SpinLaunch, a pioneer of disruptive space solutions, announced a $12 million strategic investment from Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, unveiling Meridian Space, an ultra-high-performance, low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband constellation. And the constellation can uniquely provide global coverage with only one traditional rocket launch, deploying 250 next-generation microsatellites that leverage a proprietary suite of groundbreaking technologies.
The company also announced that Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace (KDA), a global leader in the defense and aerospace sectors, has made a $12 million investment to support the constellation’s development and commercialization. This deal validates both organizations’ commitment to delivering worldwide affordable and sustainable space services.
The strategic deal extends to Kongsberg NanoAvionics (KNA), which SpinLaunch has selected as the exclusive satellite supplier for the initial deployment of 280 satellites. Utilizing its extensive flight heritage and cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities, NanoAvionics will play a major role in enabling Meridian’s phased deployment plan, with development of the in-orbit demonstrator (IOD) – planned for 2026 – already underway.
KEY QUOTES:
“SpinLaunch was founded on a bold commitment to deliver a more sustainable, cost-effective approach to launching satellite constellations – a vision that logically involved considering our own global network from the outset. Starting in 2020, we accelerated that vision and ramped up development of the constellation, and we are now excited to officially bring our low-cost, dynamic communications service to enterprise customers worldwide.”
– David Wrenn, CEO of SpinLaunch
“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. Kongsberg’s decision to partner with SpinLaunch reflects our belief in their innovative approach to satellite communications.”
– Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace
“We’re thrilled to welcome Kongsberg as a partner and investor, underscoring the strength and maturity of our satcom system. Their reputation and global footprint in defense and technology give us an invaluable edge as we move forward.”
– Matthew Mejía, CFO & Chief Strategy Officer of SpinLaunch
“After an extensive industry evaluation, we selected NanoAvionics for their demonstrated flight heritage and high-performance satellites. NanoAvionics’ modular smallsat systems give us a reliable foundation to scale our constellation quickly and confidently.”
– David Wrenn, CEO of SpinLaunch
“Our collaboration with SpinLaunch is a clear example of how NanoAvionics enables complex satellite missions with standardized, scalable technology. Their team has an impressive track record in disruptive engineering which, combined with NanoAvionics’ industry-leading small satellites, will open a new chapter in the NewSpace industry and satellite communications.”
– Atle Wøllo, CEO of NanoAvionics
