CLS Expands its Ocean Telemetry Capabilities with the Acquisition of Ground Control
- January 15, 2026
- Category: Flash info
CLS, a global provider of satellite telemetry and monitoring solutions for oceanographic and remote environments, has announced the acquisition of Ground Control, a UK- and US-based specialist in satellite IoT hardware and cloud-based device management platforms.
This acquisition strengthens CLS’s ability to deliver end-to-end telemetry solutions for ocean observation, offshore operations and remote environmental monitoring, at a time when demand for reliable, low-power and resilient satellite connectivity continues to grow.
Supporting ocean science and offshore operations worldwide
For more than 40 years, CLS has been developing satellite-based telemetry solutions to collect, transmit and analyze data from the most challenging environments on Earth.
In oceanography and marine monitoring, CLS technologies support:
- Ocean and coastal observation systems (buoys, drifters, floats and fixed platforms)
- Monitoring of physical ocean parameters such as temperature, salinity, currents and sea level
- Long-term marine data collection for climate research and operational oceanography
- Offshore and remote monitoring for marine infrastructure and environmental compliance
As the historic operator, and now provider of, Argos satellite services, and as a dedicated Iridium VAR, CLS has built a strong heritage in reliable, low-power telemetry for oceanographic instruments and autonomous platforms, often operating far beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.
Complementary hardware and telemetry platforms
Ground Control brings to CLS a proven portfolio of rugged satellite communication hardware designed for demanding field conditions, including marine and offshore environments. Its solutions range from RockBLOCK plug-and-play satellite modules, well suited for sensor integration and compact telemetry systems, to the RockREMOTE product line supporting more advanced IoT and M2M applications.
In addition to hardware, Ground Control contributes Cloudloop, a secure, web-based platform for device, subscription and data management. Cloudloop enhances CLS’s telemetry ecosystem by enabling efficient fleet supervision, data routing and operational visibility across large, geographically dispersed deployments—key requirements for oceanographic campaigns and offshore asset monitoring.
Strengthening CLS’s ocean telemetry ecosystem
The integration of Ground Control’s technologies further enriches CLS’s existing telemetry offering, which includes satellite modems, sensor interfaces, data collection services, visualization platforms and decision-support tools.
While CLS and Ground Control have historically addressed different but complementary markets, their combined expertise enables greater interoperability between devices, connectivity and platforms, providing ocean scientists, research institutes and operational users with scalable, robust and field-proven solutions.
Stéphanie Limouzin, President of the CLS Group, commented:
“Ground Control’s hardware and cloud expertise perfectly complement CLS’s satellite telemetry services.
Together, we can offer more flexible and resilient solutions adapted to oceanographic instrumentation and long-term monitoring in remote marine environments.”
Expanded global footprint and technical support
The acquisition adds three operational sites to CLS’s existing international network, bringing the Group to 35 locations worldwide and more than 1,100 employees.
This expanded footprint reinforces CLS’s capacity to support oceanographic programs and offshore projects with local expertise, responsive technical support and increased R&D capabilities.
Alastair McLeod, CEO of Ground Control, added:
“Joining CLS allows us to scale our technology within a group that has deep roots in ocean observation and satellite telemetry.
Together, we can deliver complete solutions—from hardware and connectivity to data platforms—tailored to the realities of marine and offshore operations.”
A unified offering for marine telemetry users
For users of oceanographic and environmental telemetry systems, the combination of CLS and Ground Control means access to a broader range of satellite modems, embedded communication modules and data management tools, backed by a shared commitment to reliability, long-term data continuity and operational performance at sea.
About Ground Control
Ground Control is a UK- and US-based provider of satellite and hybrid IoT communication solutions for remote and mission-critical applications, including marine and offshore environments.
Founded nearly 30 years ago, the company designs and manufactures compact, low-power satellite devices and two-way messaging solutions used in ocean observation, environmental monitoring, energy, transport and emergency response.
Its Cloudloop platform enables secure device provisioning, data routing and fleet management across globally distributed assets—supporting both scientific and operational telemetry deployments.
Now part of the CLS Group, Ground Control continues to develop robust communication technologies while benefiting from CLS’s long-standing expertise in satellite telemetry, oceanography and environmental monitoring.