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Spire Global has launched a satellite as part of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's MagQuest Challenge, which offers multi-million-dollar prizes for advancing Earth's magnetic field measurement. The satellite, launched aboard SpaceX's Transporter 16 mission, combines Spire's infrastructure with SBQuantum's diamond quantum magnetometer system. MagQuest aims to improve efficiency and reliability of geomagnetic data for the World Magnetic Model, which powers navigation in mobile applications, GPS and military systems. Spire and SBQuantum will demonstrate the satellite system and provide data to NOAA and NASA for assessment over three years. The mission represents the first diamond-powered geomagnetic data collection from low Earth orbit. Results will inform NGA's acquisition strategy for global magnetic field data collection capabilities.

Three Glasgow satellites successfully deployed in major SpaceX launch. 31/03/2026 Three satellites built in Glasgow have successfully launched aboard SpaceX's Transporter-16 mission, marking a significant milestone for the city's growing space sector. Developed by Spire Global and AAC Clyde Space, the satellites highlight Glasgow's strength in spacecraft manufacturing and satellite communications, reinforcing its position as Europe's leading city for small-satellite production. The mission was backed by funding from the UK Space Agency through the European Space Agency's Pioneer Programme, part of the Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme, which supports emerging UK companies to become mission providers. One of the satellites, launched by Spire Global UK, is testing optical inter-satellite link (ISL) technology, using high-speed laser crosslinks to reduce data latency. The innovation is designed to support near-real-time data delivery for aviation, maritime, weather and space weather services. Meanwhile, two satellites developed by AAC Clyde Space form part of the xSPANCION project, delivered in collaboration with partners including University of Strathclyde and the Satellite Applications Catapult. The project demonstrates the UK's capability in high-volume, low-cost satellite manufacturing and operations. These satellites will contribute to AAC Clyde Space's VIREON(TM) constellation, designed to provide space-enabled insights for agriculture, forestry and environmental management, supporting decision-making for governments and industry. The launch underscores the growing importance of satellite communications across both civil and defence applications, from broadband connectivity to secure communications. The UK Space Agency has committed more than £600m to satellite communications research and development, alongside new funding through its Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme. Together, the missions strengthen UK capability across advanced communications technologies, manufacturing and operations - while showcasing Glasgow as a global hub for next-generation space innovation.

Scottish company pioneers satellite communications with spacex launch. By March 31, 2026 No Comments 3 Mins Read Three new scottish-built satellites have been launched aboard spacex's Transporter 16 mission. The launch marks a significant step forward for the UK's leadership in laser communications, spacecraft manufacturing and satellite communications. Developed by Spire Global and AAC Clyde Space in Glasgow, the satellites are backed by UK Space Agency funding through the European Space Agency's Pioneer Programme, which supports start-up UK space companies to become new mission providers. The Pioneer program falls under the Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) program. The importance of satellite communications in critical industries. The UK Government has identified satellite communications as a priority area for further support due to its increasingly important role in both civil and defense applications, from providing broadband services to remote areas to providing secure connectivity for military operations. As part of this initiative, the UK Space Agency will invest more than £600m in satellite communications research and development over the next few years. Optical satellite-to-satellite link testing by Spire Global UK. One of the satellites was launched by Spire Global UK to test an innovative optical intersatellite link (ISL) payload. The mission is designed to demonstrate high-speed laser cross-linking on a compact 6U platform and aims to significantly reduce data latency for aviation, maritime, weather, and space weather services. Once validated, this technology will support near real-time global data distribution across a constellation of microsatellites. AAC Clyde Space demonstrates UK mass production capabilities. As part of the xSPANTION project, the two satellites were developed by AAC Clyde Space in collaboration with several UK partners including Bright Ascension Ltd., University of Strathclyde, Satellite Applications Catapult, Alden Legal and D-Orbit UK. These satellites will be the first in-orbit demonstration of the UK's new high-volume, low-cost satellite manufacturing and operational capabilities. These satellites form part of VIREON(TM), AAC Clyde Space's new satellite constellation designed to enhance decision-making across agriculture, forestry and environmental management, providing government, industry and environmental organizations with insights from space. Supporting the growth of satellite communications across the UK. Together these missions will strengthen the UK's capabilities across optical ISL technology, high-volume manufacturing, advanced operational platforms and highly skilled jobs across the UK supply chain. They also demonstrate Glasgow's position as Europe's leading city in small satellite manufacturing. Henny Sands, Director of Telecommunications at the UK Space Agency, explained: "The launch of Transporter 16 is a significant step forward for the UK's ambitions in next-generation satellite communications. "Supporting both breakthrough optical technology and high-volume production methods will enable British companies to lead the market that will define the future of global connectivity." Companies can also apply to the UK Space Agency's Low Earth Orbit Connectivity (C-LEO) program. Currently, £30m is available to support the development of new components and technology for the constellation, with further funding to be launched later this year.