From belting out pop hits to launching satellites, Bridgit Mendler has transformed her career in ways no one saw coming. The former Disney Channel star has traded Hollywood glamour for high-stakes space technology, founding Northwood Space and proving that childhood stardom can be a launchpad for serious innovation.

Mendler’s journey from child actor to aerospace entrepreneur is nothing short of extraordinary. After years of entertaining millions on screen, she pivoted dramatically, earning degrees from MIT and Harvard while developing groundbreaking satellite communication technology.

From Screen to Space

While most former teen stars fade into obscurity, Mendler chose a radically different path. She didn’t just quietly exit the entertainment industry - she completely reinvented herself as a tech innovator. Her startup, Northwood Space, is tackling one of the most critical challenges in satellite communications: how to efficiently transfer massive amounts of data from orbit.

Breaking Ground in North Dakota

In a testament to her determination, Mendler and her team traveled to rural North Dakota to test their prototype antenna, affectionately named “Frankie”. Working through freezing temperatures and logistical challenges, they successfully demonstrated a revolutionary approach to satellite communications that could transform how we receive data from space.

Redefining Success

Mendler’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t linear. By embracing curiosity, continuous learning, and a willingness to take bold risks, she’s proven that childhood fame can be a springboard to meaningful innovation. Her journey from Disney star to space tech CEO is inspiring a new generation to think beyond traditional career paths.

As Mendler herself says, “When I was growing up, I always said I wanted to be everything”. Mission accomplished.