NanoAvionics Secures €122.5M Contract to Build 280 Satellites for Meridian Space, SpinLaunch’s Global Broadband Constellation
Credit: Kongsberg NanoAvionics
Meridian Space, SpinLaunch’s next-generation satellite communication solution, has selected Kongsberg NanoAvionics (NanoAvionics) as its exclusive satellite supplier for the initial tranche of its low Earth orbit (LEO) broadband constellation under a contract valued at 122.5M EUR. The partnership between SpinLaunch and NanoAvionics includes two prototypes, one of which is an in-orbit demonstrator (IOD) mission planned for 2026, as well as the development and serial production of 280 satellites.
Beyond the initial batch of 280 satellites, the Meridian Space constellation will grow to at least 1,200 satellites, as outlined in the company’s 2021 spectrum filings. To meet the 280-satellite constellation production schedule, NanoAvionics will ramp up its manufacturing capabilities with the addition of a new assembly and testing facility at its European headquarters in Vilnius, Lithuania. NanoAvionics also aims to continue supporting Meridian Space in scaling the initial network through its experience in serial production and system customization.
Using a proprietary suite of groundbreaking technologies, including ultra-efficient reflectarray antennas, first-of-its-kind orbital architecture featuring a repeating ground track, as well as simplified user terminals and gateways, the Meridian Space satellite network will deliver affordable broadband connectivity worldwide. Its unique design, combined with the high-performance avionics and payload, will allow the satellites to deliver uninterrupted global connectivity with terabits-per-second capacity in a single rocket launch. The network is designed to meet the growing demand for flexible, high-speed and secure satellite communication services for enterprise users globally.
The IOD mission will demonstrate Meridian’s highly efficient communications payload onboard NanoAvionics’ standard MP42 microsatellite bus. NanoAvionics’ standard flight-proven platforms provide a reliable, cost-effective solution that accelerates the mission timeline and ensures efficient payload performance validation.
Simultaneously with the IOD phase, NanoAvionics, in collaboration with SpinLaunch, will develop a tailored satellite optimized for higher performance and launch efficiency. Approximately 70 kilograms each, the satellites for this project are lighter than currently operational satcom platforms and are designed to provide significant performance advantages per kilogram.
“The value and scale of the contract is a fantastic demonstration of our capabilities to build satellite constellations and bring them to orbit fast, allowing customers to generate revenue quickly,” said Atle Wøllo, CEO of Kongsberg NanoAvionics. “Our collaboration is also a clear example of how NanoAvionics enables advanced satellite missions with standardized, scalable technology. The team bringing Meridian Space to market 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.”
Since 2020, SpinLaunch has been quietly developing its broadband constellation architecture and advanced antenna technology, while also progressing its low-cost, high-cadence kinetic launch system. Accessible through terminal-agnostic devices, Meridian’s network will expand the reach of satellite-based broadband to diverse markets.
“NanoAvionics brings a strong track record in small satellite manufacturing that aligns well with our goal of bringing a highly differentiated satcom constellation to market,” said David Wrenn, CEO of SpinLaunch. “Together, we are taking meaningful steps towards providing a low-cost, reliable, high-speed broadband service to global enterprises.”
This latest expansion of NanoAvionics’s production capabilities will take advantage of automated processes to support the efficient production scaling to hundreds of satellites per year. Backed by parent company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, NanoAvionics has the capacity and expertise to scale operations effectively for large satellite networks.
The collaboration reflects NanoAvionics’ NewSpace 3.0 philosophy, emphasizing standardization, reliability, and scalability to meet the needs of modern satellite missions. By utilizing the MP42 platform for both the IOD mission and its subsystems for the tailored constellation satellites, NanoAvionics ensures consistency and streamlined production.
“This project demonstrates our commitment to meeting customer needs through scalable and dependable manufacturing,” Wøllo said. “We’re proud to play a critical role in enabling the Meridian Space vision and supporting its long-term plans for global connectivity.”