Australian space technology company Spiral Blue has completed its first international export of a space-grade LiDAR system to UK-based Lodestar Space. Separately, Spiral Blue has selected Arlula's Sales Engine platform to distribute data from its upcoming Teal LiDAR satellite constellation.
"Building advanced LiDAR satellites is challenging enough without also building the infrastructure to distribute the data."
— Taofiq Huq, CEO of Spiral Blue
LiDAR Export to the United Kingdom
Spiral Blue delivered a space-grade LiDAR system to Lodestar Space in the UK. This transaction represents the company's first international export. Following the delivery, Spiral Blue stated it is developing a next-generation system to address Lodestar's evolving mission requirements.
Applications
Lodestar Space plans to integrate Spiral Blue’s LiDAR suite for space-to-space applications, including:
- Orbital maneuvering
- Proximity sensing operations
- Monitoring and protection of critical orbital infrastructure
Spiral Blue's primary focus remains on space-to-Earth applications, including providing real-time, three-dimensional topographic data of the planet with foliage penetration capability.
Teal LiDAR Satellite Constellation and Data Distribution Agreement
Spiral Blue selected Arlula's Sales Engine platform to distribute data from its planned Teal LiDAR satellite constellation. The partnership provides Spiral Blue with a sovereign ground segment layer, enabling customers to discover, access LiDAR data, and task the constellation through a single interface.
Teal Constellation Specifications
- Designed to deliver LiDAR Earth observation data with near real-time revisit capability
- Targeted accuracy: 1m horizontal, 10cm vertical
- Applications include terrain intelligence, infrastructure monitoring, maritime surveillance, targeting support, and battle-space awareness
Technical Development
Spiral Blue is advancing its LiDAR roadmap, currently developing a high-performance LiDAR iteration engineered for multi-kilometer scanning range. This enhanced capability is anticipated to be ready in the coming weeks, with the aim of expanding operational range for Lodestar Space and supporting long-range orbital sensing.
Edge Computing Capabilities
Spiral Blue’s space LiDAR technology leverages its expertise in space edge computing and machine learning, enabling on-orbit data processing before transmission to Earth. To date, the company has:
- Launched 10 NVIDIA-powered edge computing systems in satellites across customer and partner missions
- Completed multiple geospatial intelligence contracts utilizing AI and machine learning
Previous Milestones
- March 2025: Exported Australia's first defence-focused space LiDAR capability to a UK partner
- September 2024: Received a $3 million CRC-P grant to develop an AI-enabled LiDAR satellite
- Additional activity includes a planned fixed-wing drone LiDAR program over New South Wales
Arlula Developments
- Won the Croc Pitch 2025 competition in March 2025, with a prize of up to $1 million
- Completed a $3.4 million capital raise in March 2025
Statements
"Spiral Blue is exactly the kind of operator Sales Engine was built for. Their LiDAR products can reach customers from day one of operations, without their engineers being pulled into building bespoke commerce infrastructure."
— Sebastian Chaoui, CEO of Arlula
Thomas Santini, CTO of Lodestar Space, noted that integrating Spiral Blue’s LiDAR has mitigated risk in delivering persistent, co-orbital capabilities for critical orbital infrastructure.
Industry Context
The export to the UK is anticipated to enhance the Australia–UK space relationship. Spiral Blue characterized the transaction as a move toward sustained international revenue and a reinforcement of its position in mission-critical space hardware.