Sponsored By Viasat
www.viasat.com/gov-uk
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23 May 23. Viasat Next-Generation Ground-to-Space Encryption Solution Achieves National Security Agency Type-1 Certification. Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, today announced its next-generation ground-to-space encryption product, the KG-255XJ, is now National Security Agency (NSA) Type-1 certified. The KG-255XJ End Cryptographic Unit (ECU) is now certified for protecting classified Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) and below, including Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) and mission data communications between Satellite Operations Centers (SOCs) and satellites on orbit. Type-1 is the highest security certification level awarded by the NSA, and the KG-255XJ is the only cryptographic solution in production today with the capability to access every TT&C link on all current orbiting U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) satellites.
The KG-255XJ builds upon Viasat’s KS-252 programmable/multi-functional space crypto with the addition of modern non-proprietary RESTCONF interfaces. This HTTPS-based protocol will provide for easy integration to enable complex satellite operations to now be conducted at the speed of machine learning and artificial intelligence driven algorithms. This allows users to closely control, monitor and aggregate data across large satellite constellations operating in multiple orbits. The KG-255XJ expands Viasat’s family of KG-255X products that have long provided flexible encryption solutions by offering encryption at Layer 2 or Layer 3 network levels, which will enable easy software upgrades to enhance security, and providing a solution for multiple use cases with a single device. Viasat’s Programmable Scalable Information Assurance Model (PSIAM) cryptographic technology in the KG-255XJ provides the foundational security capabilities to replace multiple legacy ECUs into a modern, multi-functional encryption device.
“The proliferation of satellites in space and the complex nature at which they operate—at multiple orbits, altitudes and frequencies—can increase an adversary’s ability to attack and take over a satellite communications system,” said Craig Miller, president, Viasat Government Systems. “Our KG-255XJ solution, built in coordination with deep customer insight, provides a single device that protects satellite command and telemetry links while reducing the complexity and costs associated with integrating multiple satellites and space systems. This encryption capability will deliver value for both government and commercial customers, and Viasat is committed to developing future capabilities to ensure the access control security of our nation’s vital strategic space assets.”
The KG-255XJ is configurable for multiple cryptographic functions and offers new security features to address emerging and expanding threats. Viasat continues to coordinate with military customers and satellite integrators to utilize this software reprogrammable capability to add additional functionality to meet the evolving needs of the space community and bring a holistic approach to securing the entire ground-to-space system versus protecting a single asset or data set.
Learn more about Viasat’s industry leading portfolio of ground-to-space crypto solutions here: https://www.viasat.com/defense/solutions/cybersecurity-data-protection/space-encryption/.
25 May 23. North Korea constructing satellite launch pad with ‘new urgency’ – report. Construction at North Korea’s satellite launching station has hit a “new level of urgency,” most likely in preparation for a launch, a U.S.-based think tank said in a report citing commercial satellite imagery.
North Korea says it has completed its first military spy satellite, and leader Kim Jong Un has approved final preparations for a launch to place it in orbit, without publicising a date.
Commercial satellite imagery from Monday shows that progress on a new launch pad in a coastal area east of North Korea’s Sohae Satellite Launching Station is moving forward at a “remarkable pace”, 38 North, a Washington-based programme that monitors North Korea, said in a report on Thursday.
“While the key components of the Sohae complex have been undergoing modernization and expansion over the past year, this uptick in activity suggests a new level of urgency in making the site ready to accommodate satellite launches,” the report said.
The new launch pad appears to feature a rail-mounted assembly structure, a possible mechanism for lifting a rocket into place, lighting towers, and a tunnel for funnelling flames away.
If it is meant to service liquid-fuelled rockets, additional infrastructure will most likely be needed, the report added.
At Sohae’s main launch pad, crews appear to have completed modifications to the gantry tower, while work continues on a storage for fuel and oxidizer.
A new area for VIPs to observe launches also appears largely completed, 38 North concluded.
Analysts say a military satellite is part of the reclusive, nuclear-armed state’s efforts to advance surveillance technology, including drones, to improve its ability to strike targets in the event of a conflict.
North Korea has tried several times to launch “earth observation” satellites, of which two appeared to have been successfully placed in orbit, including the latest in 2016.
International observers have said the satellite seemed to be under control, but there was lingering debate over whether it had sent any transmissions. (Source: Reuters)
24 May 23. Northrop missile-warning satellites pass early design review.
Northrop Grumman said its design for next-generation missile warning satellites passed a key Space Force review.
The company is under contract to build two Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Polar satellites that will provide coverage of the northern hemisphere, the most difficult area to observe from space. The Space Force plans to launch the first satellite in 2028.
“Northrop Grumman is on an accelerated path to delivering an early-warning missile system capable of surviving attacks from space, ground or cyber elements,” Alex Fax, Northrop’s vice president for the polar program, said in a May 24 statement. “NGP satellites will maintain a direct line of communication back to the continental United States, limiting dependency on overseas ground station sites.”
The milestone, called a preliminary design review, keeps the company on track for a possible production contract next spring or summer, according to a company spokesperson. The Space Force awarded the company $2.37 billion development contract in 2020.
Northrop’s sensor payload for the polar satellites is designed to detect infrared heat signatures from incoming missiles. They will also carry a communications payload that allows them to send tracking data to operators on the ground.
The payloads will fly on the company’s Eagle-3 spacecraft, which is designed for complex, strategic payloads like missile warning sensors.
The NGP effort is part of the Space Force’s broader Next-Gen Overhead Infrared program, which includes two Lockheed Martin-built satellites destined for geosynchronous orbit, about 22,000 miles above Earth’s surface. The service had planned to build and launch three GEO spacecraft, but it cut one satellite from the mix in its fiscal 2024 budget.
The service is seeking $1bn for the polar segment of the program in fiscal 2024 and expects to need another $2.2bn between FY25 and FY28, which the first satellite launches. That funding would support the program’s critical design review and early preparation for production, assembly and test. (Source: Defense News)
24 May 23. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency to demo data processing node. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency will demonstrate the ability to process and disseminate data in hard-to-reach locations at several military exercises this summer.
The agency, the intelligence community’s lead organization for analyzing satellite imagery and turning it into usable data, is developing four Joint Regional Edge Nodes, or JRENs, that will be based in various locations around the world. The idea is to stage the processors closer to users, allowing them to receive and distribute large swaths of data on faster timelines.
The first node, which NGA expects to deliver in fiscal 2024, will be located in U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
Fred Ingham, the agency’s deputy chief information officer, said NGA will showcase JREN as part of multiple military exercises in July, though he didn’t specify which ones.
