Spire Global runs as a satellite-powered data company. They build and manage a constellation of small satellites to gather real-time information about Earth.
The company focuses on three main things: tracking maritime activities, monitoring weather, and providing radio frequency data for commercial and government use.
Spire Global got its start back in 2012. Founders from three different countries teamed up with a pretty big goal in mind.
They wanted to make global data more accessible using space technology. The company started as Nanosatisfi and later changed its name to Spire Global.
The founders noticed that organizations struggled to collect information about Earth. Most relied on ground-based networks and standard satellite images.
Spire decided to do things differently. They built a network of small, affordable satellites.
These nanosatellites could be built and launched for a fraction of the usual cost. That made it possible for Spire to launch over 100 satellites.
They set up shop in Vienna, Virginia, and got to work on their space-based data system.
Spire Global wants to help organizations make smarter decisions with space-based data and analytics. They use radio frequency technology to observe Earth in real time.
This gives their customers access to unique datasets that used to be tough—or even impossible—to get.
Spire’s clients work in maritime, aviation, government, and earth intelligence. The company tracks ships to help monitor illegal fishing, trade violations, and piracy.
They also provide weather data for forecasting and flight tracking.
Spire’s main services:
Spire now trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SPIR.
Spire Global’s leadership brings together space industry know-how and business savvy. As a public company, they have a board of directors and an executive team steering the ship.
The leadership team manages the satellite constellation and data analytics services. They’re also in charge of developing new satellite tech and expanding data collection.
Institutional, insider, and retail investors all have a say in governance. The leadership team reports to shareholders and follows public company rules for financial reporting.
The executives focus on growing the satellite network and entering new markets. They work on partnerships with government agencies and commercial clients who need reliable space-based data.
Spire Global runs one of the world’s largest commercial satellite constellations. They collect real-time data from space using advanced nanosatellite tech.
Their network brings in vital info for weather monitoring, maritime tracking, and aviation intelligence. It’s a global thing.
Spire keeps over 100 satellites active in orbit, creating a constellation that covers the globe. These small spacecraft fly in low Earth orbit, somewhere between 385 km and 650 km up.
They use the LEMUR satellite platform, which has over 600 years of combined flight time. Spire has tweaked the design more than 30 times to make it better and more reliable.
Each satellite weighs about 4 kilograms and sticks to CubeSat standards. The constellation can collect data all the time, with several passes over any spot on Earth every day.
Spire’s automated operations hit 99.7% efficiency. They manage over 75,000 satellite contacts every month through their ground station network.
The constellation architecture gives them redundancy and keeps the data flowing. If one satellite has a problem, others can cover the same region.
Spire offers three satellite sizes to handle different missions:
| Satellite Size | Payload Volume | Data Download | Pointing Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4U | 97mm x 97mm x 213mm | 4GB per day | 0.2° |
| 8U | 220mm x 200mm x 97mm | Up to 10GB per day | 0.2° |
| 16U | 220mm x 220mm x 335mm | Up to 320GB per day | 0.5° |
The satellites carry different payloads for various data collection jobs. Radio frequency monitoring equipment tracks global communications and signals intelligence.
Weather instruments collect atmospheric data for meteorological forecasting. Each satellite usually lasts 3-5 years in space.
Some have propulsion systems for orbit changes and dodging space junk.
Advanced pointing systems let them collect data with impressive accuracy. That means they can get high-quality images and monitor signals in specific areas.
Spire runs a global ground station network with more than 55 facilities around the world. This setup lets them talk to their satellites wherever they are.
Their manufacturing facility in Glasgow builds satellites at scale. ISO 9001 certification keeps quality in check throughout production.
Mission operations go non-stop, 24/7, with automated systems handling routine satellite jobs. The platform also tests and integrates new spacecraft before launch.
Spire works with several rocket providers to launch satellites, which helps keep deployments on schedule. Satellites go through qualification testing for different rockets to stay flexible.
The management system gives customers access to data and mission control through APIs. Real-time satellite health monitoring keeps the constellation running smoothly and the data reliable.
Spire Global delivers three main types of services. They collect and analyze data from space-based platforms using their constellation of small satellites.
