The Spire Small Satellite Network

Abstract

This chapter provides a detailed description of the Spire small satellite network from a technical, services, financial and network perspective. It first describes how the Lemur-1 cubesat demonstrated the feasibility of this innovative new system that led to deployment of the Lemur-2 network and the current deployment of a global network of over 80 three-unit small satellites. It also explains how it has evolved through the raising of capital through venture capital rounds of financing. It describes Spire’s complex, diverse, and growing range of services and data analytics as they have evolved to date. These various services include: (i) a range of maritime Domain awareness products; (ii) a variety of critical weather and space weather data and products; (iii) innovative air traffic data services including ADS-B automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) air safety services; (iv) global weather prediction data analytics; and (v) consulting and other support services that helps other get small satellite payloads into orbits. Further, it describes the global ground systems that are designed, deployed, owned, and operated by the Spire smallsat network.