SpinLaunch has selected Kongsberg NanoAvionics (‘KONGSBERG’) as its exclusive satellite supplier for their LEO broadband communication constellation, Meridian Space—the parties have signed a contract for the delivery of 280 of these smallsats, worth 122.5 million euros.
The Meridian Space constellation is taking a fundamentally new approach to space-based broadband by combining a series of advanced technologies never before deployed in a commercial satellite constellation. The partnership includes two prototypes as well as the development and serial production of 280 satellites.
NanoAvionics and SpinLaunch will develop a prototype satellite optimized for higher performance and launch efficiency. The approximately 70 kg satellites for this project are much lighter than currently operational SATCOM platforms, enabling significant performance advantages per kilogram. The unique design combined with the high-performance avionics and payload will allow these satellites to deliver uninterrupted global connectivity with terabits-per-second capacity in a single rocket launch.
As part of the transaction, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has acquired a minority stake in SpinLaunch to support the commercialization of Meridian’s pioneering SATCOM solution. This partnership underscores both organizations’ commitment to delivering affordable and sustainable space services worldwide.
Over time, SpinLaunch plans to grow the Meridian constellation to 1,200 satellites, as originally outlined in the company’s 2021 spectrum filings. To meet the needs of the 280-satellite constellation production schedule, Kongsberg NanoAvionics will ramp up its manufacturing capabilities with the addition of a new assembly and testing facility at its European headquarters in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The Meridian Space solution, supported by KONGSBERG, will offer significantly higher broadband capacity in a satellite constellation compared with what is available on the market today,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. “KONGSBERG’s decision to partner with SpinLaunch reflects our belief in their innovative approach to satellite communications.”
Our supply contract for Meridian is a clear example of how Kongsberg NanoAvionics enables complex satellite missions with standardized, scalable technology,” said Atle Wollo, CEO of Kongsberg NanoAvionics.
Kongsberg NanoAvionics brings a strong track record in small satellite manufacturing that aligns well with our goal of bringing a highly differentiated satcom constellation to market,” said David Wrenn, CEO of SpinLaunch. ”Together, we are taking meaningful steps towards providing a low-cost, reliable, high-speed broadband service to global enterprises.”