Privateer Space: Steve Wozniak's Startup for Space Awareness

The Challenge of Space Debris and Privateer's Solution

Numerous startups are now focused on addressing the growing problem of space debris in low Earth orbit (LEO). LEO is increasingly congested with millions of pieces of space junk, ranging from defunct satellites to fragments of rockets and discarded mission components.

Despite the importance of LEO cleanup efforts, a significant obstacle exists. According to Alex Fielding, co-founder of Privateer alongside Steve Wozniak, the precise location of much of this space junk remains unknown.

Accuracy in Tracking Space Objects

“Orbital cleanup companies currently lack the necessary resolution, and there’s a general disagreement regarding the location of objects in low Earth orbit,” Fielding stated in a recent TechCrunch interview. “Accuracy is often limited to within 300 or 400 kilometers.”

Fielding and Wozniak are working to overcome this challenge with their new venture, Privateer. The company emerged from stealth mode after Wozniak shared a promotional video on YouTube in September, sparking speculation about its focus on space debris removal.

Beyond Cleanup: Building a "Google Maps of Space"

However, the initial perception wasn’t entirely accurate. “Privateer’s primary goal wasn’t space cleanup from the outset,” Fielding clarified. “Our initial aim was to create a comprehensive map of space, essentially the ‘Google Maps of space.’”

This isn’t the first time Fielding and Apple’s co-founder, Wozniak, have collaborated. They previously founded Wheels of Zeus in the early 2000s, a company specializing in hardware for tracking the location of physical objects.

The Escalating Problem of Orbital Debris

“When we began that project, a substantial portion of objects in space were already considered waste,” Fielding noted. The situation has significantly worsened over time. “Currently, there are far more objects in orbit, many of which pose a greater threat. These objects are predominantly in low orbits, travel at extremely high speeds, and are poorly tracked or understood.”

The risks associated with space debris are very real. In May, astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) discovered a five-millimeter hole in a robotic arm. The ISS did not need to maneuver to avoid a collision, suggesting the impacting object was too small to be monitored by the U.S. Space Force’s Space Surveillance Network.

Privateer's Role in Filling Data Gaps

Similar to how companies like Rocket Lab and SpaceX now offer services previously handled by agencies like NASA, Privateer aims to address these critical data deficiencies.

Pono 1: The First Satellite

Privateer is moving forward rapidly. Their first satellite, “Pono 1,” is scheduled for launch on February 11, 2022. This approximately 3U-sized spacecraft (around half a foot in dimension) will be equipped with 42 sensors.

Of these sensors, 30 are non-optical, and 12 are optical cameras. The non-optical sensors will achieve a precision of up to 4 microns. The satellite’s body will be constructed from carbon fiber and 3D-printed, resulting in a single, robust piece with titanium-like rigidity, according to Fielding.

Instead of traditional propellant, Pono 1 will utilize magnetic torquers for directional control. These devices generate electric current to manage the satellite’s attitude.

Short Mission, Long-Term Goals

Pono 1 will operate for only four months before being deorbited and safely burned up in the Earth’s atmosphere. The second satellite, Pono 2, is planned for launch at the end of April. Privateer has already secured a launch provider and obtained the necessary approvals for both missions.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Beyond the satellite launches, Privateer is collaborating with Astroscale, a company specializing in orbital logistics and space junk removal. They have also established a partnership with the Space Force.

A Looming Crisis

Fielding believes that failing to create a comprehensive map of space could have severe consequences. “I remain optimistic, but I am deeply concerned that we may be running out of time. We could be within 24 months of the first human casualty in space.”

This concern stems from the rapid increase in objects in low Earth orbit and the associated risks.