NorthStar satellite-watching sensors
Optical sensors that NorthStar puts on host satellites to watch objects in low, medium and geostationary orbit. Most of the first four ran into trouble; the next set will ride on Kepler satellites.
Why it matters
Canada wants its own view of what is in orbit instead of relying on allies. Space-based sensors can track objects ground telescopes struggle with, and NorthStar's data already supports a Canadian Air Force contract.
How the technology works
Rather than build its own spacecraft, NorthStar mounts optical sensors on other operators' satellites and uses the data to detect and track objects in orbit and flag threats. Its first four sensors rode on Spire satellites; NorthStar says Spire failed to properly operate three of them, which is now in arbitration.
NorthStar targets its next sensor deployment for late 2027 or early 2028 and has agreed to host its next sensors on Kepler satellites.