Bridgit Mendler, known for her roles on Disney Channel shows such as Good Luck Charlie and Wizards of Waverly Place, has embarked on an ambitious new venture in the space industry. 

After years of academic pursuit at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Law School and a stint at the Federal Communications Commission's newly established Space Bureau, Mendler has taken on the role of CEO at Northwood Space, a startup based in El Segundo, California.

Northwood Space aims to innovate how satellite data is transmitted to Earth, focusing on creating a more efficient "data highway" between our planet and space. Despite advancements in space technology, Mendler highlighted the persistent challenges in communicating with satellites due to limited access points.

"The vision is a data highway between Earth and space," she told CNBC. "Space is getting easier along so many different dimensions, but still the actual exercise of sending data to and from space is difficult. You have difficulty finding an access point for contacting your satellite." 

The startup's strategy does not involve launching satellites or rockets. Instead, Northwood plans to mass-produce ground stations, also known as "teleports." These facilities, characterized by their large, often circular antennas, are crucial for establishing connections with satellites in orbit. The actress-turned-entrepreneur received an investment of approximately $6 million from notable venture capital firms, including Founders Fund, Andreessen Horowitz, and Also Capital. Northwood is gaining significant traction in the space sector.

So excited to announce our $6.3M seed led by @foundersfund and @a16z with participation from @CapitalAlso, @LongJourneyVC , @BoxGroup, @humbavc

We have our sights on building a data highway between earth and space. Build with us: https://t.co/g749EJTtZq https://t.co/bIcJquj4K6

— Northwood Space (@NorthwoodSpace) February 19, 2024

Mendler's co-founders, Griffin Cleverly, her husband and the startup's chief technology officer, and Shaurya Luthra, head of software, both bring extensive engineering experience from their time at Lockheed Martin and other prestigious organizations. The idea for Northwood was inspired during the COVID-19 pandemic at a family gathering by a lake in New Hampshire, leading to the company's name. Mendler and her team began experimenting with homemade antennas, even managing to receive data from satellites operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"While everybody else was making their sourdough starters, we were building antennas out of random crap we could find at Home Depot…and receiving data from [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] satellites," she continued to explain. "For me, why the ground-side matters is because it actually is about bringing the impacts of space home to people." 

Northwood Space targets companies seeking cost-effective alternatives to constructing their ground station networks. The startup aims to address the current bottlenecks in the availability of shared ground stations, striving to make satellite communication more accessible and impactful for people on Earth.

Excited to be partnering with @bridgitmendler and @NorthwoodSpace to make modern and scalable ground stations for the growing space economy 📡🛰️🚀🇺🇸 https://t.co/Jy6n0VcNPk

— Michelle Volz 🇺🇸🚀 (@MichelleVolz) February 19, 2024

Mendler's pivot from Disney Channel star to CEO of a space startup has taken fans by surprise, inspiring a unique fan theory. This theory suggests that Mendler's roles as intelligent, problem-solving characters on shows like Good Luck Charlie subtly influenced her real-life interest in science and technology – leading to her current venture in the space industry.

Disney fans have expressed shock and admiration for Mendler's dramatic career change, showcasing her as a role model for pursuing diverse passions and breaking stereotypes. Mendler's story demonstrates that with determination, the journey from Disney to space technology is not just possible, but also an inspiring testament to the endless possibilities beyond traditional career paths.

How do you feel about Mendler's out-of-this-world startup? Let us know your Fan Of View by leaving a comment below. 

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.