They gather weather information, monitor Earth’s surface, and provide analytics for maritime, aviation, and government clients.
Spire runs one of the largest commercial weather data systems in space. Their satellites capture atmospheric conditions using radio occultation.
This method measures how GPS signals bend as they move through Earth’s atmosphere. Meteorologists use the data for better weather forecasts.
Spire’s satellites collect info from places where ground-based weather stations just can’t reach—think remote oceans or the poles.
Weather services use Spire’s data to track storms and monitor the climate. The company offers both real-time and historical weather data.
Airlines use this data for flight planning and safety. Spire’s weather solutions help government agencies like NOAA and NASA, as well as commercial clients in shipping and energy.
The data gives these organizations a better shot at making smart decisions when weather matters.
Spire tracks ships and planes using signals from space. They monitor Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals from ships worldwide.
This helps spot illegal fishing, piracy, and changes in shipping routes.
For aviation, they use Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology. Spire’s satellites pick up signals from aircraft flying anywhere—even over oceans where ground systems can’t reach.
They also offer radio frequency geolocation for security. Government agencies use these tools to monitor communications and spot suspicious activity.
Spire can pinpoint signal sources with high accuracy using several satellites at once.
Maritime domain awareness is a big focus. Port authorities and coast guards use Spire’s data to watch vessel traffic.
Insurance companies track ships to check risks and verify locations.
Spire turns raw satellite data into business intelligence. Their analytics platforms crunch millions of data points every day.
Clients get this info through APIs and custom dashboards.
Maritime analytics help predict shipping delays and optimize routes. The system looks at historical data to forecast when vessels will arrive.
Supply chain managers use these insights to plan inventory and logistics.
Aviation analytics support air traffic management and safety. The data shows flight patterns, delays, and efficiency metrics.
Airports and airlines use these insights to improve how they operate.
Government clients get custom analytics for national security. Spire builds specialized reports for defense and intelligence agencies.
They also support space reconnaissance missions with targeted data collection and analysis.
Spire Global has formed strategic partnerships with government agencies and commercial players. These relationships help them expand satellite capabilities and data services.
The company works with aerospace organizations and tech firms to deliver space-based analytics across different industries.
Spire Global works closely with European space organizations. They share data and run joint missions.
The company provides weather and maritime tracking data to European partners for space situational awareness programs.
These partnerships focus on climate monitoring and atmospheric research. Spire’s satellites deliver crucial weather data for European climate science.
They also help with maritime domain awareness. European partners use Spire’s vessel tracking to monitor shipping lanes and traffic in international waters.
Spire’s nanosatellite tech matches European agency goals for affordable Earth observation. These partnerships show how commercial satellites can back up government space programs.
Spire Global has several contracts with NASA for Earth observation and atmospheric monitoring. They provide weather data and radio occultation measurements that feed into NASA’s climate research.
They also work with the National Weather Service and NOAA to improve weather forecasting. Spire’s data strengthens the models federal agencies use to predict weather.
The company teams up with the Department of Defense on maritime surveillance. These contracts involve tracking and identifying vessels with Spire’s constellation.
International government partnerships include agencies in Australia, Canada, and other allied nations. These collaborations focus on weather monitoring and maritime domain awareness for national security.
Spire Global recently expanded its partnership with Myriota. Together, they’ll operate 16 more satellites with IoT payloads, bringing Myriota’s fleet to over 40.
They’ve also partnered with SpaceChain to test blockchain technology in space using Spire’s SABERTOOTH supercomputing module. This mission is about building decentralized satellite infrastructure that doesn’t rely on land-based systems.
Spire works with NVIDIA for better data processing and analytics. These partnerships use AI to get more insight from satellite data.
They also collaborate with universities and private companies on space-based applications. Spire provides satellite platforms for experimental payloads and tech demos in different industries.
Spire Global has come up with breakthrough technologies that shrink traditional satellite systems down into compact nanosatellites. Somehow, they still deliver enterprise-grade performance.
Their optical inter-satellite links enable secure data transmission between satellites that are thousands of kilometers apart. On top of that, advanced radio frequency collection systems provide real-time weather data and global intelligence.
