SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc. announced today that it has formed a new subsidiary organization to develop and manufacture small satellites and to pursue satellite-based global machine-to-machine (M2M) connectivity. Blink Astro, LLC (Blink) was founded earlier this month as a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based SpaceWorks. Blink will become the small satellite unit within the overall SpaceWorks group of companies and follows from an internal SpaceWorks project of the same name.
Blink initially intends to enter the rapidly growing M2M connectivity market by providing affordable and reliable data messaging services via a small network of nano-satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit. Blink’s target markets include oil and gas, precision agriculture, logistics and shipping, marine biology, and the military. Blink is primarily a data network for receiving low power and low bandwidth data packets, but the new company will also develop small ground transmitters and provide cloud-based data analytics services to complement its network services. A preliminary flight test of Blink’s proprietary technologies was conducted in July under SpaceWorks sponsorship. Dr. John Olds, SpaceWorks’ co-founder and CEO, will serve as Blink’s initial Chief Executive Officer.
“The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the most anticipated new global markets for network connectivity,” said Dr. Olds. “Billions of smart devices will be coming online in the next decade and the reality is that a large percentage of them will need to be placed in locations outside of reliable Wi-Fi coverage zones. Our customers require one-stop global connectivity without the dead zones and high prices typical of cellular data services. Satellite-based messaging has been available for many years, but the CubeSat revolution is a game-changer toward lowering price points for modest throughput M2M devices such as remote dispenser sensors, temperature and humidity monitors, geo-location and tracking devices, machine and/or structural health monitors, and precision agriculture sensors. We are now actively seeking partnerships and collaborators to bring this service to market.”
Blink’s initial advisory team includes Dr. Glenn Lightsey, a professor of Aerospace Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and recognized expert in small satellites. Mr. Phillip Braham of Salim & Solomon Capital Group will serve as a partner and financial advisor. Mr. Dave Kelly of Kelly & Company will advise on corporate strategies and partnerships. Mr. Daniel Shmalo of 360 Venture Law will serve as legal counsel. Blink also has a cooperative relationship with the Georgia Center of Innovation for Aerospace, which supports and serves the growing space sector in the State of Georgia. The new company will be based in Atlanta, GA. Please visit the company’s website for more details: blinkastro.com
About SpaceWorks:
SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc. (SEI) based in Atlanta, GA, specializes in independent technical concept development, economic analysis, market research, technology impact assessment, and systems analyses for future space systems and projects. SpaceWorks also develops software and mobile apps for the aerospace field. SpaceWorks Enterprises serves as the parent organization for Generation Orbit Launch Services, Inc., Terminal Velocity Aerospace, LLC, and Blink Astro, LLC.
Contact:
Dr. John R. Olds, P.E.
CEO
SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc. (SEI)
1040 Crown Pointe Parkway, Suite 950
Atlanta, GA 30338-4741 USA
770.379.8002 (office)
john.olds@sei.aero
www.sei.aero
@SpaceWorksSEI
