Spire Global, a global provider of space-based data, analytics and intelligence, has successful launched ten satellites aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-16. The satellites were integrated by Germany’s launch integrator Exolaunch. The mission included a satellite supporting Spire’s participation in the MagQuest challenge, an NGA-led initiative to advance measurement of Earth’s magnetic field.
The satellite carries a first-of-its-kind diamond quantum magnetometer system developed by SBQuantum, designed to provide high-accuracy geomagnetic data for the World Magnetic Model (WMM). Following the launch, Spire will provide data to NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center for assessment.
Advancing In-Orbit Laser Communications
The launch also included Spire’s seventh Optical Inter-Satellite Link (OISL) satellite, marking a further development in the Company’s capabilities for direct optical communication between satellites. This technology enables satellites to communicate directly in orbit using laser links, facilitating faster, more secure data delivery and reducing reliance on ground station proximity. The project is supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) under the Pioneer Partnership Projects.
Expanding Commercial Space Services
Onboard the launch, Spire-built satellites served missions across Earth observation and IoT connectivity:
HANCOM InSpace: Spire launched Sejong-3, a satellite developed in collaboration with HANCOM InSpace to support satellite data applications. This launch follows the successful deployment of Sejong-1 — South Korea’s first private commercial satellite — and Sejong-2, further strengthening HANCOM InSpace’s expansion of space-based data services.
Myriota: Four satellites were launched, expanding the IoT provider’s constellation and global space infrastructure to enable more scalable and reliable IoT connectivity for smart devices worldwide. The four satellites aim to deliver an uplift in performance and resilience across Myriota’s IoT network.
The mission also included two satellites for a Spire Space Services customer to support space data capabilities for commercial and government clients and one constellation replenishment satellite equipped with ADS-B technology, enhancing global tracking of aircraft for Spire’s aviation data services.
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