SpinLaunch Unveils Plans for 2Tbps Global Satellite Broadband Network

In a bold move set to shake up the satellite broadband industry, SpinLaunch has partnered with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to develop a groundbreaking network of ultrafast broadband satellites. Dubbed “Meridian Space,” the ambitious project aims to deliver over 2Tbps of global capacity from Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Innovative Microsatellites to Blanket the Globe

The initial Meridian Space constellation will consist of approximately 250 microsatellites, each weighing a mere 70kg. Harnessing cutting-edge 5G-based Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) protocols, these compact satellites will provide seamless global coverage, primarily targeting businesses such as mobile network backhaul, maritime, corporate, and aviation sectors.

“Our goal is to revolutionize satellite broadband with a constellation that’s lightweight, cost-effective, and can be deployed at scale,” said SpinLaunch CEO Jonathan Yaney. “Meridian Space will deliver unparalleled speed and reliability to customers worldwide.”

Reconfigurable Reflectarray Antennas: A Game-Changer

Central to the Meridian Space design are the satellites’ reconfigurable reflectarray antennas. These highly compact antennas operate across multiple frequency bands, enabling unprecedented flexibility and efficiency.

“The reflectarray technology is a true game-changer,” explained Kongsberg CTO Eirik Lie. “It allows us to pack immense capabilities into a remarkably small package, reducing complexity and power requirements.”

Simplified Ground Infrastructure and Deployment

By adopting a “bent-pipe” architecture, Meridian Space satellites will act as relays for ground stations, with all signal processing occurring on Earth. This approach simplifies the satellites’ design and reduces their size and power needs.

Moreover, the use of fixed-track orbits will streamline the setup of ground-based user terminals and gateways, eliminating the need for complex tracking antennas. This innovation paves the way for cost-effective, large-scale deployment via single rocket launches.

In-Orbit Demonstrator Mission Planned for 2026

SpinLaunch and Kongsberg are gearing up for an In-Orbit Demonstrator (IOD) mission in 2026, where a number of test satellites will be deployed. If successful, the first customer links could go live within the same year, although the companies acknowledge the potential for delays.

“Space programs are notoriously challenging, so we’re prepared for the possibility of pushing our timeline to 2027,” Yaney admitted. “But we’re confident in our technology and the expertise of our team.”

Expansion on the Horizon

Looking ahead, SpinLaunch envisions expanding the Meridian Space constellation to at least 1,200 microsatellites in the coming years. While the company won’t directly offer consumer broadband services, its network is set to provide fierce competition for established players like SpaceX’s Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.

As the race to bridge the global digital divide intensifies, SpinLaunch’s Meridian Space project promises to be a formidable contender. With its innovative technology and ambitious vision, the company is poised to redefine the future of satellite broadband connectivity.