Spire Global, Inc., is a pioneer of space-based data, analytics, and space services, and is a global leader offering unique datasets and insights all about Earth from satellites in space. Their business segments are Earth Intelligence, Maritime, Weather, Aviation, and Space Services data solutions. They have heritage value in the Earth Observation sector, including as a listed company, you can buy shares in Spire knowing there is albeit bumpy, but track-record.
They have developed and deployed (In 2017 Spire launched 36 satellites) a large multipurpose satellite constellation. Spire collects and analyses data; marine data, AIS vessel tracking, soil moisture, and weather data . With this extensive data they create applications for predicting environmental changes and industry solutions.
Their business model includes offering Space-as-a-Service to aerospace and defence customers; They design, build, test, and operate all satellites in-house, using off-the-shelf components. Their satellites are in low Earth orbit and are destined for retirement and replacement every two to three years. To minimise space debris, they adhere to international guidelines for satellite disposal.
In March 2021, Spire announced a merger to go public via a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Navsight, valuing Spire at whopping $1.6 billion; such was the valuation range of Space SPACs! Subsequently Spire faced challenges with revenue expectation and no surprises, faced a face-plant / drop in market value. Since then, it has maintained a strong focus on growth and service expansion.