Earlier this year, Bridgit Mendler surprised her fans by announcing her role as the head of a new space data startup, Northwood Space. The former Disney star and singer is now focusing on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of space infrastructure: ground stations. Mendler will share her insights at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, taking place from October 28-30 in San Francisco.

Ground stations are essential for satellite communication with Earth, serving as the hubs where data is transmitted from spacecraft to operators. This includes vital information about satellite health and collected data. The industry faces a bottleneck due to the limited number and capacity of ground stations. However, Northwood has made significant strides, securing around $6 million in funding from prominent investors like Founders Fund, Andreessen Horowitz, and Also Capital.

Before becoming a space startup CEO, Mendler was known for her roles in Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place” and “Good Luck Charlie.” She transitioned from acting to pop music and later pursued studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Law School. Mendler co-founded Northwood last year with two partners.

Join Mendler live on the Space Stage at Disrupt 2024. Secure your ticket now and save up to $600 if you register before August 24