US-based space and defence technology company CesiumAstro has raised $730 million in Series D funding, valuing the company at more than $4.5 billion. The equity round was led by Janus Henderson, with participation from Insight Partners, Sands Capital, Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, Woven Capital, Incharge Capital, Magnetar, AV and NewSpace Capital.
The company also secured $100 million in debt financing from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and JPMorgan. With this latest funding, CesiumAstro’s total announced capital raised in 2026 has exceeded $1.2 billion.
The fresh capital will support the company’s expansion into satellite infrastructure, advanced communications technology, spacecraft manufacturing and international operations. It will also help develop and deploy its planned Synchronicity satellite constellation, which will include 737 AI-enabled satellites designed for commercial, government and defence applications.
“For nearly a decade, we have invested in the engineering, intellectual property, manufacturing infrastructure, and the talented people required to build an enduring space technology company,” said Shey Sabripour, Founder and CEO of CesiumAstro. “With our technology proven on orbit, on the ground and in the air, a significantly expanded set of capabilities, and more than $1.2 billion in new capital raised this year, we are positioned to take the next major step in our growth.”
“Shey Sabripour is an extraordinary entrepreneur, and CesiumAstro is poised to revolutionize the space communications industry. This industry is at an inflection point; legacy solutions are not equipped for the demands of today’s customers,” said Aaron Schaechterle, Portfolio Manager, Janus Henderson. “When we met Shey and his team, it became clear that CesiumAstro provides transformative technology that is critical to the industry’s future. This investment was originated through the Janus Henderson Ascent platform, which was created to provide private market capital to visionary companies that redefine their industries and to support these companies on the journey from private to public markets.”
Synchronicity aims to provide advanced satellite connectivity using multiple communication frequencies, including Ku-, Ka- and V-band. Its AI-powered technology will help manage network resources, improve communication performance and adapt to changing mission requirements. The system will also include onboard computing capabilities, allowing satellites to process data closer to where it is collected.
The announcement follows the launch of CesiumAstro’s first satellite, Element-1, in October 2026. The satellite has started on-orbit operations and includes the company’s communications payloads, active phased array technology and computing systems. It is the first of eight planned spacecraft, with seven more launches locked in for the next phase of deployment.
CesiumAstro has also strengthened its technology capabilities through three strategic acquisitions over the past 12 months: Jariet Technologies, 1Aardvark and Vidrovr. These acquisitions have expanded its expertise in semiconductors, mission software and artificial intelligence.
Alongside its satellite development plans, the company is investing heavily in manufacturing. It has announced a $500 million investment over five years to expand its Austin, Texas headquarters. The project includes the purchase of 270,000 square feet of advanced manufacturing space and plans to create 550 additional jobs, taking its Austin-area workforce to more than 1,000 employees by 2030.
The company is also expanding its engineering, manufacturing and operational facilities across the US, Europe and Asia to support growing demand for its satellite and communications systems.
Founded near Austin, Texas, CesiumAstro develops advanced communications systems, satellite technology and defence solutions for commercial and government customers. Its technology portfolio includes custom semiconductors, active phased arrays, software-defined payloads, satellites and mission software. With its latest funding, the company aims to strengthen its position in the global space and defence communications market.
