Sapphire
A space-to-space lidar sensor Spiral Blue is developing to range and track other objects in orbit.
Why it matters
Laser ranging gives precise distance and shape data on nearby objects, useful for rendezvous, inspection and defence space awareness.
How the technology works
Sapphire measures distance by timing reflected laser pulses. In March 2026 Spiral Blue exported its first space-to-space lidar unit to UK company Lodestar Space for proximity sensing; the release does not name the product.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction