LeoStella to build reprioritised NorthStar E&S in-orbit SSA constellation

European satellite manufacturer Thales Alenia Space (TAS) has received a construction contract from NorthStar Earth and Space, of Canada. The contract entails the construction of a 12-unit in-orbit, optical SSA fleet. LeoStella, an American joint venture between TAS and satellite operator BlackSky Global, has been given responsibility for the contract. These satellites will provide a unique optical Space Situational Awareness product from orbit. This is opposed to the traditional method of observation with ground-based telescopes.

The first three units of the NorthStar Skylark constellation are planned to be launched in 2022. This is to be followed by further launches of three units each until it has 12 units in-orbit by 2024. Launching in this manner will allow the company to more easily enter different orbital planes, enhancing its coverage. NorthStar had initially planned a 40-unit constellation of joint hyper-spectral Earth imaging and optical SSA. However, a decision has been taken to tone down its initial plans in the face of steep capital requirements. The company may well return to this idea in the future if this starting product is successful.