Spire weaves artificial intelligence right into its satellite operations, letting them process huge datasets on the fly. Their AI systems dig into radio frequency signals to spot weather patterns, track ships, and flag odd communication blips across the planet.
Machine learning algorithms handle satellite positioning and automatically set up data collection schedules. These systems figure out the best times to gather weather data, taking into account both atmospheric conditions and each mission’s needs.
The AI tech pulls in signals from GPS satellites, aircraft transponders, and ship comms systems. It builds out robust datasets that government agencies and commercial clients tap into for navigation, security, and environmental monitoring.
Spire’s machine learning models spot odd patterns in global communications, sometimes catching jamming or spoofing attempts. This tech offers early warnings for both aviation and maritime industries.
Spire runs a constellation of over 100 nanosatellites, each about the size of a shoebox. These compact satellites use advanced radio frequency tech to keep an eye on Earth from low orbit, basically around the clock.
Their LEMUR satellites really push the limits of miniaturization. While traditional optical communication systems are about the size of a microwave, Spire managed to shrink that tech down to something closer to a tissue box.
Each nanosatellite packs several payloads for different data missions. The satellites can track planes, monitor weather, and collect maritime data—all at once.
Spire builds its satellites with standardized parts, which keeps costs down and speeds up deployment. They often launch multiple satellites in a single rideshare, keeping the constellation strong as older units retire.
The satellites work together in tight networks, sharing data through optical inter-satellite links. This setup creates overlapping coverage and boosts reliability for critical data collection.
Spire outfits its satellites with advanced radio frequency sensors that cut through clouds and atmospheric interference. These microwave sounders collect weather data no matter the lighting or season.
The sensors measure temperature, humidity, and pressure at different altitudes. This three-dimensional weather data makes forecasts for severe storms and long-term climate shifts more accurate.
Spire’s hyperspectral tech grabs detailed info across many spectrum bands at once. These sensors can catch subtle atmospheric changes that older weather systems just miss.
Microwave sounders keep an eye on global weather nonstop. This tech fills in the blanks left by ground stations, especially out over the oceans and in remote spots.
Their weather data feeds into models used by meteorological agencies everywhere. Airlines, shipping companies, and farmers all rely on this data to plan and manage risks.
Spire Global delivers space-based data solutions across three key sectors where real-time satellite intelligence really shapes decisions. Their constellation delivers essential tracking, monitoring, and forecasting that supports global commerce, safety, and environmental research.
Spire tracks ships worldwide with its satellite network. They monitor vessel positions in real time—no need for guesswork or rough estimates.
Maritime organizations use this tracking for all sorts of things. They catch illegal fishing in protected waters and check trade routes for security threats or piracy.
Search and rescue teams count on Spire’s vessel location services during emergencies. Insurers use the data to assess risks and verify claims.
The system can spot suspicious ship behavior. It flags vessels that turn off IDs or slip into restricted areas, helping governments and security agencies keep an eye on borders.
Port authorities use Spire’s data to manage traffic and scheduling. Shipping companies track their fleets to streamline routes and cut down on fuel costs.
Spire offers aircraft tracking that fills gaps left by traditional radar. Their satellites cover remote regions where ground-based systems fall short.
Airlines use the data for flight safety and route planning. The system tracks planes over oceans and polar areas—places where other tracking just doesn’t reach.
Aviation safety teams use Spire’s info during search and rescue. The satellite tracking helps find aircraft that go off course or lose contact.
Their weather data supports flight planning, too. Pilots and controllers get atmospheric measurements that help with tough decisions.
Aerospace companies use Spire’s services for satellite launches. They track spacecraft positions and orbits right after launch.
Spire collects atmospheric data using radio occultation. This method measures temperature, humidity, and pressure at different heights all over the globe.
Weather agencies use this data to sharpen their forecasts. NOAA even gave Spire a contract to supply atmospheric measurements for weather models and climate research.
Climate scientists tap into Spire’s long-term datasets for research, especially over remote regions like open oceans where ground stations can’t operate.
The company’s soil moisture and ocean wind data help with agricultural planning. Farmers use these numbers to decide when to plant or harvest.
