Locally Based. Space Ready.
Northeast Ohio-based Comsat Architects is proving that world-class space innovation can thrive far from the coasts. With a vision to enhance communications connectivity between Earth and space for near-Earth and lunar missions, the company delivers cutting-edge solutions in software development, data analytics, and space communications design and analysis.
Today, Comsat Architects employs 31 professionals—including experts in space communications engineering, aerospace and systems engineering, data science, and advanced software development—working together to design the future of space connectivity.
From serving high-profile clients like NASA Glenn Research Center, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Air Force, to entering emerging space markets through internal research and development, as well as government partnerships, Comsat Architects is grounded in Northeast Ohio while reaching beyond Earth’s orbit.
Built in Northeast Ohio, Made to Last
In 2014 when Dr. Kul Bhasin, retiring from a thirty-five year career at NASA Glenn Research Center, founded Comsat Architects, the challenge was clear: there few commercial space startups, talent with space experience was very limited, and it would be difficult to compete with established tech hubs on both coasts.
But Bhasin believed in Northeast Ohio’s potential, with top-tier higher education institutions, great engineering schools, NASA-Glenn Research Center, and a quality of life not found in those other well-known tech hubs.
He saw the potential for Comsat Architects to become the leading space company in Northeast Ohio and a nationwide leader in space communications design, analysis and testing, software development and data analytics. Recently, Comsat Architects has expanded into small spacecraft design and development, and space situational awareness.
“I knew I could grow a strong talent pipeline within Northeast Ohio,” said Bhasin.
Creating a Homegrown Workforce Pipeline
Comsat Architects launched its internship and co-op program the same year it was founded. The first intern came from Lorain County Community College, and over time, the program expanded to deep partnerships with Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), John Carroll University (JCU), Cleveland State University (CSU), Kent State University (KSU), and the University of Toledo (UT).
“We’ve created a model that keeps Ohio’s brightest students in Ohio,” said Bhasin. “Many interns stay for multiple semesters and then join full time. We don’t just train talent—we retain it.”
The company continues to grow its workforce by participating in Ohio-based talent initiatives, such as the Greater Cleveland Partnership STEM Internship Program and the Ohio College Technology Internship Program.
This strategy is working. More than half of Comsat’s full-time team members started as interns or co-ops.
Strategic Support from Team NEO and Regional Partners
Comsat Architects’ success is not only the result of visionary leadership and workforce development, it’s also a story of collaboration with key regional partners like Team NEO, JobsOhio, and the Aerozone Alliance.
Team NEO recognized the need to nurture Northeast Ohio’s space economy and responded by creating a dedicated space sector lead.
“Team NEO understands how hard it is for startups to break through,” said Bhasin. “The organization has been incredibly active and effective in helping us build connections and momentum.”
Through partnerships and support from Team NEO, JobsOhio, Aerozone Alliance, the State of Ohio, and elected officials at all levels, Comsat Architects has:
- Secured funding through Ohio’s Federal Research Network (OFRN) in collaboration with universities and other local tech companies
- Expanded visibility through the OrbitOhio Roundtable and Greater Cleveland Partnership
- Benefited from a space-focused regional network that connects companies, researchers, and institutions
These collaborations are enabling Comsat Architects to pursue new markets, form Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant partnerships, and become a key contributor to the region’s space innovation landscape.
Why Cleveland & the Northeast Ohio Region Works for Space Innovation
Northeast Ohio offers Comsat Architects three essential advantages:
- Proximity to NASA Glenn Research Center, enabling technical collaboration and shared knowledge
- Access to many top-tier local academic institutions, producing highly capable talent in computer science, engineering, and physics
- Northeast Ohio’s quality of life, affordability, cultural institutions, and nature reserves make it easier to retain top performers as they can fully invest in building lives here
In a region not traditionally known for space startups, Comsat Architects has helped create a self-sustaining, homegrown ecosystem—and is seeing others follow their lead.
“We no longer have to advertise positions like we once did,” said Bhasin. “Interns and recent graduates are coming to us because they want to be part of this mission, and they want to stay in Northeast Ohio.”
Results That Matter
- 31 team members, with continued growth
- 60%+ of full-time staff started as interns
- 10 interns/co-ops actively engaged each year
- 5+ university partners
- Acquired a second building to support expansion
Looking to the Future: Scaling a Regional Space Economy
Comsat Architects remains committed to pushing the boundaries of space connectivity and is equally committed to ensuring that Northeast Ohio plays a central role in the future of aerospace.
“We’re not just building a company,” Bhasin said. “We’re building a sector.”
The company continues to lead by example, turning Northeast Ohio into an unexpected and powerful hub for space innovation.
