LeoStella is a state-of-the-art company that specializes in designing and manufacturing small satellites (smallsats) cost-effectively and at scale. As a joint venture between Thales Alenia Space and BlackSky, LeoStella focuses on transforming constellation construction to meet the growing demand for efficient satellite production. Their primary product is small satellite buses, like the LS-300, and they have partnerships with companies like Loft Orbital, BlackSky, and Safran, and also works with the Space Development Agency (SDA). LeoStella aims to provide agile solutions for various missions, delivering critical space infrastructure for government and commercial clients.
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LeoStella’s 22,000-square-foot factory can produce up to 40 satellites a year and can be expanded to make as many as 60 satellites.
Nineteen satellite buses built by LeoStella have been launched to orbit, including 16 for BlackSky’s Earth observation constellation and three for satellites made by Loft Orbital.
LeoStella was formed in 2018 and is co-owned by Thales Alenia Space and the geospatial intelligence company BlackSky.
LeoStella has reached out to competitors with production backlogs and offered bus manufacture for hire but has not secured any deals.
Loft Orbital previously ordered satellites from LeoStella, Raytheon, and another company that Loft declined to disclose.
LeoStella delivers 99% mission availability.
Spaceflight and LeoStella provide services and expertise that enable end-to-end support for BlackSky’s constellation, including design, manufacturing, integration, mission management, and logistics.
LeoStella has manufactured the last 16 satellites in BlackSky’s constellation.
Spaceflight and LeoStella provide services and expertise that enable end-to-end support for BlackSky’s constellation.
LeoStella manufactured the last 16 satellites in BlackSky’s constellation.
LeoStella has more than 29 years of on-orbit heritage and delivers 99% mission availability.
LeoStella manufactured the last 16 satellites in BlackSky’s constellation, providing more than 29 years of on-orbit heritage and delivering 99% mission availability.
LeoStella, a U.S.-based satellite maker, manufactured the two BlackSky spacecraft and co-engineered them with BlackSky.
Tim Kienberger will lead LeoStella in developing new products and refining manufacturing techniques to meet increasing demand for small satellites.
Mike Hettich retired from LeoStella after leading the company since 2019.
The first batch of BlackSky Gen-3 satellites is being produced by LeoStella based in Seattle, Washington.
LeoStella selected Innoflight to develop and deliver its next-generation Flight Computer Processing Unit (FCPU) and Payload Interface Electronics (PIE).
LeoStella focuses on manufacturing commercially operational satellites at scale and works with suppliers that deliver reliable electronics supporting a wide range of missions.
The PIE serves as the processor supporting the payload on LeoStella’s spacecraft.
LeoStella will use InnoFlight’s flight computer in its current contractual program and in future programs focused on manufacturing commercially operational satellites at scale.