Bridgit Mendler’s Startup Northwood Space successfully connects with Planet Labs satellites in test

Northwood Space, the innovative satellite communications startup founded by former Disney star Bridgit Mendler, recently completed a critical test by successfully linking its ground station unit with Planet Labs’ orbiting satellites. The test, which took place at the company’s facility in Maddock, North Dakota, utilized Northwood’s cutting-edge phased-array antenna system, marking a significant achievement in the company's goal of improving space-to-Earth communications.

The demonstration focused on satellite telemetry and tasking, achieving bidirectional data transmission over five satellite passes. Northwood’s phased-array technology allows multiple satellite connections simultaneously, providing an advanced alternative to traditional parabolic dish antennas, which require physical adjustment to maintain communication with individual satellites. Unlike its larger counterparts, Northwood’s compact, electronically steered antennas offer scalable, always-on satellite connectivity, which could be transformative for the growing space industry.

As the space sector experiences massive growth, Mendler explained that Northwood aims to resolve the "bottleneck for space" by developing more efficient and scalable ground network solutions. The company's next steps include expanding its ground station deployments both in the U.S. and globally by 2025, with plans to mass-produce its antenna systems.

Northwood has raised $6 million in funding, backed by leading venture firms such as Founders Fund, Andreessen Horowitz, and Also Capital. With its successful test, Northwood Space is poised to play a key role in the future of satellite communications.