$200M Deal Brings Cheaper GEO Satellites Closer to Launch by 2028

Space Leasing International (SLI) and AscendArc have signed a deal worth over $200 million for two small geostationary (GEO) satellites. The agreement marks a step toward making space technology more affordable for a wider range of customers. Both companies aim to close the transaction within the next three months. SLI was founded in 2023 to reduce financial barriers in the space industry. Its business model focuses on financing costly space assets and leasing them to customers who want to avoid large upfront expenses. The company has already acquired 13 ground stations, including 10 from Microsoft, which it now leases to RBC Signals.

The new satellites, set to launch as early as late 2028, will use AscendArc’s technology to improve efficiency in GEO orbits. This approach lowers costs while increasing data throughput, offering a more competitive price per megabit per second. AscendArc specialises in building smaller, cheaper satellites, which helps operators cut expenses without sacrificing performance. The deal also aims to demonstrate the value of AscendArc’s satellites to a broader market. Many potential customers have struggled to afford traditional GEO missions, and this partnership could open up new opportunities for them.

Once finalised, the agreement will bring two new satellites into operation by the end of 2028. SLI’s leasing model and AscendArc’s cost-effective technology could make GEO missions more accessible. The collaboration may also encourage other operators to explore smaller, more affordable satellite solutions.