Rocketlab launches Spire and NorthStar Space Sustainability mission with dedicated flight

Rocketlab launches Spire and NorthStar Space Sustainability mission with dedicated flight
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jan 31, 2024

Spire Global, Inc. (NYSE: SPIR), a leader in delivering space-based data and analytics services, has successfully launched the first commercial satellite constellation for Space Situational Awareness (SSA) in partnership with NorthStar Earth and Space. This milestone event took place on January 31, 2024, at 6:35 pm NZST, from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand.

The launch, aptly named 'Four of a Kind,' saw the deployment of four satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO), marking a significant advancement in the capabilities for monitoring and managing space traffic. With these satellites, NorthStar Earth and Space becomes the first commercial entity to actively monitor space from space, offering an unprecedented level of SSA services to the global satellite community. This includes essential services such as space object detection, tracking, orbit determination, collision avoidance, and proximity alerts.

Peter Platzer, CEO of Spire Global, highlighted the significance of the launch, stating, "The successful deployment of NorthStar's first commercial space situational awareness constellation represents a shared commitment to enhancing the sustainability of space. Our Space as a Service model has enabled NorthStar to quickly bring to market innovative solutions that address the critical challenges faced in space and on Earth."

Stewart Bain, CEO of NorthStar, expressed pride in the collaborative effort and its contributions towards sustainable space operations. "This launch signifies the beginning of a transformational era in space-based SSA services, providing unparalleled tracking capabilities for resident space objects. Our aim is to enable better decision-making for satellite operators, ensuring the long-term sustainability of space for future generations," Bain noted.

Rocket Lab, a key partner in this mission, has once again demonstrated its reliability and innovation in the space launch sector. Peter Beck, Rocket Lab's founder and CEO, remarked on the significance of partnering with Spire for this historic mission. "Launching such an advanced mission alongside Spire, a long-time collaborator since our first orbital mission in 2018, underscores our mutual commitment to pushing the boundaries of space technology."

This launch marks Spire's first dedicated mission and its 39th launch campaign, further solidifying its role as a pivotal player in the space industry. With over 170 satellites designed, built, and launched, Spire continues to expand its capabilities and impact across various sectors, from maritime and aviation to weather forecasting and Earth observation.

The successful deployment of NorthStar's SSA satellites opens a new chapter in the pursuit of sustainable and safe space operations, providing critical services to the global community and setting a new standard for commercial space situational awareness initiatives.