SWISSto12, Space Compass announce GEO optical data relay satellite
March 23, 2026
Space Compass and SWISSto12 have executed a procurement contract for the first GEO optical data relay satellite.
This agreement represents a milestone toward the realisation of Space Compass’s optical data relay service. With high‑speed, high‑capacity optical data relay service, Space Compass aims to transform Earth Observation from just a tracking record into a real-time decision-making tool. For SWISSto12, the contract represents further validation of the company’s ability to unlock a wide range of space missions with its small GEO satellite platform, integrating bespoke and differentiated payload technology that now includes optical communication capabilities.
Emile de Rijk, CEO, SWISSto12, commented: “We are delighted about this partnership with Space Compass and our shared vision to build multi-orbit, secure space infrastructure that supports some of the world’s most important space missions, such as earth observation. By hosting optical communications payloads for LEO-GEO data relay, HummingSat once again proves its versatility and its outsized impact in enabling purposeful innovation in space.”
Hiromi Komatsu, Co‑CEO, Space Compass, added: “The execution of this procurement contract represents a critical milestone toward the realization of our optical data relay service. By leveraging high speed, high-capacity optical data-relay architecture, we aim to enable faster and smarter decision making through real-time Earth observation insights. This first satellite will play a pivotal role in establishing a new space communications infrastructure.”
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