# Higher Ground LLC

> Higher Ground LLC is a Palo Alto hardware startup that builds compact, secure satellite communication and navigation devices. Its flagship SatPaq turned a smartphone into a two-way satellite messenger by talking to geostationary Intelsat Galaxy satellites, and the company has since pivoted its expertise toward defense and government work - most notably GEOFix, a non-jammable backup to GPS. Led by founder and CEO Rob Reis, the company holds dozens of patents and counts the U.S. Department of Defense, DHS, NASA and the FAA among its customers.

- **Founded:** 2011
- **Headquarters:** Palo Alto, California, United States
- **Founders:** Rob Reis (Founder, President & CEO)
- **Team size:** ~54 employees
- **Products:** SatPaq / SatPaq2, SpaceLinq, GEOFix / GPS Backup, TrackPod, UAV / Drone Flight connectivity
- **Notable:** Developed the SatPaq, billed as the world's smallest, easiest-to-use and most secure satellite communicator, Holds dozens of patents (reported around 36) in satellite communication and geolocation, Won U.S. Air Force SBIR funding for GEOFix, a non-jammable backup to GPS

## Products & services

- **SatPaq / SatPaq2** — A compact, roughly deck-of-cards-sized satellite communicator that pairs with a smartphone over Bluetooth and uses a flip-out directional antenna to send AES-256-encrypted text and email via geostationary Intelsat Galaxy satellites, with no monthly subscription.
- **SpaceLinq** — A messaging app for Android devices that drives the SatPaq, letting users compose and send messages routed over satellite.
- **GEOFix / GPS Backup** — A non-jammable, low-probability-of-detection navigation solution that uses geostationary satellites as position datums to provide a resilient backup when GPS is jammed or spoofed. Developed under U.S. Air Force SBIR contracts.
- **TrackPod** — A real-time location tracking device/service built on Higher Ground's satellite link for field and asset tracking.
- **UAV / Drone Flight connectivity** — Beyond-line-of-sight satellite connectivity enabling drone flight and robotic/agricultural equipment operation in remote areas.

## Achievements

- Developed the SatPaq, billed as the world's smallest, easiest-to-use and most secure satellite communicator
- Holds dozens of patents (reported around 36) in satellite communication and geolocation
- Won U.S. Air Force SBIR funding for GEOFix, a non-jammable backup to GPS
- Received FCC conditional authorization for deployment of up to 50,000 SatPaq units
- Worked with the Department of Defense, DHS, NASA and the FAA

## Latest updates

- **2021-08** — Awarded U.S. Air Force SBIR contract for GEOFix, a non-jammable navigation backup to GPS.
- **2022-11** — Completed the Air Force GEOFix SBIR effort demonstrating GEO-satellite-based, jam-resistant geolocation.
- **2023-09** — Consumer SatPaq satellite messaging service wound down following the FCC's decision to open the 5.925-6.425 GHz band; company deepened its focus on defense and government applications.

## Links

- Website: https://higherground.earth
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/higherground-earth
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/satpaq
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/satpaq

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/higher-ground-llc
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Last updated: 2026-07-14