DARPA Awards Spire Global Contract to Design Satellite

Rhea-AI Summary

Spire Global (NYSE: SPIR) has secured a contract with DARPA to develop a satellite design for in-situ ionosphere measurements as part of the Ouija program. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of HF radio wave propagation in the ionosphere. Utilizing Spire's Space Services model, the project promises cost-effective access to space for innovative technology development. Previously, Spire was awarded a NOAA contract to create a sensor for real-time weather observations. With over 150 satellites launched, Spire aims to leverage its experience to support these cutting-edge projects.

Positive

• Awarded contract by DARPA for satellite development related to ionosphere measurements.
• Utilizes Spire's Space Services model for cost-effective satellite solutions.
• Previous contract with NOAA to develop a sensor for real-time weather data demonstrates operational capability.

Negative

• None.

The contract will leverage Spire’s pioneering Space Services model to design a satellite that could carry the agency’s sensor to very low Earth orbit to improve characterization of the ionosphere

VIENNA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Spire Global, Inc. (NYSE: SPIR) (“Spire” or “the Company”), a leading global provider of space-based data, analytics and space services, was awarded a contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to deliver a preliminary design for a satellite that would carry an array of sensors to very low Earth orbit (VLEO) for in-situ ionosphere measurements.

The award is part of DARPA’s Ouija program, which aims to use sensors on satellites to provide new insights into high-frequency (HF) radio wave propagation in the ionosphere, the area spanning the upper edges of the Earth’s atmosphere to the lower regions of space. The program seeks to quantify the space HF noise environment and improve characterization of the ionosphere to support novel HF capabilities.

DARPA’s award utilizes Spire’s pioneering Space Services model, which offers organizations fast and scalable access to space through a subscription model that eliminates the high upfront cost of building and maintaining infrastructure in space. Organizations can leverage Spire’s established space, ground, and web infrastructure to deploy and operate a constellation of satellites, a hosted payload, or a software application in space. Spire handles the end-to-end management, from manufacturing to launch to satellite operations, and the customer operates the system through a web API.

“Spire is proud to be supporting DARPA's efforts to advance our understanding of the ionosphere. Spire has built and launched over 150 satellites in the decade since the company was founded, and we’re excited to bring that heritage and experience in ionospheric data collection to this project,” said Kamal Arafeh, Senior Vice President of Sales, Spire. “For innovative programs like Ouija, the Space Services model provides a fast and cost-effective platform to build and scale new technology in space.”

Recently, the company was also awarded a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contract for its Space Services to develop a sensor with hyperspectral microwave sensing technology on a 16U satellite to collect near real-time weather observations and improve measurements.

About Spire Global, Inc.

Spire (NYSE: SPIR) is a leading global provider of space-based data, analytics and space services, offering access to unique datasets and powerful insights about Earth from the ultimate vantage point so that organizations can make decisions with confidence, accuracy, and speed. Spire uses one of the world’s largest multipurpose satellite constellations to source hard to acquire, valuable data and enriches it with predictive solutions. Spire then provides this data as a subscription to organizations around the world so they can improve business operations, decrease their environmental footprint, deploy resources for growth and competitive advantage, and mitigate risk. Spire gives commercial and government organizations the competitive advantage they seek to innovate and solve some of the world’s toughest problems with insights from space. Spire has offices in San Francisco, Boulder, Washington DC, Ontario, Glasgow, Oxfordshire, Luxembourg, and Singapore. To learn more, visit www.spire.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221101005076/en/

Kristina Spychalski

Senior Manager, Communications

kristina.spychalski@spire.com

Source: Spire Global, Inc.

FAQ

What is the contract awarded to Spire Global by DARPA about?

Spire Global was awarded a contract by DARPA to design a satellite for in-situ ionosphere measurements as part of the Ouija program.

How will Spire's project with DARPA enhance HF radio wave understanding?

The project aims to improve characterization of the ionosphere, which will provide insights into high-frequency radio wave propagation.

What is the Space Services model used by Spire Global?

Spire's Space Services model offers fast, scalable access to space through a subscription model, allowing organizations to manage satellite operations via a web API.

Has Spire Global received other contracts recently?

Yes, Spire Global also recently received a contract from NOAA for developing a sensor to collect near real-time weather observations.

How many satellites has Spire Global launched?

Spire Global has launched over 150 satellites since its founding.