Spiral Blue
Spiral Blue is a Sydney-based space technology company building Space Edge Computing hardware (NVIDIA-based onboard satellite computers) and LiDAR sensing systems for defence, climate, and Earth observation customers. It operates 10 AI computers in orbit and is developing the world's first AI-enabled LiDAR satellite constellation.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersSydney, Australia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Spiral Blue does
Spiral Blue is a Sydney-based space technology company founded in 2018 that specializes in Space Edge Computing and LiDAR sensing systems for satellite applications. Its core technology is the SE-1 onboard satellite computer, built on NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX and Orin NX modules with custom carrier boards optimized for CubeSat form factors, thermal management, and mission-specific connector and power configurations. The company has placed 10 NVIDIA-powered computers into orbit aboard customer and partner missions between 2021 and 2026, making it the first Australian company to develop and operate AI hardware in space. Its product portfolio is expanding beyond edge computing into active LiDAR sensing, including the Teal LiDAR satellite constellation (in development, targeting 1m horizontal and 10cm vertical accuracy), Sapphire LiDAR for space-to-space rendezvous and proximity operations, and a UAS drone LiDAR program.
The company generates revenue through five distinct streams: hardware sales of SE-1, SE-1H, and SEZ onboard computers to satellite operators and mission integrators; subscription/usage-based access via the YCIS (Your Code In Space) program for third-party code execution in orbit; transaction fees through the Cobalt satellite imagery tasking platform; hardware and data sales for LiDAR systems including the Sapphire product line; and professional GIS analytics services. Pricing is custom-quoted per mission rather than publicly disclosed, and the company maintains multi-year contract cycles typical of space industry procurement.
Spiral Blue serves four primary verticals: defence and intelligence agencies requiring decision-grade terrain and battle-space awareness; climate and environmental organizations tracking carbon emissions and biomass; satellite operators and Earth observation companies seeking onboard processing to reduce downlink costs; and agriculture/forestry sectors needing foliage-penetrating 3D mapping. The customer base spans satellite operators (Satellogic, SatRevolution, Esper, Space Machines Company), international partners (Lodestar Space UK, KaleidEO India, LatConnect 60), and Australian government entities through co-funded R&D programs. Strategic distribution partnerships include Arlula's Sales Engine for Teal constellation data, and a flagship partnership with Northrop Grumman Australia under the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program for hypersonic missile defence applications.
Spiral Blue firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Spiral Blue
- Legal name
- Spiral Blue Pty Ltd
- Website
- https://spiralblue.space
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Spiral Blue is a Sydney-based space technology company building Space Edge Computing hardware (NVIDIA-based onboard satellite computers) and LiDAR sensing systems for defence, climate, and Earth observation customers. It operates 10 AI computers in orbit and is developing the world's first AI-enabled LiDAR satellite constellation.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Spiral Blue industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Space Technology Hardware
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419)
- SIC
- Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software (IMABACAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR) (IMABACAD), LiDAR & 3D Sensing Modules (HDAHALAG), Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms (BPAMANAM), Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB)
Keywords
Where Spiral Blue is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Sydney
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices2 records
Markets served
Spiral Blue business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Space Edge Computer Hardware Sales: Sale of SE-1, SE-1H, and SEZ onboard satellite computers to satellite operators and mission integrators. Custom hardware configurations per mission requirements including thermal solutions, connector options, and power supply configurations.
- YCIS (Your Code In Space) Program: Subscription or usage-based access allowing third parties to run custom code on SE-1 computers in orbit. Enables organisations to gain space heritage and conduct onboard ML/AI analytics without building their own space hardware.
- Cobalt Satellite Imagery Tasking Platform: Platform enabling satellite tasking and imagery acquisition from multiple providers. Revenue from platform fees and transaction processing for imagery orders.
- LiDAR Systems and Data Products: Sale of LiDAR hardware (Sapphire product line) and decision-grade LiDAR data from the Teal constellation for defence, terrain intelligence, infrastructure monitoring, and Earth observation applications.
