Fleet Space Technologies has made headlines in the tech and space exploration sectors by securing $100 million in a Series D funding round led by Teachers’ Venture Growth, a division of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. This significant investment will facilitate the expansion of the company’s satellite-based mineral exploration capabilities both on Earth and in the far reaches of space, including plans for operations on the moon.
| Table of Contents |
|---|
| Miniaturization of Ground Sensors |
| Development of SPIDER for Moon Exploration |
| Collaboration with Australian Space Agency |
| Earth-based Services |
| Conclusion |
Miniaturization of Ground Sensors
One of Fleet Space’s primary objectives with the new funding is the miniaturization of mineral prospecting ground sensors that utilize their satellites to send seismic data directly to customers. The company’s current ambient noise tomography system, known as ExoSphere, is already notable for being lighter and faster than traditional techniques. However, Fleet Space is ambitious, aiming to further reduce the weight of these sensors while enhancing or maintaining their sensitivity levels.
Development of SPIDER for Moon Exploration
Fleet is also developing a 600-gram sensor called the Seismic Payload for Interplanetary Discovery, Exploration, and Research (SPIDER). This innovative device is set to accompany Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander mission to the unexplored far side of the moon in 2026. SPIDER aims to capture and analyze seismic waves, enabling scientists to characterize the moon’s subsurface while searching for crucial water ice deposits.
Collaboration with Australian Space Agency
Enhancing their efforts, Fleet Space has secured a grant from the Australian Space Agency to advance the development of this geophysical device for lunar exploration. They also plan to deploy a network of lunar satellites to ensure robust connectivity for future missions and projects in the lunar domain.
Earth-based Services
On Earth, Fleet Space’s ExoSphere service has gained traction, having been utilized by over 50 exploration companies across five continents, significantly streamlining mineral exploration processes. To bolster these services, the company plans to launch three additional satellites during the first half of 2025, further enhancing their capabilities in delivering crucial data insights.
Conclusion
Fleet Space Technologies is on a mission to revolutionize mineral exploration, both on our planet and in space. With a keen focus on developing lightweight, highly sensitive sensors, they aim for efficient data collection that could redefine how mineral resources are located and exploited in the future. This funding marks a significant step toward a new era in exploration technologies.
FAQ
What is Fleet Space Technologies?
Fleet Space Technologies is an Australian company specializing in satellite-based solutions for mineral exploration and geophysical research on Earth and beyond.
What is SPIDER?
SPIDER stands for Seismic Payload for Interplanetary Discovery, Exploration, and Research. It is a seismic sensor being developed for lunar missions to analyze the moon’s subsurface.
Who led Fleet Space’s Series D funding round?
The Series D funding round was led by Teachers’ Venture Growth, which is part of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.
