UK space data pioneer books maiden flight on SpaceX’s Falcon 9

A stargazing satellite called Mauve has booked a flight on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

Mauve is the brainchild of British startup Blues Skies Space. The London-based company has a unique plan for the satellite.

After launching into space in October 2025, Mauve will turn its onboard telescope towards the cosmos. The 13cm device will then observe hundreds of stars in ultraviolet and visible wavelengths.

Scientists will scan the data for insights on stellar flares and magnetic activity. They could even unearth evidence that neighbouring exoplanets are habitable. But that’s not what makes the plan unusual.

Blues Skies Space will provide the data to researchers via an annual membership. This approach sets the startup apart from the prevailing model.

Space data problems

Traditionally, researchers rely on government agencies to access space data. But the likes of NASA and ESA can’t keep up with the demand.

The James Webb Telescope, for instance, received 1,600 requests for observing time. Only 249 of them were selected.

Blue Skies Space offers another route to the stars. Marcell Tessenyi, the startup’s CEO and co-founder, has pledged to deliver in-demand data “in accelerated timelines.”

The insights will span “thousands of hours each year,” Tessenyi told TNW. Scientists who join before the launch will also have a chance to direct Mauve’s observations.

Future flights

Mauve will fly on Falcon 9 as part of the Transporter-15 ride-share programme.

The satellite is the first in a fleet that Blue Skies Space is building. Could Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket launch the startup’s next stargazer?

Tessenyi is keeping schtum.

“We search the market for the best option based on the availability of launch slots, costs, and preferred orbit among other factors,” he said.

“In this instance, it turned out to be Transporter-15 for Mauve. For our larger satellite, Twinkle, and future ones, we will make the assessment on a case-by-case basis and choose the best suitable launcher.”