OMEGA partners with Privateer for a safe and sustainable future in space
By: OMEGA International Press Office | MAR 2022
The makers of the first watch on the moon are at the forefront of space exploration once again, this time supporting a critical mission to track satellites and debris that pose hazards to human activity in space.
OMEGA is collaborating with Privateer as they map space objects in orbit with unprecedented accuracy and transparency, a pursuit critical to keeping space safe and accessible for all humankind.
Like the Apollo missions that made the Moonwatch the most famous chronograph in the world, Privateer’s mission is led by a crew of three: Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak, Ripcord CEO and founder Alex Fielding, and astrodynamicist and space environmentalist Dr. Moriba Jah.
A trio of big hitters, certainly, but this is not a corporate quest for glory. These innovators and problem-solvers know that space debris is an urgent issue and concerns every individual and nation. Approximately 40,000 pieces of human-made space “junk” are currently being tracked as they orbit the Earth, but that only includes objects larger than 10cm. Hundreds of thousands of other on-orbit hazards remain unidentified, untracked and unpredictable.
As space becomes exponentially more accessible, our rapidly expanding space junk problem poses a threat to the satellites our society relies on for critical services like communication, positioning and climate monitoring. Timely, accurate data are essential to
our future – not just in space, but here on Earth.
This level of data collection and modelling is a monumental undertaking, and OMEGA is
proud to play a role with Privateer in this bold endeavour. Together, they share an
understanding that the clock on space sustainability is ticking, and it’s time to act.
“We’re thrilled to partner with OMEGA for the launch of Privateer’s proprietary knowledge
graph technology,” Fielding said. “OMEGA has deep roots in exploration of land, sea and
space, and with their support, Privateer will be able to further humankind’s exploration and
understanding of this ultimate frontier.”
Sentiments reflected by OMEGA President and CEO Mr. Raynald Aeschlimann, who said,
“Our partnership with Privateer is like finding the final piece in the puzzle. With this new
project, we can give back to the planet from the depths of the sea to beyond the skies.
There is also a great synergy between OMEGA and Privateer. We share an obsessive
attention to detail. The inside of a mechanical watch is like a mini universe. Everything
needs to operate without obstructions if you want it to work perfectly and endure.”
The new partnership is further proof of the Swiss brand’s willingness to seek out adventure,
learn, evolve, take risks — and use its global influence for the greater good.
Bringing together OMEGA’s history of space exploration and Privateer’s innovative edge,
the partnership also delivers on the companies’ commitment to fostering knowledge and
hope. As the world faces an uncertain environmental future across land, sea, air, and
space, these pioneers aim to promote a sense of environmental stewardship. “We must all
embrace stewardship as if our lives depended upon it. Because they do.” said Jah.
Just as the famous Earthrise picture, taken from Apollo 8, inspired the start of the green
movement, this digital map of humanity’s space footprint is sure to play an equally
important role in raising awareness for our planet’s fragility.
Privateer.com Wayfinder showing a map of space objects in real time
Image credit: courtesy of Privateer
An image taken from the Earth Terrain Camera in the 1970’s, with OMEGA watch at bottom left.
OMEGA’s timepiece was included in the ETC’s photographs to keep a visual record of the exact time each shot was taken.
Image credit: courtesy of NASA
About OMEGA:
The prestigious Swiss watchmaker OMEGA was founded in 1848 and is recognized today as one of the world’s leading timepiece manufacturers. For more than 170 years, OMEGA has been synonymous with quality, innovation and precision, defined by its pioneering spirit and conquests of the oceans and space – including its famous association with NASA and its role aboard every human mission to the moon.
About Privateer:
Privateer is a data engine empowering the future of space sustainability. By mapping satellites and debris in Earth orbit with unprecedented accuracy and transparency, Privateer is making space predictable and safe, paving the way for the rapid growth of space exploration and commerce. Privateer is the latest venture founded by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Ripcord CEO Alex Fielding. Proudly headquartered in Maui, Privateer hopes to honor the native Hawaiian traditions of environmental stewardship by extending them to humanity’s next frontier. To learn more, please visit mission.privateer.com.