“Getting this capability out forward supports our analysts that are out in the field,” Ingham said May 24 at the GEOINT Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. “It will also support applications so that when they are disconnected, they still have all the applications they need on this Joint Regional Edge Node and be able to operate as if they were connected back to our data centers.”
Last December, NGA Director Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth described JREN as a way to handle what he described as a “deluge” of data and to address the challenge of sharing that information in remote locations.
The agency relies on what’s called the National System for Geospatial Intelligence, or NSG, to distribute nearly a petabyte of data around the globe each day. Since 2018, it has relied on the Odyssey GEOINT Edge Node to process sensor data and help operators on the ground use that data to make real-time decisions.
Odyssey has been in high demand from various combatant command, and JREN provides a chance to increase that capacity while also providing a more resilient capability.
According to E.P. Mathew, deputy chief information officer at the Defense Intelligence Agency, placing more processing nodes across the globe supports the National Defense Strategy, which calls for decentralizing systems and approaches. Systems like JREN, designed for degraded locations where access to the cloud may not be available, help the intelligence community support international partners, combatant commands and defense attaches, he said during the same May 23 panel.
“How do I provide information to them in either a cloud disconnected or degraded environment? In that scenario, cloud computing does not work or is not ideal,” Mathew said. “I have to think in terms of resiliency, redundancy, with the intent of passing information to the warfighter or the policymaker in the short time that is available.” (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
24 May 23. First dedicated government fund to build space infrastructure launched with £50m. The UK Space Agency is launching a £50m fund to support the development of cutting-edge research and development facilities, the government announced today. The Space Clusters and Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) – the first dedicated fund for UK space infrastructure – will award match funding to UK organisations to develop the R&D infrastructure needed to make space products mission-ready and sell them into commercial markets.
Investment in space R&D infrastructure is essential for building and testing new UK space and satellite capabilities, supporting innovative missions that can benefit people, businesses and communities across the country.
The funding is available to industry and academia who can deliver projects to procure, build or upgrade R&D facilities and equipment that will bring high potential, high value space technologies to market. SCIF is a pilot project that will support approximately 5-10 projects of up to £10m each.
These projects will provide critical anchor points at the local level for new businesses, investment and research and aim to create hundreds of jobs in areas of the UK that need it most.
Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:
The UK has a thriving space sector, which is well-established and globally respected. We are growing this exciting sector further, by catalysing investment, delivering missions and capabilities, and championing the power of space to improve lives.
The Space Clusters and Infrastructure Fund demonstrates the government’s commitment to space and will help deliver the ambition set out in the National Space Strategy to build one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world, developing new skills and creating jobs.
Levelling Up is a priority of the UK Space Agency and SCIF will allocate the majority of its budget outside of the Greater South-east, although proposals are welcome from anywhere in the UK.
Lizzie Kerr, Director of UKspace, the industry trade association, said: “R&D underpins so much of the UK space industry’s activities and continued innovation. UKspace therefore welcomes this funding commitment from the Government which has the potential to impact many of our members, by developing and renewing facilities, and bringing growth and employment across the UK. The government has previously invested in space infrastructure such as the National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) and National Space Propulsion Test Facility on a case-by-case basis. The NSTF, due to open later this year in Harwell, features the UK’s largest vacuum test chamber, where satellites the size of a double decker bus will be exposed to extremes of hot and cold for months at a time, and a vibration facility that replicates the conditions of a rocket launch. The National Space Propulsion Test Facility in Westcott allows UK organisations to test state-of-the-art engines which move small satellites in space, at a more affordable rate than having to go abroad.”
The UK Space Agency’s funding for national projects, including SCIF, is in addition to £1.84 bn invested through the European Space Agency in November, ensuring the UK’s space and commercial satellite sector will play a leading role in future international missions and innovative commercial programmes. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
23 May 23. Frontgrade and Lattice Collaboration Produces First Low SWAP-C FPGA. The successful space grade qualification and assurance conducted by Frontgrade Technologies has yielded a radiation-tolerant, low power FPGA tailored for space and satellite applications. Built on the award-winning Lattice Nexus™ platform, the Certus™-NX-RT FPGA provides mission-enabling capabilities using a small footprint and delivering up to four times lower power than similar devices.
“We’re already seeing tremendous interest from those in the aerospace and defense industries who need to meet SWAP-C and performance parameters required for demanding space applications like distributed computing and platform management,” said Mike Elias, president and chief executive officer of Frontgrade Technologies. “Our collaboration with Lattice is focused on providing radiation-tolerant FPGA solutions that meet the evolving needs of space applications. I’m pleased to share that the Frontgrade team recently celebrated the first Certus-NX-RT shipments to one of our long-time customers.”
These new reconfigurable, on-orbit processing systems are the first FPGAs to offer significantly reduced size, weight, power, and cost compared to currently available market offerings. Certus-NX-RT FPGAs excel in applications that require high-speed data aggregation and bridging, and in those that accelerate computationally intensive operations. These new FPGAs provide industry-leading low power, high performance, high reliability, and a small form factor.
Frontgrade recently launched radiation qualification activities for the CertusPro™-NX-RT, another low SWAP-C FPGA offering, which is anticipated to be completed later this year. The company also expects to release Complementary Fault Tolerant IP throughout 2023.
About Frontgrade
Frontgrade Technologies is the leading provider of high-reliability (hi-rel), radiation-hardened (rad-hard) solutions for defense, intelligence, commercial, and civil applications. The Company has a complementary and integrated suite of mission-critical electronics. Key products include rad-hard components, mission processing subsystems, custom ASICs, motion control systems, waveguides, antennas, power management solutions, as well as cabling to help you meet your mission critical needs. For more information, visit www.frontgrade.com. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
22 May 23. Kratos and Clearbox Systems Partner to Develop Advanced Dynamic Satellite Ground and Space Domain Awareness Solutions.
- Clearbox’s Foresight Network and Spectrum Monitoring Product Will Become the Latest to Run on Kratos’ OpenSpace Virtual Ground System
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a technology company in Defense, National Security and Global Markets, and Clearbox Systems Pty Ltd, the Australian company that uses technology to provide better approaches and techniques for the operations and management of communications networks and the electromagnetic spectrum, have signed a collaboration agreement to co-develop and co-market solutions to advance the capabilities of software-defined satellite ground systems.
