Santa Fe Firms Space Wi-Fi Router Transmits Data Between Satellites
Solstar Space Co. reports its Deke device moved over 2,300 files during a 30-minute link between two spacecraft in orbit.
By Ariana Flores ·
A Santa Fe company has confirmed that its space-rated Wi-Fi router successfully transferred data between two orbiting spacecraft. The device, known as the Deke Space Communicator, moved more than 2,300 files during a 30-minute proximity operation. This milestone validates the hardware for future use on lunar bases and rovers.
The files included images, telemetry, and health-status data. The transfer occurred between NASA’s R5-S10 Cubestat and Momentus Inc.’s Vigoride-7. While attached to Vigoride, the Deke system relayed the information to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The link was provided by Iridium Communications Inc., which operates the network satellites.
Solstar Space Co. manufactures routers designed for the vacuum of space. Unlike consumer models, these units use materials hardened against extreme temperatures and radiation. They also function as networking devices and computers. Founder and CEO Brian Barnett, a former NASA employee, stated that Earth-based routers cannot simply be placed on the moon or in spacecraft.
Barnett noted that his company is currently the market leader in space internet. He projects the total market value at nearly $4 billion. The company began its work under a $15 million agreement with Momentus Inc. in 2025. In March, a Momentus-operated spacecraft launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The system powered on in orbit on April 15.
The business model relies on both hardware sales and recurring network fees. Barnett explained that network fees provide a stable revenue stream during economic downturns. Investors have responded to this potential. In July, Encore Technologies Corp. invested $1 million in Solstar through a convertible loan.
Barnett acknowledged competition from other satellite communications firms. He said more companies are entering the market but affirmed Solstar’s position as a leader. The company is now developing products for NASA’s Artemis mission. Solstar holds Small Business Innovation Research contracts for space-based relays and lunar Wi-Fi for the U.S. Space Force and NASA.
The next target for the technology is the lunar surface. Barnett said SpaceX and Blue Origin plan to build landing systems for the moon base within the next year or two. Solstar aims to provide Wi-Fi for these new outposts. This includes connectivity for moon rovers and spacesuits to facilitate communication without physical wires.
The company tests its equipment at an Albuquerque laboratory to ensure it withstands space conditions. The successful orbit test provides proof of concept for these future applications. Solstar seeks to outfit humanity’s next outpost with products made in New Mexico.
