Space data, analytics, and services firm Spire Global has unveiled its new next generation satellite tech at Space Tech Expo Europe.

The 16U satellite bus design will be utilised for missions that require larger payloads and more power, volume, and data capabilities than a conventional 16U, such as Earth observation and space domain awareness missions.

Additionally, the bus has the capabilities of a larger satellite, with up to double the payload capacity of conventional 16Us, while offering the benefits of a nanosatellite

Spire, which operates the world’s largest multipurpose satellite constellation, designs and builds its satellites entirely in-house at its manufacturing facility in Glasgow and has so far built and launched more than 150 satellites.

Exolaunch’s EXOpod Nova deployer, a custom launch deployer developed in partnership with Spire, has enabled the company to optimise the capacity and volume of the satellite while still fitting into standard deployment settings. The 16U satellite can accommodate payloads of up to 30 kilograms.

Joel Spark, Co-Founder and General Manager, Space Services, Spire said: “Increasingly we’re seeing that our customers’ missions require buses that offer the performance of a larger satellite with the agility of a nanosatellite.

“It’s a tall order, but we’ve leveraged our extensive space heritage and experience in satellite design and manufacturing to build a one-of-a-kind satellite bus that checks all those boxes. Our next-gen satellite has been a natural next step for us, driven by the needs of the market.”

Spire has also announced it will launch its 16U satellites to orbit in 2023, carrying payloads for Space Services customers NorthStar Earth & Space and GHGSat.

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Stewart Bain, NorthStar Earth & Space CEO and Co-Founder said: “Spire Global is leading the market to address a growing demand for affordable access to space.

“The timing of this new product fits well with NorthStar’s plans to launch the first commercial space-based services to improve space situational awareness precision and coverage over all near-Earth orbits.

“NorthStar is pleased to be engaged with Spire in this endeavour as part of a vibrant and innovative space economic ecosystem.”

Scottish Government Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, Ivan McKee MSP added: “This is an exciting time for the space sector in Scotland. Businesses such as Spire Global are delivering innovative new satellites, helping to position Scotland as a global leader for commercial space developments gaining a £1 billion share of the global space market.

“We continue to lead the way in small satellite manufacturing, with our manufacturing hub in Glasgow and innovative new designs like the next-generation 16U satellite bus design from Spire highlighting the ambition set out in our 10-year transformation strategy to build an internationally competitive economy founded on entrepreneurship and innovation.”

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