Rocket Scientists with a Signal: The Story Behind Astrome’s Lift-Off

Astrome was founded in 2015 by Dr. Neha Satak and Dr. Prasad H.L. Bhat in Bengaluru, India. The company specializes in millimeter-wave wireless communication technologies, aiming to accelerate 5G deployment and provide cost-effective broadband connectivity, particularly in underserved rural areas.

Dr. Neha Satak, the CEO, earned her Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University after completing her Master’s degree in the same field from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)​. She has extensive experience in space technology, having worked on research projects focused on asteroid deflection and robotic navigation during her tenure at the University of Florida and other institutions​. Before co-founding Astrome, she was involved in initiatives promoting hands-on space education and technology, such as the Experimental Center for Applied Physical Systems (ECAPS) and SPACE (Scientific Preparatory Academy for Cosmic Explorers)​. (Dr. Neha Satak)

Dr. Prasad H.L. Bhat, the CTO, has a strong background in computer science and automation, holding a Ph.D. from IISc. He worked on algorithms for stochastic games and service systems during his academic career​. His professional experience includes roles as a consultant at Texas Instruments and as co-founder and CTO of Streamoid Technologies, a company focused on visual search technology. Dr. Bhat has consistently aimed to bridge academic potential with industrial solutions. (Dr. Prasad H.L. Bhat)

Dialing into Demand: The Telecom Market’s Need for Speed

The telecom network infrastructure market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for high-speed internet and the global rollout of advanced communication technologies. In 2022, the market was valued at approximately $95 billion and is projected to reach around $180 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 6% during this period. (Global Market Insights)

This expansion is largely attributed to the proliferation of smartphones and the surge in data-intensive applications, which have collectively escalated data traffic worldwide. To accommodate this growing demand, telecom operators are investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades, including the deployment of 5G networks and the expansion of fiber-optic systems. These advancements aim to provide faster and more reliable connectivity to meet consumer and enterprise needs.

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth in the telecom network infrastructure market, driven by rapid digitalization and increasing internet penetration in countries like China and India. In contrast, Europe and North America continue to invest in upgrading existing networks to support emerging technologies and maintain service quality.

Beam Me Up, Broadband: Astrome’s Mission to Connect the Unconnected

Astrome is a deep-tech company specializing in millimeter-wave wireless communication solutions. Their mission is to innovate next-generation millimeter-wave wireless products through advancements in phased array antennas and beam-forming technologies. This approach aims to transform digital infrastructure, enabling seamless high-bandwidth connectivity across land, ocean, and air. 

Problems To Solve

The company addresses several critical challenges in global connectivity:

• High-Cost Infrastructure: Traditional network infrastructure, especially in rural areas, is often prohibitively expensive. Their wireless fiber solutions, particularly GigaMesh, offer a cost-effective alternative to laying physical fiber, enabling affordable high-speed internet in hard-to-reach locations.
• Deployment Time: Traditional network setups can be time-consuming and require significant physical resources. Their software-driven solutions reduce the need for manual adjustments and physical interventions, significantly speeding up deployment processes.
• High Throughput Needs: The demand for high-bandwidth communication is growing rapidly, driven by the expansion of 5G networks and the need for robust satellite communications. Their technology meets these demands with its high-speed, high-capacity solutions.

Business Model

Astrome operates on a business-to-business model, partnering with strategic customers such as telecom providers, satellite operators, wireless equipment manufacturers, system integrators, governments, and telecom infrastructure companies. By offering innovative products like GigaMesh, the world’s first multi-beam E-band radio, Astrome enables these partners to deliver high-speed internet services efficiently and cost-effectively.

Tools of the Trade: GigaMesh, SpaceNet, and GigaSat Bring the Bandwidth

Astrome specializes in innovative millimeter-wave wireless communication solutions designed to enhance global connectivity. Their product portfolio includes GigaMesh, SpaceNet, and GigaSat, each addressing specific challenges in telecommunications and satellite communications.

