A Cornwall-based satellite and space communications company has agreed to buy two American teleports as part of an expansion programme.

Goonhilly Earth Station said the acquisition from SC Government would help them reached a key milestone in its global expansion.

The new teleports should enable Goonhilly to increase its presence in the international satellite communication market – taking the company closer to achieving 24/7 global communication coverage.

Goonhilly, which has been the UK’s gateway to space for more than 60 years, played a vital role in distributing footage of the Apollo Moon landings to households across the world. 

Under private ownership since 2014, Goonhilly has continued to make headlines, most recently for its role in NASA’s Artemis mission.

On finalising the purchase of the two COMSAT teleports on the East and West coast of the United States, Goonhilly will manage and operate sites in Southbury Connecticut, and Santa Paula, California, increasing the company’s global satellite communications coverage.

The acquisition will enable customers on both sides of the Atlantic to have access to the expertise for which Goonhilly and COMSAT are recognised. Goonhilly has been providing commercial lunar and deep space communications from its UK-site for clients including ESA, NASA, and iSpace inc since 2021. 

The company plans to expand this service – the first of its kind in the world – by developing further, international deep-space antennas that increase the amount of time its clients’ spacecraft are visible on the network as the Earth rotates.

The COMSAT deal comes at a time when Goonhilly is already expanding its services into Australia. Last year, the company confirmed plans to develop a ground station in Western Australia, backed by the ‘UK-Australia Space Bridge’.

Goonhilly CEO, Ian Jones said, “This is very exciting news for us, both at Goonhilly and the COMSAT teleports. All three locations are world-renowned for excellent customer service, providing space and satellite communications to government and industry. Together we are energised to significantly accelerate our growth and reach. This includes both commercial satellite communications and deep space/lunar communications, where Goonhilly is the leading commercial operator.”

Satcom Direct’s president, Chris Moore, said of the transition, “Goonhilly UK is the ideal group to take the teleports to the next level of capabilities as it continues to invest in the infrastructure upgrades that SD has made. 

“The deal allows us to continue innovating our SD hardware, software and connectivity services and Goonhilly to focus on the core business of optimising teleport operations. 

“The augmented infrastructure will strengthen our global mobility network for SD business, government, and military customers, which rely on us for consistent connectivity around the world.”

Goonhilly’s acquisition of COMSAT’s two US teleports will enable the company to expand its market and enhance its reputation as a leading provider of satellite communication services globally.