CesiumAstro, a leading developer of active-phased array and software-defined radio systems for spacecraft, missiles, and drones, has filed a lawsuit alleging that a former executive disclosed trade secrets and confidential information to a competing startup. The lawsuit, filed on March 25, claims that former VP of Product Erik Luther misappropriated sensitive information about investors and customers and shared it with AnySignal, a startup that emerged from stealth in 2022.
CesiumAstro, based in Austin, has received over $100 million in funding and has developed advanced technology for commercial and defense customers. The company believes that AnySignal, founded by John Malsbury and Jeffrey Osborne, could not have developed its complex radio technology without access to CesiumAstro’s proprietary information.
According to the lawsuit, Luther, who did not join AnySignal but maintained personal connections with its co-founders, allegedly disclosed confidential information to the startup. AnySignal, which recently secured a partnership with private space station developer Vast, is developing a software-defined radio platform that directly competes with CesiumAstro.
Luther has denied all allegations in response to the lawsuit, stating that there is no evidence linking him to AnySignal’s business efforts. However, CesiumAstro remains firm in its belief that Luther’s actions have given AnySignal an unfair advantage in the specialized space for software-defined radios.
The lawsuit, filed in the Western District of Texas, highlights the competitive nature of the space-based radio technology industry and the importance of protecting trade secrets and confidential information in the rapidly evolving aerospace sector. The case is set to unfold in the coming months as both parties present their arguments in court.