GigaMesh: Multi-Beam E-Band Radio for Wireless Backhaul

GigaMesh is the world’s first multi-beam E-band radio capable of connecting a single tower to multiple other towers simultaneously, delivering multi-Gbps throughput to each. It employs millimeter-wave wireless technology and advanced proprietary algorithms for automatic link alignment and dynamic power adjustment, eliminating the need for extensive physical infrastructure. Its ability to create multiple, non-shared gigabit links from a single unit significantly reduces deployment time and costs. GigaMesh is ideal for expanding 4G and 5G networks and providing high-speed connectivity in rural and urban areas​​. (GigaMesh)

The device also incorporates intelligent link management and dynamic multi-beam capabilities, ensuring optimal performance even in changing environmental conditions. This innovation is crucial for reducing operational costs and enhancing deployment efficiency​.

SpaceNet: High-Throughput Satellite Payloads

SpaceNet is a fully software-defined payload technology designed for satellite constellations operating in V/W-bands. It delivers over 180 Gbps of capacity per satellite, significantly lowering infrastructure costs compared to existing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) constellations. By supporting inter-satellite communication and providing high-speed internet even in remote areas, SpaceNet enables next-generation satellite broadband services. It is an attractive solution for satellite operators looking to deploy cost-effective, scalable networks​. Astrome also provides ITU filing support and offers customized network designs to maximize capacity and revenue for satellite operators​. (SpaceNet)

GigaSat: Flat-Panel Satellite Terminals

GigaSat is a flat-panel satellite terminal supporting communication across multiple frequencies, including Ku, Ka, C, and W-bands. It can form multiple simultaneous spot beams, making it ideal for LEO and MEO constellations as well as mobility terminals for GEO satellites. Its electronically steerable antennas and compliance with DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X standards ensure seamless and cost-efficient operations. GigaSat provides end-to-end support for constellation design, regulatory compliance, and terminal customization​. (GigaSat)

Applications and Impact

Their products serve diverse markets, including rural broadband, telecom networks, enterprise connectivity, and defense applications. GigaMesh provides gigabit speeds to remote areas, SpaceNet enhances satellite broadband capabilities, and GigaSat ensures versatile satellite communication for various constellations​.

Wave Hello to Millimeter Magic: The Science Behind Astrome’s Smarts

Astrome leverages advanced technologies to enhance global connectivity, focusing on millimeter-wave (mmWave) technology, phased array antennas, and sophisticated beamforming techniques.

Millimeter-Wave Technology

Millimeter waves occupy the frequency spectrum between 30 GHz and 300 GHz, corresponding to wavelengths from 1 to 10 millimeters. These high-frequency waves can transmit large amounts of data at high speeds, making them ideal for applications like 5G networks and high-speed wireless communications. However, mmWaves have limited propagation ranges and are susceptible to atmospheric absorption and obstacles, necessitating advanced transmission and reception methods to ensure reliable communication.

Phased Array Antennas

Phased array antennas consist of multiple individual antenna elements arranged in an array, with each element capable of adjusting the phase of the signal it emits or receives. By precisely controlling these phases, the antenna can steer its beam in different directions without physical movement. This electronic steering allows for rapid changes in beam direction, enhancing the antenna’s ability to track targets or cover multiple areas efficiently. Phased arrays are crucial in applications requiring dynamic beam steering and high reliability, such as radar systems, satellite communications, and modern wireless networks.

Beamforming Techniques

Beamforming is a signal processing technique used in antenna arrays to direct the transmission or reception of signals in specific directions. By adjusting the amplitude and phase of the signal at each antenna element, the array can form a constructive interference pattern in the desired direction and destructive interference elsewhere, effectively focusing the beam. This concentration enhances signal strength and reduces interference, improving communication quality and efficiency. Beamforming is integral to technologies like 5G, where it helps manage the challenges associated with mmWave propagation by directing energy toward users and minimizing losses.

