WISeKey International Holding has announced the confirmation of its subsidiary WISeSat.Space’s (“WISeSat”) upcoming satellite launch in partnership with SpaceX. The launch is scheduled for January 14, 2025, from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
This launch will mark a milestone, as it will carry the next-generation WISeSat satellites, which are post-quantum-ready. This deployment will serve as a proof of concept, combining WISeKey’s trusted Root of Trust and WISeKey subsidiary SEALSQ’s cutting-edge Post-Quantum Chips to ensure state-of-the-art security and resilience against emerging quantum threats.
The WISeSat constellation aims to provide secure, real-time connectivity for IoT devices worldwide, reinforcing WISeKey’s commitment to advancing secure satellite communications and cybersecurity infrastructure.
Carlos Moreira, the founder and CEO of WISeKey, said, “This launch represents a leap forward in our mission to secure IoT communications and prepare for a post-quantum future. By integrating SEALSQ’s Post-Quantum Chips with WISeKey’s trusted Root of Trust, we are ensuring that WISeSat remains at the forefront of satellite cybersecurity.”
WISeSat, the satellite IoT communications arm of WISeKey International Holding, was established to address the growing need for secure, real-time connectivity for IoT devices. By integrating cybersecurity and satellite technology, WISeSat provides trusted, end-to-end secure communication for critical industries such as logistics, agriculture, energy and infrastructure management.
Inception and vision
WISeSat was conceived as part of WISeKey’s broader mission to deliver secure digital identity solutions. Recognising the vulnerabilities in traditional IoT networks, WISeKey envisioned a satellite-based system that could offer global connectivity combined with robust cybersecurity measures. This initiative ensures that data transmitted by IoT devices remains protected against interception and tampering.
Key milestones
- 2021: WISeKey partnered with Fossa Systems to launch the first generation of WISeSat satellites. These low-orbit nanosatellites demonstrated the feasibility of secure IoT connectivity through satellite communications.
- 2022: The successful deployment of additional WISeSat nanosatellites expanded coverage and validated secure communications for IoT networks across multiple industries.
- 2023: WISeKey integrated Post-Quantum Cryptography into its WISeSat platform, positioning it as a leader in protecting IoT communications from emerging quantum computing threats.
- 2024: WISeSat expanded its satellite constellation and enhanced its security protocols by incorporating SEALSQ’s Post-Quantum Chips to further future-proof the network.
Technology and security innovations
WISeSat distinguishes itself by usng WISeKey’s Root of Trust (RoT), which provides digital identity and authentication capabilities at the hardware level. Combined with SEALSQ’s Post-Quantum Chips, WISeSat is designed to withstand future threats posed by quantum computers, ensuring that data integrity and confidentiality are maintained long-term.
WISeSat’s unique features
- Global coverage: WISeSat’s constellation of nanosatellites ensures worldwide IoT connectivity, even in remote areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable.
- End-to-end security: Data transmitted through WISeSat is encrypted using WISeKey’s Root of Trust, providing secure authentication and ensuring data remains protected.
- Post-Quantum Readiness: WISeSat integrates SEALSQ’s post-quantum cryptography to safeguard communications against quantum computing advances.
- Low-Cost and Scalable: WISeSat’s nanosatellite model reduces launch and operational costs, making secure satellite communications accessible to a wide range of industries.
Future plans
WISeKey plans to continue expanding the WISeSat constellation and enhance its capabilities, focusing on:
- Increasing the number of satellites to provide higher bandwidth and redundancy
- Integrating AI-driven analytics for real-time data processing
- Developing hybrid terrestrial-satellite solutions to offer seamless, secure IoT connectivity
WISeSat represents a step in the convergence of cybersecurity and satellite communications, ensuring secure IoT connectivity for a digital world increasingly threatened by cyber risks and quantum vulnerabilities. With the upcoming launch on January 14, 2025, WISeKey continues to lead the way in securing the future of IoT through space-based technology.
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