Spire Global Connects Satellites With Laser Links For Faster Data

Spire Global, Inc. SPIR, a space-based data and services provider, has reached a significant milestone in satellite communication technology.

The company has successfully set up a two-way optical connection between two satellites in orbit. This achievement is expected to improve the speed, dependability, and security of data transmissions for upcoming space missions.

Spire has outfitted two satellites launched in June 2023 with optical inter-satellite link (OISL) payloads, enabling data transmission through lasers.

This secure, nearly real-time communication takes place between satellites separated by distances of up to 5,000 kilometers.

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“We have shrunk what is typically a large optical system—the size of a microwave—down to the size of a tissue box,” said Applied Optics Team Lead at Spire, Thomas Carroll.

“Our OISL payload is the smallest on the market, allowing us to deploy this technology on our small satellites while delivering performance previously achievable only with much larger systems.”

The advancement has the potential to transform fields like weather forecasting, global communications, and environmental monitoring by enhancing data speeds and strengthening security.

The development of OISL technology was backed by the European Space Agency's ARTES Pioneer Partnership Project, with financial support from the U.K. Space Agency.

Continuing its advancements, Spire plans to launch three more LEMUR satellites equipped with OISL technology in 2025.

Two of these satellites will be part of the Transporter-13 mission in collaboration with SpaceX and Exolaunch. During the mission, Spire will also launch four additional LEMUR satellites to replenish its fully deployed constellation and enable missions for its Space Services customers.

Price Action: SPIR shares are trading lower by 0.61% at $11.34 on last check Monday.

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