Spire Asks IB Approval for Launch, Operation of 900-Satellite Lemur Constellation

Spire Global seeks FCC International Bureau approval to launch as many as 900 cubesats over the next 15 years to create a low earth orbit constellation for maritime and meteorological monitoring and earth imaging services. In an application filed Monday, Spire said its nongeostationary orbit Lemur constellation would come in two phases, the first being the 29-cubesat Lemur-2 constellation using 2020-2025 MHz band for downlink and 402-403 MHz band for uplink, and the second being the 175-cubesat Lemur-3 constellation using 8025-8400 MHz for downlink and 2025-2110 MHz band for uplink. The orbital period for each of the satellites would be 90 to 97 minutes, depending on altitude of each orbital plane, it said. Along with approval to operate Lemur-2 and Lemur-3, Spire said it wants launch authority for the two phases, though no more than 175 satellites would be operational at any time and additional launches would be done only when constellations need replenishing. The satellite company estimates the longest expected nominal orbital life for the satellites would be about eight years. Lemur-2 satellites still are awaiting experimental authorizations, Spire said, though it has received National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration approval. The company said it plans to submit a subsequent application to NOAA for its second phase before those satellites' launch.