Environmental agencies track air quality and atmospheric changes with Spire’s data. It helps them follow pollution and climate indicators across different regions.
Spire runs the world’s largest commercial multi-purpose satellite constellation, with more than 120 satellites up there. They keep global coverage going strong by using a web of ground stations and automated fleet management.
Spire’s network includes 55 ground stations around the world to keep in touch with the satellites. These stations handle more than 75,000 satellite contacts every month.
Their ground infrastructure operates across several radio frequency bands—UHF, S, X, L, Ku, and Ka. This lets them adapt to different missions and payloads.
Software Defined Radios on each satellite allow for dynamic communication protocols. Operators can reconfigure these radios remotely for different connectivity and data collection needs.
Spire achieves 99.9% uptime with redundant communication pathways. The spread-out ground network means satellites stay connected, even if some stations go down.
They track satellite health in real time with telemetry. Automated systems flag issues and can even run recovery procedures on their own.
Spire uses a fleet approach, not just single-satellite ops. One operator can manage several satellites at once through their Constellation Management Platform.
The constellation design aims for global coverage and quick revisit times. Satellites orbit low to reduce delays and boost data collection chances.
Automated systems take care of 99.7% of routine jobs—things like orbit maintenance, scheduling, and data downloads. This cuts costs and lets them run 24/7 with a lean team.
They launch satellites in phases, building up coverage bit by bit. New satellites go through automated onboarding, joining the constellation without causing hiccups.
Configuration management systems push software updates across the fleet. If something goes wrong, they can roll back updates automatically.
Spire Global has shown steady revenue growth and better operational efficiency lately. In 2024, they hit 13% year-over-year revenue growth and made real progress toward positive free cash flow by expanding their business and tightening up operations.
Spire Global reported $110.5 million in revenue for 2024, up 13% from the year before. Most of this came from more recurring revenue and bigger Space Services contracts.
Their cash flow picture also got better. Operations used $18.5 million in cash for 2024, which is a 49% improvement year-over-year. Free cash flow ended up at negative $45.0 million, but that’s still a 16% improvement from last year.
Financial Trajectory:
About 31% of these future contracts should turn into revenue over the next year. Management expects 12-17% revenue growth in 2025, mostly in the second half.
Spire Global landed some notable partnerships to strengthen its spot in space-based data services. They teamed up with Mission Control to develop an AI-powered satellite mission using a 6U satellite with optical payloads for Earth imaging.
Their partnership with LatConnect60 boosts Spire’s agri-tech offerings. Through this deal, Spire provides GNSS reflectometry data and Soil Moisture Insights at 500-meter and six-kilometer resolutions worldwide.
Revenue Guidance for Q1 2025:
Management also plans to sell the maritime division to Kpler Holding SA. This move will let Spire focus on core space services and data analytics, hopefully streamlining things for better profitability.
Spire Global operates through a smart network of offices across North America, Europe, and Asia. Their main headquarters in Washington DC acts as the hub for federal operations and satellite coordination.
They have specialized teams in key tech centers from Cambridge, Ontario, to Singapore, and they support field operations through partnerships with space agencies—including collaborations with European initiatives.
Spire Global’s main HQ sits at 8000 Towers Crescent Drive, Suite 1100, in Vienna, Virginia. This spot serves as the command center for federal ops and legal teams.
The DC office focuses on national security uses for satellite data. Teams here work directly with government agencies to solve tough surveillance and monitoring challenges.
Key Operations:
The headquarters employs professionals who translate commercial satellite tools into solutions for defense and intelligence. Being in DC gives them direct access to key decision makers in the federal space world.
Spire keeps operations humming across continents with regional offices in strategic spots. The Luxembourg office acts as the European gateway, hosting maritime tracking teams and business support.
In the United Kingdom, Spire is based at Harwell Campus near Oxford. That puts them at the heart of Britain’s space tech sector, right inside the Satellite Applications Centre for plenty of networking.
Germany’s Munich office in Taufkirchen extends Spire’s European reach. Located at Mehlbeerenstrasse 2, this facility backs up operations across central Europe.