As part of the agreement, Clearbox will integrate its flagship Foresight product to run seamlessly on Kratos’ OpenSpace® dynamic ground platform. Foresight provides a unified user interface across essential ground functions including equipment monitoring and control, spectrum monitoring and network management. Foresight can be deployed on physical, virtual or cloud infrastructure and, being web-based, can be accessed by users on any workstations connected on the network. It is trusted by militaries, governments, satellite operators and commercial users large and small in Australia and globally in deployments ranging across SATCOM, ISREW, Crypto, OSS and Space Domain Awareness (SDA).
Foresight’s web-based, modular, distributed and open architecture makes it a natural application for running in the software-defined satellite network environments enabled by OpenSpace, the first and only commercially available virtual and orchestrated satellite ground system. OpenSpace enables satellite and network operators to fully support next-generation satellites, dynamically provision services and missions, and integrate far better with the networks used by global terrestrial and cellular communications providers.
“We have been highly successful working with Kratos in the past and are extremely excited to be expanding that relationship moving forward,” said Matthew Collins-Leslie, CEO & Managing Director of Clearbox. “With this agreement we will be working together to develop new, advanced solutions for the global market.”
As part of the agreement, Clearbox will integrate Foresight with OpenSpace and enhance the product to take advantage of OpenSpace’s unique dynamic operating capabilities. In addition, the two companies will work together to co-market each other’s products, Clearbox representing OpenSpace to its Australian customers and Kratos marketing Foresight globally. Clearbox will also become Kratos’ primary representative in Australia for opportunities incorporating systems engineering, installation and support for several of Kratos’ other space networking products. Both companies will also work together to deliver SDA solutions that combine Clearbox’s SpaceAware product and sensors with Kratos’ global RF signal monitoring SDA network.
“Our experience with Clearbox has been extremely productive,” commented Stuart Daughtridge, SVP for Advanced Technologies at Kratos. “Their people and technology are first-class, and we are looking forward to putting our heads together on the cause of advancing virtual ground system technologies to enable systems that are as dynamic, flexible and agile as smart phones are today.” (Source: ASD Network)
22 May 23. DARPA Selects Umbra For Their DRIFT Program. The DRIFT program focuses on using data from at least two Umbra Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites flown in formation to enable development of innovative processing algorithms for groundbreaking advances in U.S. capability. The program will advance formation flying and joint collection techniques using Umbra’s SAR satellites to create synchronized monostatic and bistatic data to support program objectives. Recent advancements in radar technology, led by Umbra, provide the U.S. Government with new and unique opportunities to explore innovative radar-related concepts and pursue a new generation of SAR and RF missions.
“Umbra is thrilled to partner with DARPA on this program,” said Jason Mallare, Vice President of Government Programs and Strategy. “We commend DARPA’s innovative use of their Other Transaction Authority (OTA) to move quickly to identify and capture innovation when they see it. We are also excited that DARPA is leading the way within government to actively leverage significant commercial capital investments and corresponding capability in the space industry.”
Umbra’s satellites are equipped with a powerful SAR payload capable of capturing the highest-resolution radar images ever sold in the open market, operating through day, night, and dense cloud cover. Umbra currently has six satellites in its constellation and is licensed to operate 32 satellites to support DRIFT and other programs for the U.S. Federal Government.
Umbra is committed to delivering cutting-edge hardware and software products to its customers, including the U.S. Government, to address complex business and security challenges for the United States and its allies. Through its performance on the DRIFT program, Umbra aims to deliver breakthrough technologies to support U.S. national security.
ABOUT UMBRA
Umbra is a technology company that offers intelligence data as a service to commercial and government customers. Our cutting-edge products help customers solve complex business and security challenges. Umbra is a U.S.-owned and operated company headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, and has a presence in Austin, Texas, and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit https://umbra.space. (Source: PR Newswire)
23 May 23. ICEYE, the global leader in radar satellite persistent monitoring of the planet and an expert in natural catastrophe solutions, today announced a new imaging mode known as Dwell. With Dwell, ICEYE synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites remain focused on a specific point on the ground for an extended collection time. This unique long-duration imaging mode allows ICEYE satellites to capture significantly more information about the imaging target, creating a powerful new capability for imagery users. For example, Dwell can be used to determine the heading and speed of moving vehicles, and under some circumstances, Dwell can even enable the discovery of human-made objects that would otherwise remain hidden under tree canopy. The Dwell product is unique in commercial remote sensing and will transform how customers with demanding mission requirements exploit SAR imagery.
This is the ICEYE Dwell Mode, Color (CSI) product showcasing aircraft at the Incheon Airport, South Korea. With Dwell mode’s Color product man-made objects are highlighted with colors, so they stand out from natural features for easier detection. Color signature is also helping to better understand shapes of objects.
The Dwell image product is created from a 25-second collection of the imaging target, in contrast to the 10-second duration of a traditional high-resolution ICEYE Spot image. This longer-duration collection provides new information about activity on the ground while also improving the image fidelity over a traditional SAR image. The result is a powerful new imaging capability that will expand the use of SAR for critical applications. Importantly, when combined with ICEYE’s day/night all-weather imaging capability and tactical responsiveness, Dwell provides an imagery capability that is superior to electro-optical collections.
The Dwell product is a bundle with three components:
- High-fidelity SAR image. A common feature in high-resolution SAR images is speckle, which is the result of the specific SAR collection geometry and gives SAR imagery a noise-like appearance. The extended collection time for a Dwell image enables a significantly larger synthetic aperture angle and produces pixels with an along-track resolution of 5 cm. Standard processing combines pixels together, a process called ‘multi-looking’, which significantly reduces the speckle artifacts. The result is a high-fidelity image with superior interpretability.
- Color subaperture image. A Dwell collection is particularly efficient at distinguishing human-made features, such as vehicles and buildings, from natural backgrounds such as tree canopy and vegetation. The color subaperture image preferentially distinguishes human-made features, allowing analysts to quickly find objects and features of interest among natural backgrounds.
- Video. The video is built from the multiple sub-images that comprise a Dwell collection. The video product enables determination of vehicle heading and speed during the 25-second collection, and provides additional context about activities and patterns of behavior.
“Dwell mode is ideal for customers who need to extract more information from our radar imagery, including movement and direction,” said John Cartwright, Head of Data Product at ICEYE. “In the long term, the research community, scientists, the SAR community, and most importantly, our customers with demanding missions will benefit from this latest ICEYE innovation. This product is another element in using remote sensing to better understand and characterize what is happening and changing on the ground in all lighting and weather conditions,” he said.
Dwell expands the powerful portfolio of high-tempo, day/night, all-weather imaging capabilities enabled by the ICEYE constellation. Today ICEYE offers a wide-area collection mode called Scan for large area search; an intermediate, higher-resolution mode called Strip for higher-resolution mapping and search, and highest-resolution Spot and Spot Extended Area for high-confidence monitoring and mapping applications. With the introduction of Dwell, users can now unlock new insights about their areas of interest, doing so with capabilities unique to the commercial SAR market.
