Modularity Space

Modularity Space, founded initially as Weintraus, Inc. in 2016 by Scott Weintraub, embarked on a mission to address the growing issue of space debris. Weintraub, originally on a path to study medicine, was struck by the sheer volume of non-operational objects orbiting Earth and was driven to find a solution. The initial concept focused on developing 'tow trucks' for space to repair, refuel, or de-orbit satellites. However, after realizing that most existing satellites were not designed to be serviced and the market was not ready to pay for such a service, the company underwent a strategic pivot in 2019, rebranding to Modularity Space.

The company's revised focus shifted to proactively solving the space debris problem by developing reusable, modular satellite platforms. This approach targets the fundamental issue of single-use, custom-built satellites which are expensive, slow to manufacture, and ultimately become space junk. Modularity Space's core offering is the development of mass-producible, mini-fridge-sized satellite buses, known as HOST, designed to accommodate multiple payloads from various clients. The business model operates on a 'satellite-as-a-service' or 'satellite rental' basis. Clients, ranging from commercial space companies to government entities, can rent space on these standardized platforms for their technologies and instruments, paying a deposit and then monthly fees, similar to an apartment rental. This model allows customers to bypass the significant capital expenditure, long timelines, and specialized teams required to build their own satellites, enabling them to focus solely on their payload technology and services.

The HOST platform is engineered for on-orbit servicing, including refueling, upgrades, and refurbishment, facilitated by partnerships with space tug companies. Featuring plug-and-play software, the system is designed to be compatible with 95% of existing industry components and standards, creating an interchangeable and simplified architecture. By hosting multiple payloads on a single bus, the company creates an ecosystem where data from one client's payload can be sold to other service providers on the platform, creating additional value. In July 2021, Modularity Space announced a partnership with Orbital Transports to offer a full turn-key mission package, combining its reusable spacecraft with Orbital Transports' mission planning and logistics services. The company, which has received funding from investors like Nex Cubed and Starburst, aimed to build a constellation of 150 reusable satellites called “The Neighborhood”. However, some sources indicate the company may have pivoted its focus to wireless spacecraft subsystem technologies in late 2023 and became out of business as of March 2024.

Keywords: reusable satellites, satellite-as-a-service, space debris mitigation, on-orbit servicing, modular spacecraft, hosted payloads, space infrastructure, satellite bus, HOST platform, Scott Weintraub, satellite rental, constellation-as-a-service, space sustainability, plug-and-play satellite, satellite servicing, space tugs, commercial space, NewSpace, space logistics, payload sharing, spacecraft engineering