A $250 million deal is launching a new era of secure satellite connectivity, as cybersecurity firm WISeKey International Holding AG plans to spin off its WISeSat.Space subsidiary via a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) merger with Columbus Acquisition Corp. This transaction, expected to finalize in the first half of 2026, will create WISeSat.Space Holdings Corp., a publicly traded entity focused on delivering cost-effective and globally accessible IoT connectivity from space. WISeSat’s next-generation satellite platform, fortified with post-quantum cryptography and supported by Hedera technology, promises secure, real-time communication for critical industries—potentially revolutionizing data integrity in fields like logistics, agriculture, and defense.
WISeKey and Columbus: Business Combination Details
WISeKey and Columbus Acquisition Corp. have entered a definitive agreement to take WISeKey’s subsidiary, WISeSat.Space Corp., public via a business combination. This transaction, expected to close in the first half of 2026, will create WISeSat.Space Holdings Corp., listed on the Nasdaq. WISeKey is set to receive $250 million in equity – 25 million shares at $10 each – while retaining majority ownership of the new entity. This move aims to accelerate the commercialization of WISeSat’s satellite-based cybersecurity and IoT ecosystem.
WISeSat’s technology centers around a next-generation satellite platform equipped with post-quantum cryptography, leveraging chips from WISeKey subsidiary SEALSQ. Currently, 14 of 22 launched satellites are operational as part of a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation, with plans to expand to 100 satellites by 2030. This secure connectivity utilizes Hedera distributed ledger technology, ensuring data integrity and enabling resilient communication for sectors like logistics, agriculture, and defense, specifically against future quantum computing threats.
The business combination involves Columbus and WISeSat becoming wholly owned subsidiaries of the newly formed Pubco. Beyond the $250 million equity for WISeKey, an additional $10 million investment is expected from WISeKey and SEALSQ into WISeSat. Funds remaining in Columbus’s trust account after shareholder redemptions will also contribute to Pubco, bolstering ongoing operations and the ambitious satellite deployment schedule. The deal requires shareholder approval and SEC filings.
WISeSat: Next-Generation Satellite Platform Overview
WISeSat is poised to become a publicly listed company via a business combination with Columbus Acquisition Corp., anticipating a Nasdaq listing under the name WISeSat.Space Holdings Corp. by the first half of 2026. WISeKey will receive $250 million in equity from this transaction, fueling the expansion of WISeSat’s next-generation satellite platform. This platform focuses on delivering secure, cost-effective IoT connectivity globally, leveraging cutting-edge post-quantum cryptography from its subsidiary, SEALSQ.
Currently operating a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation of 14 satellites (out of 22 launched), WISeSat aims to deploy 100 satellites by 2030. These satellites utilize advanced encryption—including WISeKey’s Root of Trust and WISeID—and integrate with Hedera distributed ledger technology, ensuring data integrity and transparency. Notably, a next-generation post-quantum-secure satellite launch is scheduled for November 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, serving as a vital testbed for resilient space-based communication.
The core innovation lies in WISeSat’s proactive approach to quantum cybersecurity. By incorporating SEALSQ’s post-quantum cryptographic chips, the platform is designed to safeguard against future threats posed by quantum computing. This commitment positions WISeSat as a leader in secure, sovereign, and sustainable space communications, offering critical infrastructure for industries like logistics, agriculture, defense, and environmental monitoring—all while strengthening European technological leadership.
Post-Quantum Security: Core Technology & Features
WISeSat is building a next-generation satellite platform focused on post-quantum security, aiming to deliver secure IoT connectivity from space. Leveraging chips from subsidiary SEALSQ, these satellites integrate advanced encryption and authentication—including WISeKey’s Root of Trust and WISeID—to combat emerging quantum computing threats. Currently, WISeSat operates a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation of 14 active satellites out of 22 launched, with plans to expand to 100 by 2030, ensuring scalable, resilient infrastructure.
A key feature is the integration of SEALSQ’s Quantum Shield technology, debuting on a satellite launching in November 2025 via SpaceX Falcon 9. This satellite serves as a testbed for post-quantum communication protocols, demonstrating WISeSat’s commitment to quantum-resilient communications. Support for Hedera distributed ledger technology further enhances data integrity and transparency across the decentralized network, providing verifiable security features.