About ICEYE
ICEYE delivers unmatched persistent monitoring capabilities for any location on earth. Owning the world’s largest synthetic-aperture radar satellite constellation, the company enables objective, data-driven decisions for its customers in sectors such as insurance, natural catastrophe response and recovery, security, maritime monitoring, and finance. ICEYE’s data can be collected day or night and even through cloud cover. (Source: PR Newswire)
22 May 23. Australia adds new project to Projects of Concern list.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy has added a new project to the Projects of Concern list following scheduling delays that arose due to “technical challenges”.
The Satellite Ground Station – East and Wideband SATCOM Network Management System was added to the Projects of Concern list following technical challenges that caused scheduling delays.
To date, infrastructure has been developed for the project including three large ground antennae.
By adding the project to the list, the Commonwealth hopes to deepen the relationship between Defence and Northrop Grumman Australia to “remediate the Wideband SATCOM Network Management System component of the project”.
The project aims to enhance Australia’s satellite communication capacity by improving and transforming Defence’s new and existing wideband stations and deployed systems.
“This new listing demonstrates the Albanese government’s commitment to remediating underperforming projects, in order to deliver the capabilities urgently needed by the Australian Defence Force,” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said.
“We look forward to working closely with Northrop Grumman Australia to get this project back on track and deliver the Wideband SATCOM Network Management System.”
In October, the Albanese government listed the Thales Australia-led Civil-Military Air Traffic Management System project as a “project of concern”, citing “significant schedule, technical and cost challenges”.
The project aims to deliver a joint Civil-Military Air Traffic Management System to support civil and military operations, including at 12 ADF air bases around Australia.
According to the government, the project has experienced a two-year delay in forecasting initial and final operational capability.
“It is my expectation that this listing brings more high-level attention, resources, and energy — from both Defence and our industry partner Thales Australia — to the task of remediating this project,” Minister Conroy said.
The same month, the government has removed the Deployable Defence Air Traffic Management and Control System project from the list, lauding Indra Australia’s work remediating the project. (Source: Defence Connect)
20 May 23. Iridium Adds to Constellation Resilience with Launch of Spare Satellites. Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM) announced today a key milestone in its long-term constellation resilience and redundancy planning, with the successful launch and deployment of five spare satellites. This launch brings the total number of spare Iridium® satellites on orbit to 14. In total, 81 next-generation Iridium satellites were built, and 80 of them have now been deployed. The Iridium constellation remains unique in the industry, featuring 66 operational crosslinked satellites, enabling truly global, weather-resilient connectivity everywhere on Earth.
Iridium-9 Launch Patch
The satellites lifted off at 06:16 am PDT (13:16 UTC) on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) in California. Shortly after deployment, each of the satellites successfully contacted engineers at Iridium’s Satellite Network Operations Center (SNOC), in Virginia.
“The completion of our upgraded constellation was a major milestone in the history of Iridium. We committed to our partners and our customers that they could depend on us and expect the highest quality of service and reliability anywhere on the planet, and that’s what we’ve delivered,” said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium. “With all the new products and services enabled by our network, the launch of these spares shows our commitment to maintaining the gold standard of satellite network services.”
Completed in February 2019, the upgraded Iridium constellation has proven to be an engine of innovation for the company and its partners. Recently, the company took a lead role in the burgeoning satellite direct-to-device movement, teaming up with Qualcomm Technologies Inc., to enable satellite SOS and two-way messaging in premium Android smartphones.
The Iridium Certus® service, launched in 2019, established a new standard for weather-resilient broadband connectivity with services and equipment that scale in size, weight and power requirements based on the needs of the end-user. It has proven to be ideal for ships, vehicles, aircraft, and particularly UAVs, USVs and other uncrewed autonomous systems.
Maritime safety has been enhanced with Iridium’s Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), and pilots all over the world depend on safety and cockpit solutions installed in their aircraft.
In all, Iridium and its partners have certified more than 175 new, purpose-built products for aviation, maritime, land-mobile, IoT and related industries over the past 4 years.
The new satellites launched today will help ensure Iridium’s critical services continue well into the next decade, supporting many millions of end users. (Source: PR Newswire)
19 May 23. Honeywell Introduces New Small Satcom System Versawave with 5G for BVLOS. Honeywell has unveiled VersaWave, a new small satcom system with 5G, for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) industry. VersaWave combines satcom, cellular (i.e., 5G, 4G, 3G), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity in an extremely small, lightweight package. These new connectivity features enable beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) communication for the AAM and UAS industry in a very small and light package in its performance class.
At just 2.2 pounds, Honeywell’s VersaWave with 5G is a hardware and software solution that not only combines multiple connectivity options in a single package, it also transitions between cellular and satcom seamlessly and automatically, providing reliable Inmarsat satcom connectivity when outside cellular coverage. The system’s cellular capability includes high-speed 5G connectivity supporting low latency and high data transfers at a low cost whether on public or private networks. It also has onboard Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reporting for real-time position tracking.
“VersaWave significantly enhances our small satcom system introduced in 2021, and we expect it to be adopted not just by the AAM market but also defense and commercial customers,” said Steve Hadden, vice president and general manager, Services and Connectivity, Honeywell Aerospace. “By adding cellular connectivity, the new satcom system will provide customers with the flexibility to choose their connectivity solution based on individual needs without having to install multiple systems.”
VersaWave with 5G will enable vehicle command and control as well as data transfer and video streaming. The system is also Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled for remote configuration.
VersaWave with 5G is undergoing qualification and certification and is planned to be commercially available in the third quarter of 2023. Users of the current small satcom system can upgrade with minimal downtime of their AAM and UAS platforms. (Source: UAS VISION)
22 May 23. Beam-hopping OneWeb satellite soars into space. A new satellite that uses advanced UK technology to switch coverage between different places on Earth up to 1,000 times per second has launched into space.
Nicknamed “JoeySat” (after a baby kangaroo) for its ability to beam-hop, the satellite will help improve broadband internet connectivity from space by adapting rapidly to changing demand from users, supporting OneWeb’s next generation satellite constellation in low Earth orbit.
Taking off alongside 15 other OneWeb satellites from the Vandenberg launch pad in California at 2.16pm (BST) on 20 May, JoeySat was developed with £52 million funding from the UK Space Agency awarded to UK satellite technology firms through the European Space Agency’s Sunrise Programme.
