Former Disney Star Launches Space Data Company in 2024

In the United States, Bridgit Mendler, a former Disney star, has ventured into the space industry by co-founding Northwood Space, a company focused on enhancing communication between satellites and Earth. During the TechCrunch Disrupt event in October 2024, Mendler discussed the vision of creating a data highway that improves accessibility for satellite communications. Together with her husband, Griffin Cleverly, and a team led by Head of Software Shaurya Luthra, the company has developed a phased array-based system dubbed 'Portal,' which successfully connected to its first satellite last month. Northwood Space aims to mass-produce ground stations, which can be deployed quickly, addressing the long wait times traditionally associated with antenna installations. Mendler emphasized the urgency for advancements in technology to accommodate the rapid growth of the space sector, which experiences an increasingly substantial amount of data traveling to and from satellites. The company's approach focuses on in-house design for both the software and custom electronics to optimize efficiency. The inception of Northwood Space stemmed from Mendler's reflections during the COVID-19 pandemic while at a lake in New Hampshire, which gave her the idea for the company. Cleverly highlighted that the goal is to deliver promising technologies to ensure more responsive solutions for various satellite use cases. Their plans include the deployment of these ground systems starting in 2025, with hopes of improving existing communication infrastructures dramatically. Mendler's venture signifies a growing trend of non-traditional entrants into the space industry, showcasing the potential for innovative solutions while expanding the accessibility of space technology to the broader public.