Former Disney star Bridgit Mendler’s startup, Northwood Space, recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully connecting its ground station unit with orbiting Planet Labs satellites. The team operated from Planet’s ground station in Maddock, North Dakota, demonstrating that Northwood’s innovative phased-array antenna system can effectively transmit data to and from satellites in orbit. This successful test focused on telemetry and tasking of the satellites, establishing bidirectional links over five satellite passes. Mendler explained in a recent interview that the goal of their work is to create a more efficient ground network to support the growth of the space industry.
Northwood aims to address the challenges faced by the space industry, particularly the bottleneck in terrestrial infrastructure that facilitates communication between satellites and Earth. Traditional large dish antennas are commonly used as ground stations, playing a vital role in tracking, commanding, and exchanging data with spacecraft. With the significant expansion of the space sector, the volume of data being transmitted to and from satellites has increased substantially. While some companies like SpaceX and Amazon operate their own ground stations, many satellite providers rely on external ground station services, which may face availability issues.
In response to these challenges, Northwood is developing a digital phased-array system called the “Portal” to enable continuous satellite connectivity. The company’s technology is designed for scalability, allowing the antenna to establish connections with multiple satellites simultaneously. Unlike traditional antennas that require physical adjustments to point at a satellite, phased arrays can electronically steer their beams and track multiple objects concurrently.
Moreover, Northwood’s antenna systems are designed for mass production, with plans to manufacture one system per month. These systems are compact, measuring six feet per side, making them suitable for deployment in locations where larger antennas are not feasible. Impressively, the ground station setup and testing were completed in just six hours, showcasing the efficiency and effectiveness of Northwood’s approach.
Looking ahead, Northwood aims to have operational sites by the first half of 2025 and intends to increase production rates over time. The team is exploring potential sites within the U.S. and internationally to expand their reach. Since going public in February, Northwood has secured approximately $6 million in funding from investors such as Founders Fund, Andreessen Horowitz, and Also Capital.
Overall, Northwood Space’s successful test with Planet Labs satellites demonstrates the company’s commitment to revolutionizing ground station technology and addressing the evolving needs of the space industry. With its innovative approach and strategic partnerships, Northwood is poised to make a significant impact on satellite connectivity and contribute to the continued growth of the space sector.
