Artist rendition of a BridgeSat optical satellite ground station. Credit: BridgeSat

Boeing will invest in BridgeSat, an optical communications solutions company working to enable the future of connectivity in space through a network of ground stations and proprietary space terminals. BridgeSat is developing a global network of Optical Ground Stations (OGS) to transmit large amounts of data into space quickly and reliably. Its stations support Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellite optical communications, enabling secure transmissions between satellites, other spacecraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and high-altitude aircrafts.

BridgeSat was formed in 2015 to address cost, bandwidth, and infrastructure limitations in space-based optical communications. The company recently announced an industry-first agreement with NASA to develop a commercialized free-space optical communication system that could support the agency’s future missions.

Boeing HorizonX Ventures led BridgeSat’s Series B funding round, with participation by Allied Minds. The investment and relationship with Boeing connects BridgeSat with Boeing experts, testing labs, and other valuable resources to accelerate the deployment of its OGS services around the world.

The role of Boeing HorizonX Ventures is to target investments that help scale startup innovation in aerospace. Its portfolio is made up of companies specializing in autonomous systems, additive manufacturing, energy and data storage, advanced materials, augmented reality systems and software, machine learning, hybrid-electric and hypersonic propulsion and Internet of Things (IOT) connectivity.