SWISSto12 raises $70M for 3D-printed satellite hardware

Signals Inbox·July 16, 2026·SpaceTech

SWISSto12 raised $70 million to expand production of its satellite payloads and compact geostationary satellites. The bigger signal is that this is no longer a science project: it generated $140 million in revenue last year, has more than $500 million in signed contracts, and already has over 2,000 payload solutions operating in orbit.

Q1What actually happened?

According to the official announcement, SWISSto12 closed a $70 million Series C. The money will expand manufacturing and integration capacity for HummingLink payloads and HummingSat, its compact geostationary communications satellite.

Q2Why is this more than another space funding round?

Because SWISSto12 already looks like an industrial company. It reported $140 million in 2025 revenue, more than $500 million in signed contracts and 110% annual growth since 2022. It also expects positive EBITDA in 2026. The capital is being raised to deliver orders, not just finish a prototype.

Q3Where does 3D printing actually help?

SWISSto12 prints complex radio-frequency parts that would normally require several pieces, joints and manufacturing steps. This can make antennas and waveguides lighter, smaller and faster to produce. In satellites, every kilogram and every extra assembly step adds cost, so better manufacturing can directly change the economics.

Q4How much hardware is already operating?

The company says more than 2,000 HummingLink payload and antenna solutions are deployed across active missions. It has also secured seven HummingSat contracts, including orders involving SES and Viasat. That gives the funding round more weight because customers are already committing before HummingSat reaches orbit.

Q5What makes HummingSat different?

Traditional geostationary communications satellites can be enormous, expensive and slow to build. HummingSat is roughly one-tenth the size of a conventional GEO satellite and can share a rocket with another spacecraft. The goal is to give operators dedicated capacity without funding a giant satellite program.

Q6Why does Europe care?

Europe wants more control over communications infrastructure instead of depending heavily on foreign satellite systems. ESA member states recently committed another $84.8 million to support HummingSat development and in-orbit validation. Combined with this Series C, SWISSto12 has received more than $150 million of fresh backing for the same industrial push.

Q7What should we watch next?

The first HummingSat launch for SES is scheduled for 2027, with Viasat expected to follow. That launch will show whether SWISSto12 can turn strong revenue, signed orders and clever manufacturing into a reliable satellite platform. The tension has moved from proving the technology to producing and delivering it at scale.