Stellar Ventures

Portfolio company Otava, Inc. has been awarded a prestigious $9.97 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as part of the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund! 🎉 This funding will drive Otava’s efforts to advance RF component design for the new FR3 spectrum, accelerating the deployment of commercial radios in the 7.125 GHz to 24.25 GHz range. By pioneering open and interoperable wireless networks, Otava is helping to strengthen global supply chains, foster competition, and shape the future of wireless innovation. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gN_M9Eku Congrats to the Otava team for reaching this milestone. Celeste Ford, David Anderman, Matt Patterson #Otava #WirelessInnovation #NTIA #5G #FutureOfConnectivity #TechFunding

What does farming-equipment have to do with the space industry? Well.... everything! The largest farming-equipment manufacturer in the world, John Deere, is doubling down on its autonomous range in 2025. With their first fully autonomous tractor introduced to the scene three years ago, John Deere is leveraging space-based technology to revolutionize farming through precision agriculture and autonomy. Satellites play a crucial role in John Deere’s GPS-guided autonomous tractors, enabling sub-inch accuracy for planting, tilling, and harvesting, among others. It's an exciting time to see non-traditional companies like John Deere use space as a tool to transform agriculture into a data-driven, highly automated industry, helping farmers maximize productivity while reducing environmental impact. Check out the latest data on John Deere's autonomous tractors at: https://lnkd.in/ggkgG3QH Celeste Ford, Matt Patterson, David Anderman #JohnDeere #AutonomousTractors #PrecisionAg #SpaceTech #FarmingFuture

🚀 Firehawk Aerospace recently secured a $60M Series C investment, pushing its valuation beyond $200M. Firehawk is revolutionizing rocket propulsion with 3D-printed solid rocket fuel that’s safer, faster, and cheaper to produce—cutting production time from months to hours. Firehawk is addressing a critical missile shortage in the U.S. while pioneering innovation in the defense sector. Their portable manufacturing tech can produce fuel almost anywhere—even on the battlefield. Led by CEO Will Edwards, Firehawk’s mission is clear: strengthen the U.S. defense arsenal with cutting-edge technology that safeguards national security. This is more than a funding milestone—it’s a step toward redefining defense innovation. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/ge7fXcaX Congrats to the Firehawk team! Will Edwards, Celeste Ford, David Anderman, Matt Patterson #DefenseTech #AerospaceInnovation #3DPrinting #NationalSecurity #FirehawkAerospace

BREAKING NEWS: Apple has added Starlink's satellite network on iPhone iOS 18.3. For a select few T-Mobile customers, Starlink will allow them to send text messages in locations where they have no coverage. This is the first phase of the fledgling service's beta trials. What does the future hold? The goal is to expand with voice and data connectivity, providing more options for people in remote areas. The race for space based cellular has begun! Read more: https://lnkd.in/eacvHkfe Celeste Ford, David Anderman, Matt Patterson #Apple #Starlink #SatelliteConnectivity #SpaceTech

In partnership with the Commercial Space Office, COMSO, and the Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) Systems Delta (SSC/CG), Xona has been awarded a Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) to advance our PULSAR technology. Supported by both SpaceWERX SBIR funds and private investment, this effort will focus on certifying PULSAR receivers, establishing performance objectives, and achieving the first ever live-sky signal validation. Thank you to our partners and stakeholders who made this possible!

Atmo AI is revolutionizing meteorology with ultra-precise, lightning-fast forecasts powered by deep learning. By leveraging real-time data from global satellites, ground stations, radars, and ocean buoys, Atmo delivers predictions up to 40,000 times faster and 50% more accurate than traditional methods. These cutting-edge tools empower first responders and decision-makers to better protect communities and assets during natural disasters. Learn more about Atmo: https://www.atmo.ai/ Alex Levy, Celeste Ford, David Anderman, Matt Patterson #WeatherTech #AIWeather #DeepLearning #ClimateTech #AtmoAI #ClimateChange

In an exciting year for the company, PickNik Robotics secured $3 million in contracts to develop next-generation robotic solutions for NASA and the United States Space Force (USSF) in 2024. From servicing critical space assets to laying the groundwork for a permanent lunar presence, PickNik is at the forefront of shaping the future of space exploration. Their MoveIt Pro Space software platform is designed for rapid deployment across any space mission, offering unparalleled flexibility and precision. This success underscores PickNik's leadership in advancing robotics for space. Learn about the 2024 contracts won at: https://lnkd.in/gXCDaiqP Congratulations PickNik team! Dave Grant, Celeste Ford, David Anderman, Matt Patterson #SpaceInnovation #Robotics #NASA #USSF #PickNikRobotics #MoveItPro #LunarExploration #FutureOfSpace

David Anderman will be speaking at Innovate Space: Finance Forum 🚀 Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to gain insights from one of the leading voices in space finance! Key Topics: ✅ Macro Trends & Market Outlook for the Space Sector ✅ Venture Capital & Angel Investments in Space ✅ Private Equity & Institutional Investors Assessing New Space Ventures 🗓 January 22-23, 2025 Join the discussion shaping the future of space innovation. Secure your spot now: https://lnkd.in/g_WiKHvB Space Foundation, Celeste Ford, David Anderman, Matt Patterson #SpaceFinance #InnovateSpace #DavidAnderman #SpaceSector #InvestmentOpportunities

Xona Space Systems has partnered with Astranis Space Technologies on the groundbreaking Resilient Global Positioning System (R-GPS) program for the U.S. Space Force! 🛰️ With their cutting-edge PNT algorithms at the core of this initiative, Xona is helping pave the way for a next-gen satellite constellation that will enhance GPS resilience and protect against growing electronic and cyber threats. This collaboration highlights Xona’s innovative approach to positioning, navigation, and timing, leveraging their expertise in low-Earth orbit technology to redefine what’s possible in space. We can’t wait to see how this shapes the future of global navigation and security. Congrats again, Xona—leading the way, one orbit at a time! Read more about this partnership at: https://lnkd.in/gE3Pybgj Brian Manning, Celeste Ford, David Anderman, Matt Patterson #InnovationInOrbit #GPS #SpaceForce #XonaSpaceSystems

🚀 Watch Starship's 7th flight test that's taking place shortly at 4:00 p.m. CT. Live webcast of the flight test can be view at: https://lnkd.in/gybmKTKQ "The upcoming flight test will launch a new generation ship with significant upgrades, attempt Starship’s first payload deployment test, fly multiple reentry experiments geared towards ship catch and reuse, and launch and return the Super Heavy booster." - SpaceX Watch the live webcast at: https://lnkd.in/gybmKTKQ Celeste Ford, David Anderman, Matt Patterson #Starship #StarshipLaunch #TestFlight #SpaceX