UK Space Agency CEO, Dr Paul Bate, said: “OneWeb’s JoeySat will be a game-changer for satellite communications, offering the chance to improve people’s lives through reliable connectivity, whether that means better broadband services in remote places, or the ability to respond more effectively to emergency situations.”
As part of our priority to deliver missions and capabilities to our flourishing space sector, the UK Space Agency has invested more than £50 million into the mission, funding both the innovative technology behind JoeySat’s creation and the development of a wider ecosystem that will ensure a reliable and sustainable end-to-end service.
JoeySat’s technology will be able to switch the satellite capacity between different places on Earth up to 1,000 times per second, enabling it to provide services from managing real time surges in commercial demand, to providing broadband on planes, and responding to emergencies and natural disasters.
The signal strength can also be rapidly deployed to 5G mini hubs connected to OneWeb communication network, to help meet wider service demands.
OneWeb, which employs around 400 people in the UK, received approximately £5m of the UK Space Agency’s investment, while SatixFy received £25m to build the digital beam-hopping and beam-steering payload – the ‘brains’ of the satellite.
Massimiliano Ladovaz, CTO at OneWeb said: “The JoeySat reflects the spirit of innovation and collaboration in space and promises to enable OneWeb to continue enhancing the performance and capabilities of our high-speed, low-latency satellite network to areas in need. The innovation behind the JoeySat would not be possible without ESA and the UK Space Agency, and we thank them for their invaluable partnership.”
Charlie Bloomfield, CEO of SatixFy Space Systems, said: “SatixFy’s JoeySat payload is truly remarkable, with in-house developed ASICs, reconfigurable software, regenerative processing and digital beamforming and hopping capabilities. It’s a testament to our team’s skill and commitment to excellence that we were able to design, develop, and fully qualify this complete payload in just 15 months.”
To support the wider Sunrise programme, Astroscale was awarded £17.5m to develop technologies to de-orbit unresponsive satellites and Celestia received £4.4m to develop and trial smart ground-station technology using electronically steered antenna that will reduce ground network footprint and costs.
Payload environmental tests were also completed in the UK.
Astroscale UK Managing Director, Nick Shave, said: “The launch of the highly innovative JoeySat mission is an exciting event for the space sector. With OneWeb’s advanced technology, we’re moving towards a better-connected world underpinned by ubiquitous, real-time satellite communications. Our collaboration with OneWeb, ESA and the UK Space Agency through the Sunrise Programme is enabling Astroscale to develop new services that will keep our orbital highways clear. Working together, we are developing world-leading technology to safely remove Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that have reached the end of their operating lives, ensuring a sustainable operational environment for critical space-based infrastructure.”
Celestia UK CEO Malachy Devlin said: “Today is a momentous day for all partners involved and we are proud that Celestia-developed technology is at the heart of the ground-breaking project we are witnessing. The solution we have created for the OneWeb constellation, based on a high-performance multi-beam gateway using electronically steered antenna with agile tracking capability, reduced footprint and cost, is ground-breaking in its own right. Now, with the technology aligned with the next generation of satellites by OneWeb and supported by the UK Space Agency, we have a commercial solution that helps bring global connectivity one step closer.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
18 May 23. Space low priority for new government, suggests ELA chief.
The CEO of spaceport business Equatorial Launch Australia has suggested that space is now a low priority for the new government.
Speaking at Space Connect’s Australian Space Summit, Michael Jones added it was “disappointing” that the recent budget cut $77m of investment announced by the previous administration.
“Call it what it is: the lack of federal government support with the change in government makes me nervous, and it makes the job really hard,” said Jones.
He hinted he believes space is now an afterthought for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources and quipped you had to “look hard” on its website to even spot the Australian Space Agency.
“Poor Enrico [Palermo, head of the ASA] is three or four levels down in that organization, and that really worries me. As an industry, we had claims last year that we’re looking for 20,000 jobs and $20 bn of economic stimulus in the future. We’re not going to get there if we don’t support the industry.
“Because as we travel around the world trying to get rocket companies to come to Australia, there are a number of impediments for them that we have to design strategies to overcome.
“We’re also competing against sovereign entities almost everywhere, who are supporting the industry in very, very financial and demonstrable ways, which make it hard for us to compete.”
Jones is one of the most high-profile figures in the Australian Space industry after ELA last year launched three NASA rockets from its site in the Northern Territory.
His intervention came minutes after Palermo conversely called on the space sector to “take perspective” on cuts imposed in the May federal budget in his keynote address.
He added the government had actually “reaffirmed” the role of the ASA despite cutting a promise made by the previous government to invest $32.3 million into Australia’s spaceports and launch sites.
Palermo said that the sector should look upon the situation as an opportunity rather than a crisis.
“As a sector, we’re all familiar with the overview effect, or at least I hope we are — the perspective astronauts get when they look down on Earth from space. And in some respects, I think we need to take the same sense of perspective with regards to this year’s budget,” he said.
“Yes, it’s not the budget we may have hoped for. But the government is still committed to space, and we must use this moment as an opportunity to continue our growth we’ve seen in recent years and transition.
“Other industries have long navigated the ebbs and flows of budgets, and now it’s time for our sector to demonstrate our maturity. We must lift our gaze and seize all the opportunities that are out there.”
The budget cuts form part of a wider plan by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources to recoup $77m in savings, which will also include axing a key sub-program of the Moon to Mars program.
Science Minister Ed Husic said the rejected projects “do not align with the Albanese government’s priorities” and don’t deliver “value for money for the taxpayer”.
In February last year, Space Connect reported how the spaceport investment would mimic similar programs overseas. (Source: Space Connect)
18 May 23. Black Sky to develop and fire rockets on new site.
Black Sky Aerospace has received approval to develop a new facility where it can both manufacture and test-fire rockets at a single location.
The business hopes the site, in southern Queensland, will “dramatically” speed up the time taken for its research and production processes.
The 2500-acre property is currently used mainly for agriculture, but work will now begin on developing the infrastructure needed to transform it into a rocket fuel facility.
When complete, it will be used to undertake industry activities, research and technology industry, research and development flights, motor tests and rocketry events.
“This approval allows us to develop complementary capabilities on a single site so we can manufacture and test fire rockets without having to travel,” said Black Sky CEO Blake Nikolic.
“That means we will produce the solid rocket propellant and the rocket motors in one location, then take them out and test them without having to go long distances for every test.
“This will dramatically reduce our cycle times for research, development, test, evaluation and qualification, ensuring the highest levels of quality control.