The Singapore office is all about tapping into Asian markets. Teams here bring a mix of international experience, making it a real hub of cross-cultural knowledge.
Spire also has offices in Glasgow, Scotland, and other key locations to support global data collection and analysis.
Spire Global’s satellite constellation needs worldwide ground support infrastructure to keep data flowing around the clock. The company runs ground stations and support sites on several continents.
North American Operations:
The Boulder team handles weather data processing and analysis. They turn atmospheric data from Spire’s satellites into forecasting products.
Field operations aren’t just about permanent buildings—Spire brings in mobile ground stations and works with existing space infrastructure partners. This flexible setup lets them cover the globe without needing a huge on-the-ground footprint everywhere.
Spire actively coordinates with international space agencies and commercial partners to keep satellite communication links running. These partnerships make 24/7 data collection possible from their network of small satellites orbiting Earth.
Spire’s LEMUR satellites grab global atmospheric observations using radio occultation tech. They turn that raw, space-based data into weather forecasts that reach even the farthest corners of the ocean.
Spire runs a fleet of low-Earth orbit nanosatellites that keep tabs on atmospheric conditions everywhere. The LEMUR satellites use radio occultation (RO) to measure temperature, pressure, and humidity profiles as GPS signals move through the atmosphere.
This space-based method gives clear advantages over old-school weather monitoring. The satellites collect thousands of atmospheric profiles each day, including from ocean regions where ground stations just can’t operate.
The radio occultation process works by watching how GPS signals bend as they pass through different atmospheric layers. These measurements build up detailed vertical profiles that sharpen weather model accuracy.
Spire’s constellation pushes out real-time data that boosts forecast precision for maritime, agriculture, and energy sectors. The satellites keep gathering atmospheric observations nonstop, offering global coverage that old monitoring systems just can’t match.
Spire’s weather data archives open the door to long-term climate analysis and trend spotting. The company keeps deep databases of atmospheric measurements collected over years of satellite operations.
Researchers and businesses dig into this historical data to spot seasonal patterns and climate shifts. That’s useful for predictive analytics in industries like agriculture, where knowing the past helps forecast the future.
The archived satellite data includes observations from overlooked areas, especially over oceans and remote land. These datasets fill in the blanks left by traditional weather records, giving a more complete picture of global climate.
Spire’s advanced algorithms sift through historical data to find patterns and anomalies. Companies use these insights for supply chain management, energy decisions, and risk assessment—relying on proven weather trends instead of patchy ground-based records.
Spire Global tries to blend environmental stewardship with economic responsibility across its satellite operations. The company works to cut space debris and support stable markets for commercial space ventures.
Spire Global tackles space sustainability by deploying satellites responsibly and managing end-of-life practices. They design their CubeSat constellation with deorbit capabilities to avoid piling up space junk.
Every Spire satellite carries propulsion systems for controlled deorbiting when the mission wraps up. This move lowers collision risks for other satellites in low Earth orbit.
Spire joins Space Traffic Management efforts with NASA and the Space Force. These collaborations help set industry standards for sustainable satellite operations.
Their ground station network aims to shrink environmental impact by running on renewable energy where possible and using smart power management.
Spire’s data services give climate monitoring and environmental research a boost for government agencies. Scientists rely on Spire’s weather and atmospheric data to track climate patterns and sharpen forecasting models.
Spire Global bolsters economic stability by delivering reliable space-based data for multiple industries. Their maritime tracking helps shipping companies plan better routes and cut fuel use.
Financial markets tap into Spire’s commodity intelligence for ag and energy sector analysis. This data helps smooth out pricing and cut down volatility for vital resources.
The company creates aerospace jobs in the US and abroad by running operations centers in multiple locations. That’s a plus for local economies.
Government contracts with defense and civilian agencies bring steady revenue. These deals boost national security while keeping Spire competitive in the commercial arena.
Spire’s educational programs aim to train the next wave of aerospace pros. They team up with universities to build satellite tech programs and offer hands-on training.
Spire Global keeps pushing its constellation forward through strategic satellite launches and a growing space services portfolio in defense and commercial sectors. The company is all about scaling up its nanosatellite tech to meet rising demand for real-time analytics.
