In an increasingly interconnected world, the role of satellite communications has never been more crucial. Northwood Space, a startup helmed by former television star Bridgit Mendler, has made significant strides in this domain, recently successfully connecting with Planet Labs imagery satellites in a groundbreaking test. Announced to the public only earlier this year, Northwood is establishing itself as a vital player in the realm of ground infrastructure for satellite communication—a field that has immense potential for innovation and efficiency.
Mendler, who has transitioned from her entertainment career to assume the role of CEO at Northwood, highlighted the startup’s mission to create a comprehensive global network designed to facilitate data exchanges for orbiting satellites. Her leadership emphasizes the importance of a solid and effective ground component in the satellite ecosystem, which is often overshadowed by advancements in rocket technology or satellite design.
At the heart of Northwood’s approach is its groundbreaking technology known as Portal, which employs phased array systems to enhance communication capabilities. Unlike traditional parabolic dish antennas, which typically connect with one to three satellites at any given time, Mendler’s system aims to transform the landscape by allowing connections with as many as ten satellites simultaneously. This capability is not just an incremental improvement; it has the potential to streamline data transmission dramatically, significantly increasing efficiency in real-time communication with satellites.
The phased array technology represents a shift in how ground stations are conceived and built. Northwood’s ambitions are to mass-produce these advanced ground stations, which could revolutionize the connectivity infrastructure supporting satellite operations. In an era where data is king and timely communication is necessary, such innovations are essential.
Northwood’s entry into the Ground Station as a Service (GSaaS) market poses a compelling challenge to existing giants such as Amazon, which has launched its own AWS Ground Station service, as well as established players like Eutelsat. Mendler envisions a future where connectivity is no longer hampered by outdated technologies; she articulates a vision in which ground stations become more efficient, accessible, and economically viable.
Drawing parallels with the cellular industry, Mendler believes that the current landscape of ground station connectivity resembles the early days of mobile communication, when shared infrastructure was yet to be utilized effectively. The model she proposes promotes a more optimized, shared approach to ground station technology, wherein resources are pooled, enabling greater efficiency and lower costs. This thinking may herald significant changes not merely for the company but for the entire satellite communication industry.
Last week, Northwood’s team undertook a practical demonstration of their technology in the remote expanse of Maddock, North Dakota, testing what they affectionately named “Frankie”—their prototype antenna. This test was crucial, following their aim to establish bi-directional communication with Planet’s satellites across different frequency bands. The successful outcomes have confirmed Northwood’s capabilities, indicating they can achieve the reliability and performance necessary for effective satellite communication.
The notable achievement entailed a full-duration connection with Planet’s satellite, allowing operations to function seamlessly. This accomplishment not only reflects the technical prowess behind Northwood’s offerings but also underscores the industry’s acknowledgment of their potential. Joseph Breu, from Planet, praised Northwood’s innovations, recognizing the speed and efficiency with which they developed and tested their phased array antenna.
With Northwood planning to unveil multiple Portal sites across the globe, including regions in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, the company is poised to impact the satellite communication landscape significantly. The establishment of ground stations capable of 10 simultaneous satellite connections with remarkable speed—over 1 gigabit per second—could redefine connectivity standards in the industry.
As Mendler explains, Northwood’s breakthrough not only addresses historical challenges regarding cost and scalability but propels the industry towards a future enriched with more versatile communication options. With Northwood, Bridgit Mendler encapsulates a vision that seeks to break from conventional limitations while paving the way for the next chapter of ground station technology. Her leadership offers not just a fresh perspective but also a bold commitment to reshaping how satellites communicate with Earth, ultimately setting a new standard in the fast-evolving space technology landscape.