“The Defence Strategic Review again reinforced the need for rapid development of sovereign capabilities. The facilities developed on this site will achieve that for solid rocket propellant, ammonium perchlorate, rocket motors and a host of other space and defence products.”
It comes shortly after Black Sky Aerospace hit a significant milestone when it successfully produced ammonium perchlorate, a key chemical for rocket fuel.
The business believes it’s the first in Australia to produce the explosive agent, which is used as a component of fireworks, flash powders, explosives, and smokeless jet. It makes up about 70 per cent of most rocket fuel.
Salt of perchloric acid and ammonia is a powerful oxidiser used extensively in rocket boosters to propel NASA space launch systems, according to the agency.
When ignited, oxygen from ammonium perchlorate combines with aluminium to produce aluminium oxide, aluminium chloride, water vapour, nitrogen gas, and significant amounts of energy. That energy and heat causes water vapor and nitrogen to rapidly expand, which can be funnelled outward to create thrust for rockets.
Black Sky and the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre have previously co-invested $1m in 2021 to prove Australian production of ammonium perchlorate. (Source: Space Connect)
19 May 23. 94,000-square-foot facility developed by W. P. Carey will help fast-growing satellite manufacturer bolster production capacity. Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP) (“Terran Orbital” or “the Company”), a global leader in satellite-based solutions primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries, and W. P. Carey, one of the largest U.S. net lease REITs with over 1,400 properties across the U.S. and Europe, broke ground this morning on a 94,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art satellite manufacturing facility located at 4 Goodyear in Irvine, Calif. In partnership with Terran Orbital, W. P. Carey will redevelop one of its outdated office properties into a new, Class A industrial facility, which will serve as Terran Orbital’s fifth production facility. Demolition of the existing building commenced in February 2023, and the project is expected to be completed in January 2024.
The facility will be located on a five-acre site and upon completion will increase Terran Orbital’s satellite assembly, integration, and test facility space by over three times the Company’s current size. All satellite assembly will be transitioned to this new facility enabling the dedication of Terran Orbital’s existing facilities to the production of components and modules. This optimization will enhance the efficiency and capacity of Terran Orbital’s entire production system.
The property will have 36-foot clear heights and will be built with several sustainable features, including solar panels on the rooftop and electric vehicle charging stations. It is also expected to receive a LEED Gold certification.
“Terran Orbital is thrilled to break ground on 4 Goodyear,” said Terran Orbital Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer Marc Bell. “The new facility will propel Terran Orbital to new heights. We are currently working on 30 programs and over 375 satellites, including initial constellation orders for SDA, Rivada, and a new constellation customer announced on May 15. We also look forward to the capacity increase the new facility will create as we continue to onboard contracts and satellite orders. W. P. Carey has been a joy to work with and we look forward to developing this new facility together.”
20 May 23. UK Space Agency announces Space for Everyone tour across the UK this summer. This summer, an out-of-this-world experience is set to tour 10 locations across the UK, exciting the next generation about career possibilities within the growing space sector.
The UK Space Agency’s Space for Everyone tour will showcase the role of space in improving life on Earth and highlight the diverse and varied career paths open to young people looking to enter this fast-growing industry – demonstrating how space works for them, and how they can work for space.
The tour will feature a 72 feet replica rocket for young people to learn more about how the UK is launching into space, and also include hands-on experiences to engage and fire up the imagination. Trained hosts and industry experts will be on hand to share more about the role of satellites and the varied careers available in the UK space sector.
British astronaut Tim Peake said: “The Space for Everyone tour will demonstrate the incredible capacity of space to inspire. It took thousands of people to make my mission to the International Space Station possible and there is a huge variety of careers on offer in space right here in the UK.”
I hope this activity sparks an interest in the future generations who will take our space sector to new heights.
The Space for Everyone tour will visit:
- Southampton – West Bargate: 1-5 June
- Swansea – Dylan Thomas Square: 22-26 June
- Leicester – National Space Centre: 29 June – 3 July
- Bradford – Centenary Square: 6-10 July
- Belfast – Cathedral Gardens: 20-24 July
- Aberdeen – Queens Links: 3-7 August
- Newcastle – Times Square: 10-14 August
- Hull – Queen Victoria Square: 17-21 August
- Great Yarmouth – Sea Life Gardens: 24-28 August
- Hastings – Hastings Pier: 31 August – 4 September
Ian Annett, Deputy CEO at the UK Space Agency, said:
Our Space For Everyone tour is an exciting opportunity for our next generation to see first-hand what it is really like to work in the space sector and to learn about careers in this growing and exciting industry.
The space sector requires various skills – many not traditionally associated with it – and champions inclusivity and the need for innovation. You don’t have to be a rocket, as there are a host of skills and talents needed to bring space closer to our daily lives and improve our understanding of this critical part of the environment for the benefit of the planet and its people.
Aside from inspiring the next generation, this tour is about highlighting the opportunities within the space industry for people of all backgrounds; championing inclusivity and the need for innovation. The roadshow is free and open to all ages, and the hope is that it will ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and maths in everyone who attends. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
13 May 23. SpaceX’s launch ties its heaviest payload ever of 56 Starlink smallsats. SpaceX‘s Falcon 9 successfully launched 56 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit on Sunday, May 14 at 1:03 a.m. ET from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The batch of 56 Starlink satellites tie the record for the heaviest payload ever launched by a SpaceX rocket, matching the figure on four previous Falcon 9 missions with a full load of Starlink spacecraft.
The mission is numbered Starlink 5-9 in SpaceX’s launch sequence making today’s total half of SpaceX’s 32 launches this year dedicated to the Starlink broadband network. SpaceX says each Starlink launch adds more than a terabit per second of capacity to the constellation.
Following stage separation, the first stage landed on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. Tday’s launch totals 4,447 Starlink satellites SpaceX has sent into orbit.
This is the eleventh flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched CRS-22, Crew-3, Turksat 5B, Crew-4, CRS-25, Eutelsat HOTBIRD 13G, mPOWER-a and three Starlink missions.
(Source: Satnews)
15 May 23. SatIoT services from iot squared + OQ Technology to benefit Saudi Arabia. The MoU was signed by Othman Al Dahash, Chief Executive Officer of iot squared, and Omar Qaise, Founder and CEO of OQ Technology. Through this partnership, OQ Technology will provide satellite IoT connectivity services and products to iot squared and support the technical development of its products and services. The two partners will also collaborate to identify target markets, verticals and applications that require satellite IoT services in the Kingdom and provide them with the necessary solutions.
