Spire to pursue space-based missile warning in partnership with German defense firm

Illustration of Spire Global satellite constellation. Credit: Spire Global

WASHINGTON — Satellite data provider Spire Global has partnered with one of Germany’s largest defense contractors to pursue space-based missile warning and hypersonic threat detection capabilities.

The companies announced a memorandum of understanding June 10 under which Spire and Diehl Defence will explore collaboration on satellite-based intelligence and early warning systems designed to detect ballistic and hypersonic missile threats.

The agreement does not include a contract award or financial terms, but it positions the companies to pursue future opportunities in Europe’s expanding space-security and missile-defense market.

Spire, which operates a constellation of small satellites in low Earth orbit, collects and analyzes radio-frequency signals, weather data, aircraft and maritime tracking information, and other forms of geospatial intelligence.