Our portfolio company AscendArc, which emerged from stealth at the beginning of 2025, has secured its first commercial contract. The deal is with KT SAT, the satellite arm of Korea Telecom, for a Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellite scheduled to launch in 2027. The mission will serve as the cornerstone of KT SAT’s regional expansion, delivering affordable connectivity across the Asia-Pacific region.
Traditionally, GEO satellites have been extremely powerful but expensive to build, making them out of reach for many operators. AscendArc is changing that model.
By applying assembly-line production methods inspired by the automotive and aerospace industries, AscendArc can build satellites more quickly and at a lower cost. The result is a GEO platform that combines:
For KT SAT, this means:
More broadly, AscendArc’s approach could democratise GEO access, opening the door for telcos, new entrants, and governments that previously could not afford their own satellite.
As one of our portfolio companies, AscendArc is a great example of how we back ambitious founders tackling some of the hardest problems in space. From dual-use satellite technology to bridging the digital divide, AscendArc is well placed to make a lasting impact in both commercial telecoms and government markets.
AscendArc is already in talks with other customers, including governments seeking sovereign control of space assets. The company has been awarded a $1.8 million U.S. Air Force contract to develop small, mass-produced geostationary satellites.
With its first commercial deal in place and production scaling, AscendArc is proving that high-performance GEO satellites can be built faster, cheaper, and for more customers than ever before.
