Gatehouse Satcom has agreed to acquire Satlab, a Danish developer and manufacturer of software-defined radios for small satellites, expanding its capabilities from 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) software and ground infrastructure into satellite communications hardware. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to customary approvals, with financial terms undisclosed.
Based in Aalborg, Satlab develops S-band and X-band radios for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, supporting spacecraft command and control, telemetry transmission and payload data downlinks. Its portfolio also includes payload radios designed to receive signals from ships, aircraft and IoT devices. Founded in 2013, the company employs 23 people and has supplied radio equipment to more than 100 customers.
A central objective of the acquisition is to develop an integrated satellite radio combining Satlab hardware with Gatehouse Satcom's 5G NTN software, initially targeting Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) applications. The planned product will allow satellite operators and manufacturers to source compatible radio hardware and NTN software from a single supplier, potentially simplifying payload integration and reducing development requirements.
Both companies intend to maintain their existing product flexibility. Satlab's radios will remain available for use with third-party and customer-developed software, while Gatehouse Satcom's NTN software will continue to support hardware supplied by other manufacturers. This approach is designed to preserve existing customer relationships while introducing integrated solutions for operators seeking a combined hardware and software offering.
Following completion, Satlab's employees will join Gatehouse Satcom while continuing radio development, manufacturing and sales from Aalborg. The business will eventually adopt the Gatehouse Satcom corporate identity, although Satlab will remain as a product brand. Existing customer programmes and ongoing projects are expected to continue without disruption.
The acquisition follows Gatehouse Satcom's purchase of Cobham Satcom's Networks division in March 2026, extending a broader expansion strategy focused on satellite communications infrastructure. With Satlab included, the company expects to employ approximately 140 people across four locations in Denmark and Poland, more than doubling its workforce compared with the previous year. It also maintains a commercial presence in France and the United States.