Aalyria Technologies Inc., a developer of space-based communications technology, today announced that it has raised $100 million at a $1.3 billion valuation.

The investment was led by Battery Ventures and J2 Ventures. It comes four years after Livermore, California-based Aalyria spun off from Alphabet Inc.’s X research lab. The Google parent will reportedly retain a stake in the company.

Data transmitted via a low Earth orbit internet constellation often goes through several satellites before reaching its destination. The satellite nearest to the sender picks up the signal and forwards it to a second satellite that is closer to the intended recipient. If the second satellite also isn’t within range of the recipient, it passes along the data to a third satellite and so forth. 

Aalyria sells a software platform called Spacetime that can coordinate the satellites involved in powering a network connection. According to the company, its platform enables satellite operators to boost connection reliability and performance.

Spacetime creates a digital twin, or simulation, of the internet constellation that it powers. It uses the digital twin to predict future events that might interfere with data transmission and adjust satellites’ configuration accordingly. The simulation incorporates not only technical information about satellites but also external signals such as weather forecasts.

Storms interfere with satellite communications because rain drops absorb radio waves. When Spacetime detects adverse weather conditions, it reconfigures an internet constellation’s antennas to mitigate network errors. One way satellites reduce data loss is by switching broadcasts to a segment of the radio spectrum called the C band. Waves in that frequency range pass through rain and snow more easily than other signals.

According to Aalyria, Spacetime can also respond to other sources of inference. When a device is on the move, it may leave a satellite’s coverage area or occasionally find itself behind a hill that obstructs signals. Spacetime can automatically adjust the manner in which an internet constellation transmits data to address such challenges.

The software is designed to interoperate with other satellite management platforms. Spacetime can integrate with such platforms to provide interconnection, or the ability to route data transmission through third-party constellations. 

Aalyria’s second product is a laser communications device called Tightbeam. Aircraft and around-based devices can use it to connect to Spacetime-powered satellites. According to Aalyria, Tightbeam can transmit up to 100 gigabits of data per second and has a maximum range of nearly 124 miles.

“Every major infrastructure shift — from railroads to telecommunications to the internet — required a control plane that could coordinate complexity at scale,” said Chief Executive Chris Taylor. “Space is no different.”

The company will use capital to broaden the adoption of its products. In addition, it plans to build a network of ground-based satellite communication devices called optical feeder links. Such equipment increases the speed at which users can upload data to internet constellations. 

Image: Aalyria