Via Satellite’s 10 Hottest Companies rounds up 10 “must watch” companies in the satellite industry, from constellations, manufacturing, launch, and more. Via Satellite editors chose the companies on this list based on their expected activity for the year and a mix of market share, transformational technology, ground-breaking deals, and overall industry excitement.
We are thrilled to see that ICEYE and AST SpaceMobile from our portfolio have made the list for 2025! Here’s what Via Satellite had to say about them:
AST SpaceMobile is one of the most talked about companies in direct-to-device, widely seen as one of the “hottest” applications of satellite technology. The company is building a space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones. Over the last few months, AST SpaceMobile has accelerated its efforts to prove this business model with the launch of its first five commercial satellites, regulatory approval for testing, and its work with mobile network operators (MNOs).
Recent commercial agreements with Vodafone, Verizon, and AT&T show there is commitment from leading telcos to offer this service to their subscribers. In teaming up with Vodafone, one of the world’s most well-known telcos, there is now a framework for Vodafone to offer space-based cellular broadband connectivity in its home market and for other operators through its partner markets program.
ICEYE is a poster child for the Finnish space industry and a company that has been at the forefront of a new era in Earth Observation (EO). ICEYE now operates the largest commercial fleet of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. ICEYE’s imagery has been on the frontlines of the war in Ukraine and the company works closely with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. The company is multi-faceted and is raising its profile on the global stage. ICEYE is working with Space42 to develop SAR satellites for the UAE, as the UAE looks to develop leading EO capabilities. It continues to invest in its technology, including the 2024 release of Dwell Fine imaging mode that offers 50-centimeter resolution, to enable a deeper understanding of changes on the Earth’s surface.
The company closed out its momentum in 2024 with an additional funding raise, raising $158 million during 2024, demonstrating investor confidence in its progress. What makes ICEYE so compelling is how its technology impacts areas such as climate change, disaster response, and defence. It is a company that has become synonymous with this new era of EO companies that has elevated this sector of the market to new levels.
Congratulations to both companies on the recognition!
Check out the full list here: https://interactive.satellitetoday.com/via/march-2025/the-10-hottest-satellite-companies-in-2025
