schaffen.
Die Initiative umfasst Partnerschaften mit der Schweizer Armee für militärische Operationen und wird während des Weltwirtschaftsforums im Januar 2025 auf einer hochrangigen Runde diskutiert.
- Already launched 17 mini-satellites through strategic partnership with Fossa Systems
- Planned deployment of additional 88 satellites over next 36 months
- Established key infrastructure with satellite antenna in Spain
- Strategic partnership with Swiss Army for military operations
- Faces strong competition from established players like SpaceX's Starlink
- Competing against China's ambitious 15,000-satellite Thousand Sails constellation
Insights
The development of WISeSat.Space's European LEO satellite constellation represents a strategic initiative in the competitive space-based internet market. The planned deployment of 88 additional satellites over the next 36 months, building upon their existing 17 mini-satellites, demonstrates significant infrastructure expansion. The integration of WISeKey's cryptographic technology and SEALSQ semiconductor components provides a competitive edge in secure communications.
The technical architecture, including ground stations in Spain and Switzerland, creates a robust network infrastructure essential for constellation management. However, competing with established players like Starlink (with thousands of satellites) and China's Thousand Sails project (planning 15,000 satellites) presents significant technological and market penetration challenges. The focus on IoT connectivity and environmental monitoring applications could provide differentiation in specific market segments, though the scale remains relatively modest compared to competitors.
While WISeSat.Space's expansion plans are ambitious for a company of WISeKey's size (market cap:
The partnership with the Swiss Army demonstrates potential for specialized military applications, which could offer higher-margin opportunities. However, investors should note that the path to profitability in satellite constellations typically requires massive upfront investment and sustained operational costs. The company's current market capitalization raises questions about its ability to fund such an ambitious expansion without significant dilution or external funding.
WISeSat.Space Progresses on European Low Earth Orbit Satellite Constellation
Geneva, Switzerland – December 4, 2024 – WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: WKEY; SIX: WIHN), a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and Internet of Things (IoT) innovations, today announced that its subsidiary WISeSat.Space has made significant progress in the development of a European Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to establish a competitive alternative to existing networks such as SpaceX’s Starlink and China’s Thousand Sails. This initiative underscores Europe’s need for technological independence, secure data transmission, and innovation in the satellite industry.
WISeSat.Space has already launched 17 mini-satellites with Space X into orbit through a strategic investment and partnership with Fossa Systems, aimed at expanding its portfolio of space technology assets. Over the next 36 months, WISeSat.Space plans to deploy an additional 88 satellites, complemented by the launch of a next-generation satellite expected in January 2025 from California. This next-generation satellite will significantly enhance global IoT connectivity and environmental monitoring capabilities, supporting applications such as climate change analysis, disaster response, and precision agriculture.
WISeSat.Space has also established key infrastructure, including a satellite antenna in La Línea, Spain, with plans to install another in Switzerland. These installations will enhance the monitoring and management of the growing satellite constellation, ensuring optimal performance and secure operations. By 2027, WISeSat.Space aims to establish a constellation of 100 satellites incorporating WISeKey cryptographic keys and semiconductor technology from WISeKey subsidiary SEALSQ Corp to ensure robust communication capabilities.
China’s launch of its first batch of satellites for the "Thousand Sails" constellation marks a critical step in the global race for dominance in space-based internet services. With plans to deploy more than 15,000 satellites, including an initial phase of 648 operational by 2025, this ambitious LEO network aims to create comprehensive global internet coverage. The move directly challenges SpaceX’s Starlink and signifies China’s determination to achieve technological independence, enhance its global influence, and secure a leading position in the rapidly evolving satellite internet market.
The development of such constellations is not merely about providing internet connectivity; it represents a strategic advantage in several domains. Controlling a LEO satellite network enables greater data sovereignty by ensuring that sensitive information is not transmitted through foreign-controlled systems. It also strengthens national security, provides economic benefits through a burgeoning industry, and allows nations to offer affordable connectivity to underserved regions. Additionally, the innovation required to build and maintain these networks positions their developers at the forefront of satellite and communications technology.
WISeKey CEO Carlos Moreira, emphasized the critical importance of establishing a European satellite infrastructure, noting "Developing a European LEO satellite constellation is not just an opportunity but a necessity to maintain technological and geopolitical relevance. It will ensure data sovereignty, foster innovation, and provide secure connectivity aligned with our core values of privacy, transparency, and inclusivity."
Mr. Moreira added, commenting on the Company’s multifaceted approach, "Our revenue model leverages public-private partnerships, strategic alliances with organizations like the European Space Agency, and robust investments from EU funds, national budgets, and the private sector. By offering secure IoT connectivity services to various industries, we aim to generate sustainable revenue streams that will support the development and deployment of the constellation."
The development of a European LEO network is not just an opportunity but a necessity to maintain technological and geopolitical relevance. Without such an initiative, Europe risks being sidelined as global powers like the U.S. and China shape the future of connectivity and space innovation.
As previously announced, WISeKey has also partnered with the Swiss Army to integrate secure IoT connectivity solutions into military operations, enhancing situational awareness, logistics, and disaster response capabilities. This partnership highlights the critical role of satellite technology in modern defense strategies.
High-Level Roundtable at Davos
As part of its commitment to advancing the European satellite industry, WISeKey will host a high-level roundtable at Davos during the upcoming World Economic Forum in January 2025. The event, titled "How Space Will Be the Next Internet", will focus on the strategic expansion of WISeSat.Space’s infrastructure and the broader implications of satellite technology on global connectivity and innovation.
The roundtable will convene industry leaders, policymakers, and visionaries to discuss opportunities and challenges in the satellite sector. For more information, visit https://www.wisekey.com/davos25/howspacewillbethenextinternet/
About WISeSat.Space
WISeSat.Space AG is pioneering a transformative approach to IoT connectivity and climate change monitoring through its innovative satellite constellation. By providing cost-effective, secure, and global IoT connectivity, WISeSat is enabling a wide range of applications that support environmental monitoring, disaster management, and sustainable practices. The integration of satellite data with advanced climate models holds great promise for enhancing our understanding of climate change and developing effective strategies to combat its impacts. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, initiatives like WISeSat’s IoT satellite constellation are essential for creating a more resilient and sustainable future.
About WISeKey
WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.
Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.
Disclaimer
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa's predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.
Press and Investor Contacts
| WISeKey International Holding Ltd Company Contact: Carlos Moreira Chairman & CEO Tel: +41 22 594 3000 info@wisekey.com | WISeKey Investor Relations (US) The Equity Group Inc. Lena Cati Tel: +1 212 836-9611 / lcati@equityny.com Katie Murphy Tel: +1 212 836-9612 / kmurphy@equityny.com |
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