Publications
Publications
- September 2021
- HBS Case Collection
Spire, the CubeSat Revolution, and the Government as a Space Data Customer
By: Matthew Weinzierl, Mehak Sarang and Brendan L. Rosseau
Abstract
This case outlines the rise of Spire Global, a young space company using CubeSats to provide weather data and weather prediction services. In addition to tracing the evolution of a space startup from novel idea to publicly-traded company, the case also examines the broader questions posed by the success of Spire and similar space companies: what are the potential costs and benefits to the privatization of remote sensing satellites? What new possibilities are enabled for both governments and private entities by private remote sensing companies? How does the incipience of companies like Spire challenge the established weather data regime? What's the significance of highly-popular special purpose acquisition companies?
Citation
Weinzierl, Matthew, Mehak Sarang, and Brendan L. Rosseau. "Spire, the CubeSat Revolution, and the Government as a Space Data Customer." Harvard Business School Case 722-013, September 2021.
About The Author