Astrome integrates these technologies to develop innovative communication solutions. By utilizing mmWave frequencies, their systems achieve high data throughput. The implementation of phased array antennas enables rapid and precise beam steering, while advanced beamforming techniques ensure robust and efficient signal transmission. This combination allows Astrome to provide high-capacity wireless links and satellite communication systems that are both flexible and resilient, addressing the growing demand for reliable high-speed connectivity in various environments.

Cashing in on Connectivity: Astrome’s Impact and Alliances

In recognition of their groundbreaking work, Astrome received the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Virtual Digital World SME Award in 2020 for the most promising innovative solution in connectivity. (Times of India)

They have gained global recognition for its contributions to the connectivity landscape. The company was the first to be admitted to the Qualcomm and EvoNexus 5G & AI program. Additionally, as a Cisco Solutions Partner, Astrome has aligned itself with industry leaders to leverage cutting-edge technologies and expand its market reach. 

In February 2023, Astrome partnered with SatixFy, an Israel-based leader in satellite communication systems, to integrate SatixFy’s PRIME 1 beamformer chip into Astrome’s GigaMesh product line. This collaboration aims to accelerate the deployment of 5G infrastructure by providing a significant time-to-market advantage and enhancing the capabilities of GigaMesh in delivering high-speed wireless backhaul solutions. (Satixfy)

In May 2022, Astrome signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Methera Global Communications, a UK-based MEO satellite constellation company. This partnership focuses on developing next-generation satellite broadband internet services, particularly targeting underserved regions in Asia, Africa, and other areas. The collaboration aims to leverage Methera’s satellite system and their low-cost user terminals to provide high-capacity broadband access, supporting both government and private sector digital applications. (Communications Today)

Dollars, Data, and Determination: How Astrome is Wiring for Wealth

Astrome has raised $5.04 million in equity funding across seven rounds, supported by a mix of institutional, corporate, and angel investors. The company achieved a post-money valuation of $15 million as of March 2022. This funding has played a crucial role in advancing their innovative millimeter-wave wireless communication technologies and expanding their reach globally. (Tracxn)

The largest funding round occurred on July 19, 2021, when Astrome raised $3.4 million in Series A funding. This round brought the company’s valuation to $14.1 million. Institutional investors such as GrayCell Ventures, Impact Collective, and Assure Labs, alongside corporate backers like ARTPARK and Insight Alpha, participated. Additionally, numerous angel investors, including Lakshmi Narayanan and Gopal Menon, contributed to this round.

Earlier funding rounds also highlighted strong support. In September 2018, a seed round brought in $752,000 from investors like Integra Micro Systems and several angel backers. Another notable seed round in February 2018 raised $49,200, supported by corporate entities like ManSat and angel investors including D. S. Govindarajan. The initial funding in 2016 came from Indian Institute of Science and other angels, totaling $45,300 at a valuation of $648,000.

In terms of revenue, they have shown steady growth. For FY 2023-24, the company reported revenue of ₹8.3 crore, a significant increase from ₹2.7 crore in FY 2022-23. However, Astrome has yet to achieve profitability, reporting a net loss of ₹1.7 crore in FY 2023-24. 

End of the Line? Hardly. Astrome’s Broadband Dreams Keep Growing

Astrome is revolutionizing connectivity with its cutting-edge millimeter-wave wireless technologies. The company is tackling pressing challenges like bridging rural broadband gaps and enabling faster, cost-effective 5G deployment. Their innovative solutions, such as GigaMesh and SpaceNet, are transforming the telecommunications landscape by delivering high-speed, reliable connectivity to underserved regions and beyond​.

With a mission to make connectivity accessible and scalable, Astrome leverages advanced technologies like phased array antennas and beamforming to address critical global needs. Their work has not only attracted significant investment but also earned recognition through strategic partnerships and prestigious awards. These achievements highlight their ability to blend innovation with impactful real-world applications​.

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