- GIS and Analytics Services: Delivered multiple GIS contracts using AI and machine learning, processing Earth observation data directly in space before transmission to ground.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom hardware and software pricing per satellite mission |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels5 records
Spiral Blue product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Spiral Blue builds and sells Space Edge Computing hardware (NVIDIA Jetson-based onboard satellite computers SE-1, SE-1H, SEZ) and LiDAR sensing systems (Sapphire product line, planned Teal constellation) that enable AI/ML processing and high-resolution 3D mapping directly aboard satellites in orbit. It also offers the Cobalt satellite imagery tasking platform, the Your Code In Space (YCIS) developer program, and geospatial analytics services for defence, climate, agriculture, and infrastructure customers.
Product overview
Spiral Blue is a Sydney-based space technology company building LiDAR in space for global geospatial intelligence. The company's product portfolio centers on Space Edge Computing platforms (SE-1, SE-1H, SEZ) that enable real-time AI processing of Earth observation data directly on satellites, combined with LiDAR sensing systems (Sapphire, Teal constellation). The core SE-1 platform provides the data management backbone with NVIDIA-powered onboard computing, while the Cobalt platform enables satellite imagery tasking and acquisition. The Your Code In Space (YCIS) program allows third parties to deploy custom applications on SE-1 hardware. Proprietary ML applications (Vessel Detect, Cloud Clipper, Canopy Mapper, Fire Severity, Water Body Mapper) provide specific Earth observation analytics. The upcoming Teal LiDAR constellation will deliver decision-grade LiDAR data with 1m horizontal and 10cm vertical accuracy for defence and intelligence applications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SE-1 (Space Edge One): Flight-proven edge computer for satellites using NVIDIA Jetson series GPU-powered system-on-modules, optimized for Cubesats, enabling AI processing in space.
- Teal
- Sapphire
- Space Edge Two (SE-2)
- YCIS (Your Code In Space)
- Cobalt
Products and services
- Space Edge One (SE-1) Flight-proven onboard satellite computer using NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX/Orin NX modules with custom carrier board optimised for CubeSats, thermal management, expanded storage, and flexible connector options. Enables real-time AI/ML processing of Earth observation data directly in orbit. Sold to satellite operators and mission integrators on a custom-configured basis.
- Space Edge One Hyperspectral (SE-1H) Specialised variant of the SE-1 onboard computer designed for hyperspectral imaging missions. Supports direct interfacing with hyperspectral imagers for power and communication, flexible power supply options, and various satellite communication interfaces. Developed for Project Rainbow Python and sold to hyperspectral satellite operators.
- Space Edge Zero (SEZ) First-generation prototype Space Edge Computer using NVIDIA Jetson Nano. Launched on SatRevolution STORK and SW1FT satellites for space qualification testing. Serves as the historical platform that introduced in-space image processing for the company.
- Space Edge Services Software platform enabling third-party developers to run and update their own software aboard Space Edge Computers after launch. Provides fast and affordable access to Earth observation data and services through programmable onboard compute. Supported by the Australian Space Agency Moon to Mars grant.
- Cobalt Satellite Tasking Platform User-friendly satellite imagery tasking platform enabling customers to task satellites and acquire high-resolution imagery from multiple providers. Provides 70cm-100cm resolution imagery with 1-day to 1-month turnaround and analytics capabilities for canopy mapping, coastal erosion, fire severity, and water body mapping. Sold to enterprise customers on a direct sales basis.
- Your Code In Space (YCIS) Developer program enabling developers, researchers, and innovators worldwide to run custom code on the SE-1 space edge computer using Docker containers, Linux OS, and common libraries. Provides programmatic access to onboard ML/AI processing capabilities with self-serve onboarding and contact-based subscription pricing.
- Teal LiDAR Satellite Constellation Upcoming AI-enabled LiDAR satellite constellation delivering ground truth grade LiDAR data. Targets 1m horizontal accuracy and 10cm vertical accuracy for defence, terrain intelligence, infrastructure monitoring, and battle-space awareness applications. Data will be distributed via Arlula's Sales Engine platform. Funded by the $3M CRC-P grant awarded September 2025.
