Northwood Space, an innovative startup spearheaded by actress and musician Bridgit Mendler, has recently achieved a significant milestone in its quest to transform space connectivity. The company successfully established communication with Planet Labs’ imagery satellites, a critical step that confirms the viability of their technology. During a conversation with CNBC, Mendler outlined the company’s vision, indicating that they are not just attempting to enhance existing systems but are aiming to redefine the entire framework of satellite communication. Located in El Segundo, California, Northwood Space is emphasizing the ground segment of space operations, which plays an essential role in transmitting, processing, and analyzing the immense amounts of data collected by satellites orbiting the Earth.
Mendler envisions their flagship product, the Portal system, as a groundbreaking alternative to traditional parabolic dish antennas. Unlike conventional systems that can typically connect to one to three satellites, Portal’s phased array technology is designed to connect with up to ten satellites simultaneously. This promising capability could lead to increased efficiency and reduced costs, which many argue are fundamental barriers in current satellite communications. Mendler’s assertion that Northwood aims to establish a novel connectivity standard illustrates the startup’s ambitious approach to addressing outdated infrastructures and operational limitations within the space industry.
The Ground Station as a Service (GSaaS) sector is burgeoning, with numerous startups and established corporations vying to capitalize on the evolving space economy. In this context, Northwood Space emerges as a significant player, committed to pushing the boundaries of what ground stations can achieve. Large tech firms like Amazon, through its AWS Ground Station service, and industry stalwart Eutelsat, known for its bold billion-dollar ventures, recognize the expansive potential in this market. However, Northwood aims to take GSaaS a step further — striving to eliminate what Mendler describes as “antiquated connectivity models” that are burdened by disruptions and high costs.
Drawing parallels to the cellular industry, Mendler points out the inefficiencies in existing satellite communication systems, which remind her of early cellular networks reliant on standalone towers. By leveraging a model that promotes shared infrastructure, Northwood anticipates creating a more streamlined operational process that accommodates the demands of diverse clients in the space sector. Mendler’s insights underscore how the evolution of ground stations can unlock new avenues of growth within the broader realm of space technology, capitalizing on what she terms “the third leg of the stool,” alongside satellites and launch vehicles.
Last week, the Northwood team ventured to the secluded plains of Maddock, North Dakota, where they put their prototype antenna, affectionately named “Frankie,” to the test. This telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C) exercise involved establishing bi-directional communication with Planet’s satellite using both S-band and X-band frequencies. Mendler expressed her excitement as the test not only validated their technology but also confirmed operational capabilities that rivaled existing systems. The ability to achieve nominal communications was particularly noteworthy, signaling a level of reliability previously deemed unattainable in such an expedited development timeline.
Planet Labs, which operates a fleet of over 150 imaging satellites, lauded Northwood’s achievements as a significant advancement in the field. According to Joseph Breu, Planet’s senior director of global ground networks, Northwood’s rapid development and successful field tests address long-standing issues related to cost and scalability within ground station technology. This endorsement not only highlights Northwood’s innovative approach but also reinforces the credibility of its trajectory in an increasingly competitive market.
Looking ahead, Northwood plans to roll out its Portal sites capable of supporting multiple satellite connections and enabling data transfer rates exceeding 1 gigabit per second. The company is currently evaluating potential locations across the U.S., Europe, Australia, and New Zealand for these installations. With a relatively fast-paced development cycle that saw the initial design completed in just four months, Mendler shows no signs of slowing down.
Northwood Space’s journey exemplifies the immense potential of startups in revolutionizing traditional industries. As Bridgit Mendler and her team navigate the intricate landscape of space connectivity, their visionary approach could lead to groundbreaking changes in how ground stations operate. By challenging the norms and aspirations of the existing ground sector, Northwood Space is not simply entering the space race but is set to redefine it. The intersection of creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and technological advancement at Northwood is undoubtedly paving the way for an exciting new chapter in satellite communication. As Mendler aptly concludes, this development “unlocks a lot of things about the next chapter,” indicating that the future of space connectivity holds vast possibilities, driven by innovation and collaboration.