Californian satellite observation start-up Skybox Imaging has hired Space Systems Loral to build 13 spacecraft as it accelerates the deployment of its constellation. It is the first time the group has outsourced satellite construction and also…
Californian satellite observation start-up Skybox Imaging has hired Space Systems Loral to build 13 spacecraft as it accelerates the deployment of its constellation.
It is the first time the group has outsourced satellite construction and also represents an expansion from SSL’s usual diet of high-powered geostationary stationary birds.
The 13 small LEO satellites will be launched in 2015 and 2016 to join Skybox’s SkySat-1 and SkySat-2 birds, enabling it to revisit any point on Earth three times per day.
According to Skybox, SkySat-1 validated its imaging satellite design when it was launched in November 2013, but it needs more in orbit to offer customers the multiple visits. SkySat-2 is set to be launched on a Soyuz in mid-2014.
Michael Trela, vice president of satellite systems at the group, said: “By partnering with SSL, we can leverage their unique production capabilities to scale with greater cost-efficiency and speed while allowing us to focus on prototyping next generation systems to better serve our customers.”
The company plans to use its 60 x 60 x 95 centimetre birds to provide sub-metre colour imagery and up to 90-second clips of HD video at 30 frames per second.
As part of the deal, SSL has also secured an exclusive licence for the satellite design, which it plans to use to tap the growing demand for smaller spacecraft. The agreement comes as SSL continues to face legal action from ViaSat over alleged patent infringements regarding high throughput satellites it has built for both the broadband operator and its rivals.
John Celli, SSL’s president, said the Skybox contract was “tangible evidence” of how its 2012 sale to Canadian space technology firm MDA is helping it to expand into new markets.
“Based on SSL’s unique strengths as a satellite manufacturer and MDA’s heritage, we are developing new capabilities that will enable us to pursue other Earth observation and LEO satellite opportunities in the US and abroad,” he said.
Financial details were not disclosed but it is likely export credit was used to support the deal, given that SSL’s sale to MDA opened doors to agencies in Canada and the US. MDA has previously used Canada’s EDC and Ex-Im Bank of the US to finance deals around the world in its surveillance business.
Back in 2012, SkyBox raised US$70m from a third round of financing to fund SkySat-1 and SkySat-2, giving it US$91m in total to date from private capital since being spun out from Stamford University in 2009.
Its third funding round was led by venture capital firms Canaan Partners and Norwest Venture Partners, with existing investors Khosla Ventures and Bessemer Venture Partners also taking part.
Skybox’s business model revolves around giving mainstream consumers access to the image and analytical capability that is typically confined to governments and militaries. However, some industry watchers have questioned the demand for high refresh, monitoring and surveillance applications outside of the defence industry.
* Update (20 February 2014): Orbital to launch first batch
US space systems developer Orbital Sciences has announced plans to launch the first six of Skybox’s new satellites in late 2015.
The first batch will use Orbital’s Minotaur-C rocket, a commercial variant of its Minotaur product line that serves the US government market.
Orbital CEO David Thompson said: “As fellow participants in the expansion of the commercial space industry, Orbital and Skybox share similar values of innovation, affordability and reliability, which make this partnership a perfect fit.
“We have offered options for additional launch services to support the development of Skybox’s business, and we are looking forward to the opportunity to forge a long-term, multi-launch relationship with their team.”
Minotaur-C will use four solid rocket motors that Orbital said have been flight-proven in various combinations on its other small space launch vehicles. Notably, it will also use the company’s new SkySat satellite dispenser that is currently in the design stage.
