Astrum Mobile Orders Small GEO Satellite Neastar-1 from Swissto12 for Resilient Connectivity in Asia

Astrum Mobile, based in Singapore, has commissioned Swissto12 to construct a small satellite, Neastar-1, designed to deliver robust, low-bandwidth multimedia and connectivity services directly to devices across Asia from geostationary orbit (GEO). Swissto12 announced this as their third customer for the HummingSat platform, highlighting the increasing demand for compact, regionally-focused satellites. The satellite, utilizing 5G telecoms standards, will operate in L-band frequencies, ensuring resilience against weather-related signal disruptions, and will offer enhanced Service Level Assurances (SLAs). Astrum Mobile aims to provide ubiquitous service access, meeting national and commercial interests for communications in remote areas. Partners include Simba and Qualcomm. This order reflects a broader trend in the GEO market, where smaller operators are emerging amidst a shift towards low Earth orbit constellations. In 2024, three out of six GEO communications satellites ordered were small satellites, signaling an adjustment in operator strategies.