NorthStar Signs Multi Launch Deal With RocketLab Following Virgin Orbit Collapse

Canada's NorthStar Earth and Space has signed a multi-launch deal with Rocket Lab, with the first four satellites set to be launched on an Electron rocket in the coming fall, following the collapse of there original launch partner, Virgin Orbit.

Originally, NorthStar had intended to launch three satellites as part of its initial batch with Virgin Orbit, but by utilizing the larger capacity of the Electron rocket, NorthStar's SSA system will have greater coverage from the outset, benefiting early adopters. While NorthStar has not disclosed the exact mix of commercial and government customers, it has secured $35 million in funding for its SSA plans and has received interest from both sectors.

The new multi-launch agreement with Rocket Lab includes two additional missions of four satellites, which could launch as early as next year. The first launch will take place from Rocket Lab's New Zealand launch site.

NorthStar's SSA Platform

NorthStar's SSA platform requires a minimum of 12 satellites to provide comprehensive commercial services. The platform is designed to track objects as small as five centimeters in low Earth orbit (LEO) and 40 centimeters in geostationary orbit. NorthStar's space cameras can detect objects multiple times per hour, allowing for timely responses to potential collisions and the triggering of specific behaviors.

NorthStar is in the process of exploring inter-satellite links and onboard processing capabilities to expedite the relay of tracking information back to customers on the ground. The company's optical satellites are capable of simultaneously capturing all objects within their field of view, unlike ground telescopes that track one object at a time. This unique capability enables the detection and accumulation of data on unknown objects in near-Earth orbits.

With the multi-launch deal in place, NorthStar Earth and Space is on track to fulfill its vision of providing comprehensive space situational awareness services, enhancing the safety and sustainability of activities in Earth's orbit.