Exodus Orbitals is developing an open satellite platform

TAMPA, Fla. — Canadian startup Exodus Orbitals plans to launch its first satellite in March to take the software-defined space trend a step further, providing a platform for third parties to upload and run their applications from orbit.

Software-defined satellites can be reprogrammed in space, enabling operators on the ground to reconfigure them for different applications after they are launched to orbit.

They are increasingly popular among companies looking for more flexibility in geostationary orbit (GEO), amid uncertainty around how a surge of broadband satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) will affect their businesses.

Exodus Orbitals is initially focusing on selecting instruments for its debut satellite that are most useful for Earth observation applications.

Silin said an undisclosed U.S. partner is building the satellite and it is working with another company based in the country to secure a launch next year, although it does not yet have a firm contract in place. 

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