The San Fransisco-based satellite firm, Spire Inc, which was originally created in 2012 as Nanosatisfi LLC, has a plan to build an atmospheric analysis constellation of 20 3U-cubesat spacecraft in conjunction with Clyde Space which is based in Glasgow. The satellites will measure atmospheric density and humidity by an analysis of how much signal refraction has been caused by GPS signals passing through the atmosphere, a method known as GPS-radio occultation. The data and interpretation will be sold commercially to weather forcasters.
The firm has received US$40 million in an announced funding for its constellation which adds to the previously raised US$25 million raised in 2014. The firm’s head office is in San Fransisco but has recently opened an office in Glasgow with the aid of a circa£1.5 million (US$2.25 million) grant from the Scottish government.