“By helping to solve various challenges from traffic management, energy, safety, waste, and many others, IoT will fundamentally allow us to enhance productivity levels and quality of life, revolutionizing the way we live and work. By providing coverage and connectivity anywhere in the country, the integration of satellite IoT services and solutions in the Kingdom will drive the adoption of IoT solutions. Thanks to our latest partnership with OQ Technology, not only will we leverage the company’s expertise and existing products to support iot’s technical development and products, but together we will drive the adoption of IoT services, helping to achieve national digital transformation objectives, and motivating research and development across Saudi Arabia.” — Othman Al Dahash, CEO of iot squared
“5G networks are designed to address highly complex services, and applications such as the support of billions of interconnected devices known as massive machine communication. The problem is that only 25% of the Earth’s land mass today is covered by cell towers. At OQ Technology we are working to address this problem by enabling 5G-based massive machine communication all over the world using a constellation of nanosatellites which ensure a truly low latency of only a few milliseconds. By partnering with iot squared, we will now be able to use our shared networks, resources and expertise to identify new target markets and applications that require satellite IoT services in Saudi Arabia and work together to identify solution requirements, while advancing the adoption of IoT solutions in support of the country’s digital transformation objectives. OQ Technology, supported by Aramco Wa’ed Ventures, has established a local presence in the Al Khobar region. Having started commercial services and converting its global customers pipeline into paying clients this year, the company has recently signed a large commercial contract in the oil and gas sector.” — Omar Qaise, founder and CEO of OQ Technolog. (Source: Satnews)
17 May 23. Thales Alenia Space and consortium is enlisted by Italian Space Agency for €235 for In-Orbit Servicing demonstration mission. Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has won a €235m contract from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) to design, develop and qualify a spacecraft for a dedicated In-Orbit Servicing (IOS) demonstration mission. Thales Alenia Space is leading a Temporary Grouping of Companies regrouping Leonardo, Telespazio, Avio and D-Orbit. The mission will be developed in the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), with support from the Italian Space Agency. The demonstration mission will operate in low Earth orbit (LEO) and is set to be launched by 2026. A growing number of satellites are now circling the Earth to meet a wide range of requirements, from geolocation and connectivity, to weather forecasts, environmental monitoring and much more. Thales Alenia Space is therefore developing in-orbit servicing solutions to address the evolving needs of satellites in orbit.
“We are delighted that the Italian Space Agency chose the team of Thales Alenia Space, Leonardo, Telespazio, Avio and D-Orbit to carry out this ambitious project that will make space more sustainable,” said Massimo Claudio Comparini, Senior Executive Vice President, Observation, Exploration, and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space. “This mission reflects the skills and experience of established players in complex space projects, coupled with the more agile approach provided by emerging space companies. By working together they will generate synergies that ensure the future viability of the space sector, while also developing all-Italian technologies to support the growth of the country’s space industry.”
The demonstration mission will test enabling technologies for future on-orbit servicing missions by performing a wide range of robotic operations on satellites already in orbit: refueling, component repair or replacement, orbital transfer and atmospheric reentry.
These operations will be executed thanks to a dexterous robotic arm, developed by Leonardo in collaboration with SAB Aerospace, the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) and the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT).
Telespazio, together with Altec, will be in charge of the demonstration mission Ground Segment design, development and validation.
Space logistics company D-Orbit will manage all activities related to the target satellite platform, which is based on the company’s proprietary ION (In Orbit Now) platform, as well as the refueling system, with the transfer of a fluid from the servicer satellite to the target satellite.
Avio will carry out the design and development activities of the Orbital Support and Propulsion Module for the orbital stages.
In Orbit Servicing vehicles represent a real paradigm shift, since they will introduce unrivaled system scalability and flexibility by providing in-orbit maintenance and upgrade possibilities — also changing the whole approach to satellite design. To meet this challenge, industry will call on its unrivaled multidisciplinary expertise spanning from launchers, satellite infrastructure, robotics, sensing, artificial intelligence up to atmospheric reentry systems.
Thales Alenia Space is the European leader in in-orbit servicing, a new approach to space based on smarter, more innovative missions that make space more sustainable, as reflected in Thales Alenia Space’s “Space for Life” vision.
This Italian demonstration mission confirms Thales Alenia Space’s leadership in in-orbit servicing, following the contract signed with the European Commission last year for the EROSS IOD program. (Source: Satnews)
17 May 23. Orbit Logic enabling closed-loop geospatial intelligence. Based on high-level user-specified missions – such as pattern of life monitoring or multi-vehicle tracking – CASTT continuously and autonomously tasks satellites for data collection, analyzes the resulting data, and then issues follow-up collection tasks to the satellites based on the analyses while disseminating data and analyses directly to end users via mobile and web apps.
In contrast, the current manually intensive satellite imagery intelligence process is time consuming, laborious, and slow. CASTT automation and optimization results in more timely information, better use of highly constrained resources, and better intelligence.
CASTT integrates Orbit Logic’s mature satellite tasking, optimized collection planning, and data dissemination software with Chooch automatic target recognition (ATR) on tactical timelines. Its cloud-based architecture provides wide, secure access and scalability to add/expand automated analysis algorithms and commercial satellite interfaces. Beyond initial applications for the USAF, CASTT is applicable for disaster response, ecological monitoring, agricultural operations, and more.
“Through the proliferation of satellites populating Low Earth Orbit (LEO), it will soon be possible to perform certain time-critical sensing missions from space. We are excited to work with experienced partners like Orbit Logic and Chooch towards harnessing the tremendous amount of data generated by space-based sensors and making it available in near real-time to Air Force decision makers.” ─ Dr. Andre Van Rynbach, AFRL//RY
About the companies…
Orbit Logic specializes in mission planning and scheduling solutions for aerospace and geospatial intelligence. Orbit Logic’s operationally proven COTS products create better plans faster with fewer resources for all mission phases. Orbit Logic services are available to configure, customize, and integrate Orbit Logic’s mobile, web-based, desktop, and flight software applications to provide turn-key operational solutions that leverage the latest available technologies to meet customer goals and exceed their expectations.
Chooch has engineered a leading AI Vision platform that instantly detects specific visuals, objects, and actions in videos and images, especially critical anomalies, immediately comprehending their significance and launching preprogrammed responses – all in a fraction of the time it takes the human eye to notice an issue. To test Chooch, please go to https://chooch.ai/api/. Chooch services multiple industries – manufacturing, public sector, retail, telco, healthcare and many more across fortune 500 companies with leading partner including Microsoft, Deloitte, Nvidia, EY and HPE. (Source: Satnews)
17 May 23. The COSPAR satellite for advanced Earth science research enjoys collaboration from 5 countries. The COSPAR satellite aims to study various aspects of Earth’s atmosphere, including atmospheric dynamics and chemistry, as well as the effects of space weather on our planet. The satellite will also provide valuable data to support weather forecasting and climate modelling. With this project, the collaborating teams hope to contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge and exploration.
