Micro GEO satellite operator Astranis has signed a new capacity deal with Saudi telecoms firm STC.

Astranis and STC have announced a partnership to deploy a dedicated satellite serving the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The satellite, part of Astranis' Block 3, is scheduled to launch in 2027.

"As STC plays a key role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure, space has become a critical layer of our ecosystem, with dedicated satellite capacity central to how we deliver resilient, reliable, and secure connectivity across the country,” said Mohammad Alabbadi, group chief carrier & wholesale officer at STC Group. “Astranis' speed and flexibility made them the right partner for this stage of that work. Together, we are setting a new benchmark for secure and reliable connectivity supporting the Kingdom's digital vision."

Astranis develops micro GEO satellites - satellites in geostationary orbits that are much smaller than traditional machines at such high orbits. Astranis' satellites are often measured in the hundreds of kilograms, compared to traditional GEO satellites that can weigh multiple tons.

The company currently has five of its micro GEO satellites in orbit, and recently announced new projects with customers including Chunghwa Telecom in Taiwan and MB Group in Oman, set to launch later this year.

“It’s an honor to work with STC Group to deliver dedicated, secure networks that support the expansion of Saudi Arabia's broader digital infrastructure program," added John Gedmark, CEO and co-founder of Astranis. “Countries require national control over critical networks and data, and we built Astranis to deliver it.”