- Sapphire LiDAR Product Line First class of LiDAR products designed for space applications including rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking. Low size, weight, and power instrument built for fleets of spacecraft working on in-space assembly, manufacture, and space control. Sold to space operators and integrators on a custom basis.
- Geospatial Analytics Platform End-to-end geospatial analytics service combining strategy, data acquisition partners, custom reports, ML-driven analytics, dashboards, and cloud-native data infrastructure for commercial and operational success in Earth observation. Delivered as professional services contracts using AI and machine learning on Earth observation data.
Quantifiable outcome
- 99.7% data size reduction from 1004 MB to 3.063 MB, with 80x faster execution using onboard edge computing
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Spiral Blue
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Spiral Blue technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration11 records
AI capability8 records
Feature8 records
Spiral Blue partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- Macquarie UniversitycoreConducting long-range LiDAR ranging tests (4.2 km achieved). Hosted Space LiDAR Brunch with live demonstrations. Part of CRC-P consortium for world-first AI-enabled LiDAR satellite. Testing partner for LiDAR technology development and space qualification.
- ArlulacoreSpiral Blue selected Arlula's Sales Engine platform to distribute data from its upcoming Teal LiDAR satellite constellation. Arlula provides a sovereign ground segment layer enabling customers to securely access decision-grade LiDAR data from the Teal constellation.
- Lodestar SpacecoreFirst international LiDAR export — Spiral Blue's LiDAR integrated into Lodestar Space's sensor stack for space-to-space applications including orbital maneuvering and proximity sensing. Next-generation multi-kilometer scanning LiDAR in development.
- Macquarie UniversitycoreLead academic partner in $3M CRC-P grant consortium developing world-first AI-enabled LiDAR satellite. Bringing expertise in satellite hardware, Earth-observation analytics, and space mission operations.
- Space Machines CompanycoreCRC-P consortium partner for AI-enabled LiDAR satellite demonstration. SE-1 computers launched on Space Machines Optimus vehicle as part of Project Rainbow Python.
- LC60 AIminorCRC-P consortium partner contributing AI expertise to world-first AI-enabled LiDAR satellite demonstration.
- Southern Cross SpaceminorCRC-P consortium partner for AI-enabled LiDAR satellite demonstration.
- NegentropicminorCRC-P consortium partner for AI-enabled LiDAR satellite demonstration.
- Northrop Grumman AustraliaflagshipPartnership under iLAuNCH Trailblazer programme to advance hypersonic missile defence capabilities. Spiral Blue contributes Space Edge Computing technology to detect and track hypersonic missiles using space-based infrared detection, AI/ML algorithms, and trajectory modelling.
- iLAuNCH Trailblazerflagship$180 million Australian Government programme building sovereign space capability. Spiral Blue is a key partner contributing Space Edge Computing to hypersonic missile defence and broader space technology commercialisation.
- Skyroot AerospaceminorSWIRSAT mission partner for launch capabilities, as part of LatConnect 60's satellite constellation development.
- Gilmour Space TechnologiesminorSWIRSAT mission partner, Australian space company providing launch capabilities for the satellite constellation.
- Esper Satellite ImagerycoreSpace-qualified first hyperspectral smart sensor with integrated SE-1H onboard computer. Project Rainbow Python delivers hyperspectral imagery with onboard processing for climate metrics including carbon emissions tracking. Thermal vacuum testing completed successfully.
- LatConnect 60coreLatConnect 60 imagery provider on Cobalt platform. SWIRSAT mission partnership delivering high-resolution SWIR data (5x better than market standards) for methane and emissions measurements, funded by Australian Space Agency ISI India Programme.
- DandelionsminorProject Rainbow Python partner developing and testing new materials onboard missions, with simulation expertise supporting Spiral Blue and Esper.
- UNSW SydneyminorAcademic partner for Project Rainbow Python providing testing facilities and space systems engineering expertise.
- Saber AstronauticsminorProject Rainbow Python partner providing mission operations and pre-launch engineering support.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights9 records
Spiral Blue competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Planet Labs: Public US Earth observation company operating the largest commercial satellite fleet. Comparable as a downstream EO analytics and tasking platform incumbent whose Cobalt-like offering overlaps with Spiral Blue's imagery and analytics ambitions.
