Rivada Space Networks, headquartered in Munich, a city known more for beer festivals than satellite launches, proudly announced it secured market access for its Outernet constellation in 33 countries. That’s about one-sixth of the world. A thrilling victory if you’re grading on a curve.
Belgium, Sweden, Costa Rica, and the Czech Republic were highlighted, suggesting Rivada wisely picked countries where regulatory forms might be more manageable. Meanwhile, major economic powers seem noticeably absent, possibly distracted by companies that already, you know, have satellites in orbit.
The Outernet is touted as the first “unified global communications platform”, conveniently ignoring the reality that SpaceX’s Starlink has 5,000 satellites humming above Earth and OneWeb is already connecting remote areas. Rivada, however, is winning in a different race: speed-filing licensing paperwork.
Then there’s the $16 billion in signed connectivity agreements. Bold number. It sounds like revenue until you realize that “agreements signed” probably includes non-binding letters of intent. Translation: lots of promises, very few checks cashed.
Even better, the company announced testing would begin in 2026. If all goes well, the Outernet might debut after competitors have blanketed the planet, the Moon, and maybe Mars too. Nothing says “leading edge” like a start date two years from now in a market moving at lightspeed.
CEO Declan Ganley’s quotes echo the optimism of a startup pitch deck: “solve connectivity challenges,” “unlock business opportunities,” and sprinkle some “global coverage” on top. Investors are surely swooning, or at least quietly checking if Rivada accepts payment in Monopoly money.
Of course, it’s all backed by a promise to deploy a 600-satellite laser-linked optical mesh network, because when your real product doesn’t exist yet, why not make it sound as futuristic as possible? Lasers! Mesh networks! Buzzwords!
In conclusion, Rivada’s Outernet is shaping up to be the most ambitious constellation of regulatory approvals ever imagined.
Actual satellites? Well, stay tuned…
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