Sydney space technology company Spiral Blue has opened an equity crowdfunding raise described as a first by an Australian space company. The company builds satellite computers and laser sensors for bushfire fuel mapping. It has launched 10 Space Edge Computers since 2021.
Use of funds
The funds will scale manufacturing and testing in Australia. The company also plans to sell into the United States and Europe. It leads a federal CRC-P grant of A$3 million with Macquarie University and four partners.
Company context
Founded in 2018, Spiral Blue designs and builds computers and laser sensors for satellites. It has worked with Northrop Grumman Australia on hypersonic missile detection for two years. It completed its first international LiDAR sale to UK customer Lodestar Space in April.
How the mapping works
Spiral Blue's LiDAR sends short laser pulses to the ground and times their return. This builds a 3D picture of vegetation height, density, ground shape, and ladder fuels. A single satellite is designed to revisit an area every 20 days, and a full constellation would provide daily coverage.
The company's first Earth-mapping mission is planned for 2028. It has partnered with Arlula to use Sales Engine as the distribution layer for its planned Teal LiDAR constellation. Councils and land managers could use the data to check hazard reduction burns and spot regrowth near power lines.
Read more: businessnewsaustralia.com