- Satellogic: Argentina/US Earth observation satellite operator and Spiral Blue's largest hosted-payload customer (NewSat constellation). Satellogic is also a vertical EO incumbent with proprietary satellite capability, making it both a customer and a potential competitor for downstream imagery services via Cobalt-style tasking platforms.
- ICEYE: Finland/US SAR satellite operator and incumbent in the defence/EO data market. Relevant comparable for Spiral Blue's planned Teal LiDAR constellation given both target sovereign defence and intelligence customers with decision-grade geospatial data, and ICEYE's US CEO previously advises Spiral Blue.
Emerging players
- Capella Space: US SAR satellite operator delivering high-resolution all-weather imagery to defence and commercial customers. Comparable to the planned Teal constellation's positioning as a sovereign decision-grade geospatial data provider for defence and infrastructure monitoring use cases.
- Pixxel: India/US hyperspectral Earth observation satellite operator. Direct comparable to Spiral Blue's SE-1H hyperspectral work with Esper Satellites and the planned Teal constellation, both targeting carbon monitoring and defence applications with next-generation sensing.
- Open Cosmos: UK-based satellite manufacturer and operator offering end-to-end mission services with embedded AI/edge processing on their own buses. Partial overlap with Spiral Blue's hosted-payload and edge-computing model; both target commercial EO operators and government/defence customers.
Others
- Arlula: Australian EO data marketplace and ground segment provider. Functions as a distribution partner for Spiral Blue's Teal constellation via the Sales Engine platform, and is a comparable business in the broader EO data commercialisation stack.
Direct peers
- Ubotica Technologies: Ireland-based space AI company providing onboard processing (CogniSat) for Earth observation satellites using NVIDIA and other AI accelerators. Closest direct competitor to Spiral Blue's SE-1/SE-1H onboard computers, serving similar satellite operator customers with similar edge-computing value proposition.
- KP Labs: Poland-based space company building onboard AI/ML processors (OBC-Leopard, Antelope) and AI apps for satellite imagery. Competes directly with Spiral Blue on the combination of flight-proven onboard AI hardware plus ML applications for EO satellites.
- AIKO Space: Italian space autonomy software company providing AI-based onboard autonomy and payload processing for satellite operators. Comparable in offering AI-driven in-orbit decision-making on third-party satellite buses, addressing similar cost-reduction and latency pain points.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat7 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Spiral Blue social profiles
Digital presenceSpiral Blue financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Spiral Blue leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Spiral Blue funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Spiral Blue M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Spiral Blue
What does Spiral Blue do?
Spiral Blue builds and sells Space Edge Computing hardware (NVIDIA Jetson-based onboard satellite computers SE-1, SE-1H, SEZ) and LiDAR sensing systems (Sapphire product line, planned Teal constellation) that enable AI/ML processing and high-resolution 3D mapping directly aboard satellites in orbit. It also offers the Cobalt satellite imagery tasking platform, the Your Code In Space (YCIS) developer program, and geospatial analytics services for defence, climate, agriculture, and infrastructure customers.
Is Spiral Blue a public or private company?
Spiral Blue is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Spiral Blue founded?
Spiral Blue was founded in 2018. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Spiral Blue based?
Spiral Blue is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Spiral Blue make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Space Edge Computer Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are YCIS (Your Code In Space) Program, cobalt Satellite Imagery Tasking Platform, liDAR Systems and Data Products and GIS and Analytics Services.
Who are Spiral Blue's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Planet Labs, Satellogic and ICEYE. Emerging players are Capella Space, Pixxel and Open Cosmos. Arlula is listed as an others. Direct peers are Ubotica Technologies, KP Labs and AIKO Space.
Does Spiral Blue have an API?
No public API is recorded for Spiral Blue.
What industry is Spiral Blue in?
Spiral Blue's product category is Space Technology Hardware. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABACAI, Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software, with a secondary code of IMABACAD, Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR). Its NAICS code is 336414 and its SIC code is 3760.