WISeSat is pursuing a business combination with Columbus Acquisition Corp., anticipating $250 million in equity to accelerate commercialization. This transaction will result in a publicly listed company (WISeSat.Space Holdings Corp.) on Nasdaq. WISeKey will retain majority ownership, further solidifying its position in the post-quantum security space and enabling continued investment in expanding its satellite constellation and advancing secure space communications technologies.
Satellite Deployment: Current Status and Future Goals
WISeSat is actively deploying a next-generation satellite platform focused on secure IoT connectivity. Currently, 14 of its 22 launched satellites are operational in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and the company aims to expand this to 100 satellites by 2030. A key differentiator is the integration of post-quantum cryptographic chips from SEALSQ, safeguarding data against future quantum computing threats. This technology, combined with WISeKey’s Root of Trust and Hedera distributed ledger support, establishes a resilient and transparent data network for critical infrastructure.
A pivotal step in this expansion is the upcoming launch, scheduled for November 2025, of a new generation post-quantum secure satellite via SpaceX Falcon 9. This satellite will serve as a testbed for advanced communication protocols from space, solidifying WISeSat’s position as a pioneer in quantum-resilient satellite technology. This initiative isn’t just about increasing capacity; it’s about building a secure, sovereign, and sustainable space communication infrastructure.
To fuel this ambitious growth, WISeSat is merging with Columbus Acquisition Corp. in a deal valued at $250 million. This transaction will result in a new publicly listed company, WISeSat.Space Holdings Corp., on the Nasdaq. WISeKey will retain majority ownership, and alongside investments from WISeKey and SEALSQ, this capital will support the deployment of the expanded satellite constellation and commercialization of secure IoT solutions from space.
Financial Terms: Investment and Equity Valuation
WISeKey’s subsidiary, WISeSat, is merging with Columbus Acquisition Corp. in a deal valued at $250 million. This transaction will create WISeSat.Space Holdings Corp., a publicly listed company on Nasdaq. WISeKey will receive 25 million shares in the new entity, representing a significant equity stake. This isn’t simply a financial maneuver; WISeSat’s focus is on post-quantum secure satellite IoT connectivity – a crucial area as quantum computing threatens current encryption standards, making secure data transmission from space vital.
The core of WISeSat’s technology lies in integrating SEALSQ’s post-quantum cryptographic chips and WISeKey’s Root of Trust into its satellite constellation. Currently operating 14 satellites with plans to reach 100 by 2030, the company aims to provide secure, sovereign communication for industries like logistics, agriculture, and defense. This deployment of quantum-resistant technology in space addresses a critical vulnerability in existing satellite infrastructure, providing resilience against future cyberattacks.
This business combination isn’t just about funding; it’s a strategic move to accelerate commercialization. WISeKey and SEALSQ are investing at least $10 million in cash into WISeSat post-merger, bolstering operational capacity and expansion. The deal’s structure—exchange of shares and potential distribution to WISeKey shareholders—highlights a commitment to long-term growth and reinforcing Europe’s position in secure space technology, ensuring a future of trusted digital communications.
Management Commentary: Vision and Strategic Outlook
WISeKey’s subsidiary, WISeSat, is poised to become a publicly listed company via a business combination with Columbus Acquisition Corp., anticipating a $250 million equity valuation. This move accelerates commercialization of WISeSat’s secure satellite platform, designed for cost-effective IoT connectivity. Crucially, WISeSat leverages post-quantum cryptography from SEALSQ – including the “Quantum Shield” technology – to safeguard data against future quantum computing threats, a key differentiator in the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Currently operating a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation of 14 satellites, WISeSat aims to deploy 100 by 2030. The technology isn’t just about more satellites, but smarter ones. Each satellite integrates WISeKey’s Root of Trust and WISeID, alongside Hedera distributed ledger technology, ensuring data integrity and transparency. A next-generation, post-quantum secure satellite launch is scheduled for November 2025, testing critical communication protocols from space.
According to WISeKey CEO Carlos Moreira, this transaction establishes a foundation for sovereign, secure space communications, bolstering Europe’s technological leadership. The infusion of capital will enable rapid scaling of the satellite network, while the post-quantum encryption technology addresses a growing global cybersecurity need. This positions WISeSat to capitalize on the expanding market for secure, resilient IoT connectivity from space, particularly within sectors like logistics, agriculture, and defense.
