Image: Libra Group
Libra Group has launched the world’s first space leasing company dedicated to the full spectrum of space assets. Space Leasing International (SLI) will own and lease assets critical to the space economy.
SLI’s first investment includes the construction of a ground station in the geo-spatially critical Alaskan Arctic, which is vital for polar orbits that monitor climate change, for lease to RBC Signals. SLI has also committed to acquire or build an additional 20 ground stations around the world within the next three years, which will also be leased to RBC Signals as part of an ongoing business partnership. SLI’s diversified portfolio of space assets will also expand to large and small assets critical to the space economy, including satellites, spaceports, and other space infrastructure.
Proven leasing model
By applying Libra Group’s proven leasing model used within its aviation and maritime subsidiaries, SLI is positioned to support and accelerate the space industry by bridging the divide between manufacturers and operators of space assets. Currently, there are no lessors dedicated to the full range of space assets, according to Libra Group. By adding a new role of a wholly dedicated owner/lessor into the value chain, SLI will support innovation and asset creation while providing non-dilutive capital, which is critical to scaling assets vital to the space economy.
George Logothetis, Executive Chairman of Libra Group, said, “Thanks to far-reaching human ingenuity, our society continues to push the bounds of possibility. The power of space is limitless and is revolutionizing how we communicate, navigate, gather information, fight climate change, and is beyond what we can imagine.
“SLI is helping to democratize the space economy by investing in building and maintaining a portfolio of space assets that will spark paradigm-shifting technologies and help to test and create market access at scale. This is the next exciting step for our Group, which is committed to advancing innovation, sustainability, and social impact while advancing the future in global sectors, including aerospace, maritime, and beyond.”
Innovation and development
Alejandro Kerschen, Chief Executive Officer of SLI, added, “SLI is building out an end-to-end portfolio of space assets available for lease to operators, providing a critical, otherwise missing link between the manufacturer and operator. This helps grow production capacity, strengthens the product to the market value chain, and ultimately spurs critical innovation and development of space assets.”
