Mithril is developing a new type of space-based reflector with active surface correction and shaping on orbit. This will allow groundbreaking improvements in atmospheric monitoring for climate resilience across various industries. It also stands to improve satellite communications flexibility and global intelligence capabilities.
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Scarlett Koller
Scarlett Koller is co-founder and CEO of Mithril, a space technology company building dynamic reflectors for a new era of flexible satellite communications and remote sensing. Koller completed a B.Sc. at MIT in aerospace engineering before entering the space industry. After five years with SpaceX and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory as an integration and test engineer, she returned to MIT for an M.S. in aerospace and an MBA at MIT Sloan. She and Professor Zack Cordero formed Mithril Technologies to realize the potential of the actuation technology being developed in his lab.
TECHNOLOGY
Critical Need
Mithril's ability to actively reshape the surface of satellite mesh reflector antennas on-orbit will enable a type of atmospheric radar instrument that currently does not exist. Atmospheric monitoring from space is limited–remote sensing from low-earth orbit cannot continuously monitor any one area, while instruments in geostationary orbit cannot be made large and precise enough to penetrate the atmosphere. Gaps in disaster tracking are patched by pilots flying decades-old aircraft into storms, even as storm impacts become more severe and less predictable. New instruments that enable continuous atmosphere-penetrating coverage will be critical to protect vulnerable communities and commercial shipping.
Technology Vision
Mithril's technology allows active shaping and correction of the reflecting surface of a reflector-type antenna for satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO). This capability breaks existing trade-offs that limit the precision of large high-gain reflectors and enables a new type of space-based atmospheric radar that requires a large, high-precision reflector. This will allow continuous monitoring of large-scan sectors of the atmosphere for better prediction of and resilience against natural disasters. The technology also allows flexibility in GEO satellite communications and applications in signal intelligence thanks to the ability to deform and steer the whole dished reflector surface.
Potential for Impact
Mithril's technology will change the game in severe weather monitoring and forecasting from space by providing the missing piece to enable essential new radar instruments. As severe weather becomes less predictable and impacts more communities and industries, Mithril's ability to continuously monitor large areas will reduce insured risks, help protect shipping and transportation infrastructure, and protect vulnerable communities from harm.