Germany's NeuralSat Raises €2.9M to Build Orbital Data Relay Network

At a glance

German startup NeuralSat raised €2.9 million (about $3.2 million) in early funding to build a network that speeds up data moving to and from space. The plan targets a growing bottleneck as more satellites send data down to Earth.

Key points

1. 1

   NeuralSat plans a network of 72 satellites that relays and processes data in orbit.

2. 2

   The network uses laser and high-frequency radio links, targeting speeds up to 50 gigabits per second.

3. 3

   Satellite operators could send their data to these relay satellites for processing and downlink to ground stations.

4. 4

   An in-orbit demonstration is planned for 2027, with first operational satellites expected from 2028.

Why it matters

As satellites multiply, getting their data down to Earth is becoming a bottleneck, so companies tackling this problem signal where space communications is heading.