A Portuguese business that has been operating for a year has gathered about $2 million to launch a payload on a tiny commercial satellite to showcase its aspirations for a network of narrowband connections.

In order to establish a network that can link irrigation controls and other off-the-grid monitoring and tracking devices, Connected aims to demonstrate how it can take advantage of vacant space aboard tiny satellites.

Tiago Rebelo, the CEO and cofounder of Connected, notes that the space industry is moving toward larger, more capable spacecraft as a result of lower launch and production costs. This creates additional chances for third-party payload integration.

“During the design phase of these satellites there’s often some margin in mechanical and power demands, typically below 10% to 15% of the overall capacity,” said Rebelo, who previously led Portuguese Earth observation operator Geosat.

“While this may not seem substantial, it represents an opportunity for us.”

By paying low Earth orbit operators to host its payloads, Connected hopes to circumvent the expenses associated with building and launching its own satellites. The startup intends to use these payloads to connect customers with Internet of Things (IoT) devices running standard 5G narrowband network protocols, or 5G NB-IoT.

By paying low Earth orbit operators to host its payloads, Connected hopes to circumvent the expenses associated with manufacturing and launching its own satellites. The business intends to utilize these payloads to connect consumers with Internet of Things (IoT) devices using standard 5G narrowband network protocols, or 5G NB-IoT.

According to Rebelo, the payload includes two antennas, a volume of roughly 2U, or the equivalent of two cubesats, and can use up to 30W of power depending on its aims and operational mode.

He noted that while the payload might be integrated with as little as 6U satellites, hosts greater than 12U are better suited.

According to him, the criteria for integration vary from a straightforward mechanical attachment using a power line to full data integration, in which the payload becomes an essential component of the platform.

But while research and development continue to validate direct-to-device technology in the marketplace, Connected has not yet attracted any adopters.

Rebelo stated that although some of the payload’s hardware has previously undergone successful orbital validation, the software required for the project to offer 5G NB-IoT connection has not yet been shown in space.

After a strategic relationship signed late last year, he indicated that Open Cosmos, a British small satellite specialist, is expected to partner on a demo mission planned for around the end of December, subject to discussions with launch providers.

On February 20, Connected revealed its pre-seed fundraise. The firm intends to use the funds to expand its team from 12 to 20 members as it gets closer to the demo mission.

The project, along with other space-based narrowband players like the US-based Iridium Communications, Sateliot in neighboring Spain, Luxembourg-based OQ Technology, and Sateliot, point to a growing demand for low-power IoT device connectivity in areas without terrestrial cellular coverage.

According to experts at Berg Insight, the number of IoT devices requiring satellite-based connectivity is expected to increase from approximately five million in 2022 to 21 million globally by 2026.

In the end, Connected intends to offer direct connectivity to smartphones that travel out of range of a cell tower, just like many other space-based IoT companies.

According to Connected, about 450 million individuals are not connected to the internet since mobile cellular service is absent in over 80% of the world.

The investment round was co-led by early-stage investors FundBox, Shilling VC, and Iberis Capital, with notable contributions from Octopus Ventures, Amena Ventures, and angel investor Keith Willey.