Northwood Space Achieves Major Milestone in Satellite Connectivity
Northwood Space, a startup founded by former television star and singer Bridgit Mendler, has successfully connected with Planet Labs’ imagery satellites in orbit. This significant achievement marks a major development test for the company, showcasing its innovative approach to ground station technology.
Based in El Segundo, California, Northwood Space is focusing on improving the ground side of space connectivity by developing advanced ground stations using phased array technology. This approach, highlighted by Mendler as essential for transmitting data to and from orbit, has been validated through successful lab and field tests.
One of Northwood’s key innovations is its Portal system, which utilizes phased array-based antennas to outperform traditional parabolic dish antennas commonly used by ground station companies. The Portal system is designed to connect to up to 10 satellites simultaneously, offering increased efficiency and data transfer rates.
In a recent testing phase in North Dakota, Northwood successfully deployed its prototype antenna, nicknamed “Frankie,” and established bi-directional communications with Planet’s satellites. This achievement, completed in a remarkably short timeframe, underscores the company’s commitment to advancing ground station technology.
Looking ahead, Northwood plans to deploy Portal sites capable of supporting multiple satellite connections with high data rates, starting next year. The company is evaluating locations in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and New Zealand for its initial site launches.
By pushing the boundaries of ground station technology, Northwood aims to revolutionize connectivity in the space industry, offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution for satellite communications. With a strong focus on innovation and performance, Northwood Space is paving the way for the next chapter in space technology.
Stay tuned for more updates on Northwood Space and other groundbreaking developments in the space industry on Extreme Investor Network. Join us as we explore the future of space technology and investment opportunities.