Why Every Satellite Needs Earth | Northwood CEO on a16z

Northwood's CEO Bridgit Mendler discusses modernizing space-based ground infrastructure. Mendler explains that ground infrastructure, the connection point between satellites and Earth, is often the slowest aspect of space missions due to misaligned incentives and a lack of modernization. Northwood addresses this by vertically integrating the entire process, from antenna hardware R&D to software APIs, enabling faster deployment and shared services. Mendler argues that this approach is crucial for unlocking the next wave of space innovation, drawing parallels to the early internet and cloud computing, and views intersatellite links as complementary rather than competitive. She also touches upon resilience through proliferation and the importance of public-private partnerships in growing the space economy.