Spire Global plans to send up more satellites for its WildfireSat constellation for the Canadian government. This $72 million contract marks a big step up for their environmental monitoring.
They’re sticking with their proven nanosatellite platform to build these fire-detection satellites. Each one weighs under 5 kilograms and carries advanced wildfire sensors.
Spire pulled off a successful two-way optical communication demo between satellites in 2025. They’ll roll out this faster data transmission tech in future launches.
The company builds satellites in facilities across the US, Canada, the UK, and Europe. This spread-out manufacturing trims delivery times and helps meet government contract requirements for sovereign capability.
Spire Global is growing its Space Reconnaissance portfolio for defense and intelligence agencies. They use AI to analyze radio frequency signals and deliver real-time geolocation services.
The defense sector looks like a big growth area for Spire. They’re involved in NATO’s commercial space strategy and are eyeing contracts from the U.S. Space Development Agency.
Spire’s AI-driven analytics pick up emergency beacons and spot GNSS interference patterns. Both military clients and commercial customers looking for security solutions find this appealing.
The company sold its maritime business for $233.5 million to focus more on space services growth. This shift lets Spire zero in on higher-margin defense and analytics contracts, while still offering weather intelligence.
Spire Global’s satellite constellation delivers space-based data analytics for maritime, aviation, and weather sectors using GNSS receivers and Earth observation tech. The company helps businesses with real-time tracking, weather forecasting, and logistics optimization through its satellite coverage.
Spire Global runs the Spire Sense Maritime platform for detailed maritime tracking. The system monitors ships worldwide using satellite-based automatic identification system (AIS) data.
The platform tracks ship positions, routes, and behavior in real-time. Maritime operators get vessel analytics like speed, direction, and port activity.
Spire’s maritime services help with supply chain monitoring, fleet management, and port operations. The system covers remote ocean areas that coastal tracking can’t reach.
Spire Global’s satellites carry dual-frequency GNSS receivers to gather atmospheric data. The satellites measure radio signals as they move through the atmosphere to detect weather conditions.
Their Weather & Climate division processes this data to make detailed weather forecasts. The system tracks temperature, humidity, and pressure changes across different layers.
Spire’s weather monitoring covers the globe, including hard-to-reach areas with few ground stations. The network gives frequent updates that improve forecast accuracy for aviation and maritime operations.
Spire Global mainly serves three sectors: maritime, aviation, and weather forecasting. Each one gets data products tailored to its unique needs.
The maritime sector uses Spire for vessel tracking, route optimization, and supply chain monitoring. Aviation clients use flight tracking and weather data for planning and safety.
Government agencies and commercial weather services buy Spire’s atmospheric data products. Logistics companies also use their forecasts for better transportation planning.
Businesses can tap into Spire Global’s real-time tracking to monitor supply chains worldwide. The satellite data shows vessel and aircraft locations, so companies can predict delivery times.
Weather data from Spire’s satellites lets logistics teams anticipate delays from storms or bad weather. This info enables rerouting and better customer updates before problems hit.
By combining tracking and weather data, businesses can cut fuel costs and optimize routes. Companies choose more efficient paths based on current conditions and traffic.
Spire Global has built up a big constellation of small satellites with science-grade GNSS receivers. This setup lets them collect atmospheric measurements from several orbital spots at once.
Their satellites use radio occultation to measure atmospheric properties accurately. This technique creates detailed vertical profiles of temperature and humidity.
Spire expanded its network to offer global coverage with frequent revisit times. The constellation design ensures continuous data collection across all regions and time zones.
Spire Global runs a satellite network that delivers aviation tracking data using space-based ADS-B reception. They watch aircraft positions, especially over oceans and remote spots where ground radar just can’t reach.
Their aviation tracking service gives real-time flight position data, altitude details, and route monitoring. Airlines and air traffic managers tap into this data to keep track of flights during those really long journeys.
Spire’s satellites cover the globe, so they can track commercial planes over polar routes and transoceanic flights. The system basically fills in the gaps where ground-based tracking falls short, offering a much broader view from space.
