Solstar Space, the Company Bringing Wi-Fi to Space, Prepares for First Flight of Its Data-Relay Transceiver

Solstar Space, the New Mexico-based space communications company, is planning to conduct the first spaceflight testing of its narrowband satellite data-relay transceiver. 

It will conduct the initial tests next year after more than 10 years of work to improve the Critical Data Relay Spacecraft Operational Status unit (Deke Space Communicator).

Solstar Space Gears Up for First Spaceflight Tests

The goal is to provide satellite operators with “a persistent two-way satellite internet link between your spacecraft and the ground,” according to CEO Brian Barnett, “If an operator has multiple spacecraft in low-Earth orbit with the Deke Space Communicator, they could talk space-to-space as well.”

The company made its Deke Space Communicator over the last decade and has relied on Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding as well as private investment. AFWERX awarded SolStar a $1.25 million SBIR Phase 2 contract in 2023 to further the development of the satellite link.

In May, AFWERX SBIR announced that Solstar is developing radiation-hardened Wi-Fi access points and client Wi-Fi Network Cards. These will assist with many of the in-space uses, including servicing.

“Payloads, instruments and anything that’s Wi-Fi enabled onboard spacecraft can communicate through the Wi-Fi hotspot,” Barnett explained.

Two of Blue Origin’s New Shepard suborbital capsules have demonstrated Solstar’s Wi-Fi, along with an Up Aerospace rocket. Major satellite networks are used to help relaying the communications.

Additionally, Solstar is in the process of creating the Slayton Space Communicator after its recent AFWERX SBIR funding was announced. This will offer high-speed downlinks and uplinks for craft and their operators.