“The expertise and resources of HEX20, LASP, NCU CAPE, LATMOS and SKYROOT have combined to make this project a reality. We are proud to be working together to contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge and exploration. The COSPAR Satellite is a remarkable achievement that will benefit researchers and scientists worldwide. This joint effort is a testament to the power of collaboration and demonstrates what can be achieved when experts from different fields work together.” — Lloyd Lopez, HEX20 CEO
”In 2021, we initiated a Task Group to develop a constellation of small satellites for space science missions dealing with the ionosphere, radiation belts or the Earth atmosphere, possibly extending in the future to solar system planetary missions. The aim for COSPAR is to act as a honest broker, to coordinate the programs and then distribute science data received from various payloads developed by partnering entities world-wide. I am extremely happy to see the first step of this ambitious venture materializing, through this joint project with HEX20, LASP, NCU CAPE, LATMOS and Skyroot.” — Jean-Claude Worms, COSPAR Executive Director
“Space is emerging as one of the fastest growing commercial sectors in Australia with unique advantages such as Australia’s physical location in the southern hemisphere, a strong platform for research training, and strong technical expertise.” — Abdul Ekram, Austrade’s Trade and Investment Commissioner to India
About HEX20: HEX20 provides turnkey satellite mission solutions designed and delivered according to customer requirements. The modular and scalable buses can support missions for commercial and defence applications. Hex20 is currently working with its partners to build up sovereign capability within South Australia.
About LASP: LASP (Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics) is a research institution located at the University of Colorado Boulder, focused on advancing space science and technology through innovative research and education.
About NCU CAPE: NCU CAPE (National Central University Center for Astronautical Physics and Engineering) is a leading research center in Taiwan, dedicated to advancing the field of space science and technology. They conduct cutting-edge research, provide education and training, and collaborate with international partners to explore the frontiers of space.
About LATMOS: LATMOS (Laboratoire Atmosphères, Milieux, Observations Spatiales) is a leading research center in France, focused on understanding the Earth’s atmosphere and its interactions with space. Their research covers a range of topics, including climate change, air quality, and planetary science, and they work in collaboration with partners across the globe.
About Skyroot Aerospace: Skyroot Aerospace is an Indian space technology company that designs and manufactures rocket engines and launch vehicles. They aim to make access to space affordable and sustainable by developing innovative technologies and solutions.
About COSPAR: The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) is an international scientific organization dedicated to promoting and coordinating space research among nations. They facilitate international cooperation in space research, exchange information and ideas, and organize scientific meetings and conferences to advance the understanding of the Earth and the universe. (Source: Satnews)
23 May 23. RoK company fuses AI with imagery to detect ballistic missiles. A South Korean company specializing in satellite imagery analysis is developing new techniques to identify missiles, launchers and supporting infrastructure in North Korea with potential applications far beyond the shared peninsula.
SI Analytics CEO Taegyun Jeon on May 22 briefed reporters on the North Korea Dynamic Ballistic Missile Operation Area Search Project at the GEOINT Symposium in St. Louis. The company previously competed in U.S. Defense Innovation Unit challenges, including building damage assessments and detection of so-called dark vessels that don’t broadcast their location or appear in public monitoring systems.
The latest project fuses earth-observation data from multiple commercial satellite operators with in-house artificial intelligence-augmented image analysis to detect and classify anomalies — North Korean ballistic missile operations, for example. The findings, once verified by experts, can then be shared, facilitating a government response.
“We will contribute our private sector capability and effort for a safer world,” Taegyun said. “As can be seen in the media, the news, there is increasing global stress from North Korea.”
North Korean missile tests rattle neighbors and far-flung nations alike. They also draw widespread condemnation. A joint statement issued this week by South Korea and the European Union described North Korean developments as “reckless” and as a “serious threat” to “international and regional peace and security.”
A meaningful dialogue is needed, it continued, as is a suspension of “all actions that raise military tensions.”
SI Analytics was established in 2018. It is based in Daejeon, with offices in Seoul and Gwangju. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
23 May 23. NATO hunger for info driving deals for commercial satellite imagery. The unending appetite for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance within NATO is driving deals with commercial satellite imagery providers, according to one official.
Satellite imagery is a resource of growing importance, with governments and private citizens relying on it to keep tabs on their respective surroundings. Overhead photos were used to expose Russia’s materiel buildup ahead of the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and, more recently, have shown the scale of destruction in Eastern Europe.
The imagery arrangements at NATO plug a hole where there is insufficient collection from the “normal airborne assets that we’ve known and loved,” Paul Bowman, who leads the ISR cell for NATO’s Battlefield Information Collection and Exploitation Systems, said May 22 at the GEOINT Symposium in St. Louis.
The U.S. and U.K. are leading contributors to NATO joint ISR, with “everybody else” tailing, Bowman said.
“When we’ve run NATO joint ISR exercises over the past five years, we consistently find that there’s not enough collection to really sustain the number of people that are willing to produce geospatial intelligence out of that collection,” he said. “What does that point to? That points to commercial capabilities.”
Bowman did not disclose with whom the deals were struck, nor did he specify their respective price. U.S. leaders in satellite imagery, however, include Planet Labs and Maxar Technologies. NATO’s website describes the proliferation of commercial satellite imagery as both a risk and a boon — while Russia or China can benefit, too, private players offer the alliance “cost-effective and scalable solutions that meet” demand.
NATO earlier this year launched the Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space initiative, or APSS, meant to streamline the process of gathering and disseminating reams of data collected from space for use in the alliance. It banks on existing and planned space assets from friendly countries to establish a virtual constellation known as Aquila.
“We need persistence, we need collection,” Bowman said. “But we need collection that is technically shareable.” (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
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At Viasat, we’re driven to connect every warfighter, platform, and node on the battlefield. As a global communications company, we power millions of fast, resilient connections for military forces around the world – connections that have the capacity to revolutionize the mission – in the air, on the ground, and at sea. Our customers depend on us for connectivity that brings greater operational capabilities, whether we’re securing the U.S. Government’s networks, delivering satellite and wireless communications to the remote edges of the battlefield, or providing senior leaders with the ability to perform mission-critical communications while in flight. We’re a team of fearless innovators, driven to redefine what’s possible. And we’re not done – we’re just beginning.
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