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05 Feb 25. CSIRO speeds up hunt for fast radio bursts. CSIRO has developed a faster and more accurate technique for detecting fast radio bursts. The national science agency compared its new CRACO method to sifting through sand on a beach and said the instrument was made up of a cluster of computers connected to the ASKAP radio telescope in WA. Fast radio bursts are intense bursts of radio emission that can last just milliseconds and were only first detected in 2007. The exact processes that cause them have long been shrouded in mystery.
Researchers using CRACO at Curtin have discovered 20 bursts alongside two sporadically-emitting neutron stars. The results were published in the Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia.
Dr Andy Wang, from ICRAR, who led the research group, said the team had found more astronomical objects than expected.
“We were focused on finding fast radio bursts, a mysterious phenomenon that has opened up a new field of research in astronomy,” he said. CRACO is enabling us to find these bursts better than ever before. We have been searching for bursts 100 times per second and in the future we expect this will increase to 1,000 times per second. Once at full capacity, CRACO will be a game changer for international astronomy.”
CSIRO astronomer and engineer Dr Keith Bannister, who, along with his team, developed the instrument, said the scale of observation enabled by the new technology is enormous. CRACO taps into ASKAP’s ‘live’ view of the sky in search of fast radio bursts,” he said. “To do this, it scans through huge volumes of data – processing 100 billion pixels per second – to detect and identify the location of bursts. That’s the equivalent of sifting through a whole beach of sand to look for a single five-cent coin every minute.”
CSIRO said CRACO had been engineered to sift through the trillions of pixels received by the telescope to find anomalies, alerting researchers the moment it spots something out of the ordinary.
Dr Wang added that his team had increasingly expanded CRACO’s research targets to find more exotic sources.
“We’re also detecting long-period transients, which remain mysterious objects within our galaxy. Both fast radio bursts and these transients were first discovered in Australia, so it is great that we’re continuing the path of discovery with this impressive technology.”
The ASKAP telescope — or Australian SKA Pathfinder Telescope — opened in Western Australia in 2012 and is intended to provide a “big picture” view of the universe. It means that instead of studying a few objects in detail, it can catalogue millions of new galaxies and other astronomical sources. ASKAP has 36 dish antennas that work together as one telescope and each antennas stand three storeys tall. CRACO will soon be made available to astronomers all over the world as part of CSIRO’s Australia Telescope National Facility, a suite of national research infrastructure which includes Murriyang, CSIRO’s Parkes radio telescope. (Source: Space Connect)
05 Feb 25. Japan’s SKY Perfect JSAT (9412.T) will invest about $230m to build a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites using U.S. company Planet Labs’ (PL.N) Pelican satellite, the company said on Wednesday. JSAT will enter the Earth observation satellite business through the investment that will be carried out by its American subsidiary, the company said. Shares in JSAT, the biggest broadcast and communication satellite operator in Asia, rose as much as 9% after the announcement. (Source: FT.com)
04 Feb 25. Maxar Intelligence, a provider of secure, precise geospatial insights, today confirmed that its fifth and sixth WorldView Legion satellites are performing well after being launched into mid-inclination orbit from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket earlier today.
“Maxar Space Systems is committed to our Maxar Intelligence customer, delivering on our legacy of quality and reliability. The WorldView Legion spacecraft are built to be the most advanced commercial Earth observation systems, reflecting our team’s dedication and hard work”
With this successful launch, Maxar now has seven satellites on orbit capable of collecting 30 cm-class imagery—representing a significant increase in very-high resolution imagery capacity and marking a new era for the geospatial industry. Once all six WorldView Legion satellites are fully operational, the Maxar constellation will be able to collect more than 6 m sq km of Earth imagery per day, including up to 3.6 m sq km of 30 cm-class imagery.
These capabilities offer:
- More capacity for mission planning.
- The ability to collect more real-time imagery to support site monitoring, emergency response, maritime surveillance and civil government use cases.
- Foundational imagery to create fresher basemaps and 3D maps for commercial and operational mapmaking and telecommunications planning.
- Enhanced insights extracted on the global scale for informed decision-making.
“This incredible achievement puts Maxar in a category of its own within the geospatial industry, and it’s been made possible thanks to the hard work, dedication and talent of the many people who have supported this program over the years,” said Dan Smoot, Maxar Intelligence CEO. “This is the just the beginning. This additional capacity enables us to collect more timely data over more locations, and it will further fuel the industry’s most advanced 2D and 3D geospatial content products.”
“Combining this capacity with our AI-powered technologies and software platform puts Maxar in a unique position to deliver the ground truth in near real-time, empowering our government and commercial users to make mission-critical, time-sensitive decisions with confidence,” Smoot said.
In addition to increasing collection capacity, the WorldView Legion satellites enhance the capabilities of Maxar’s industry-leading constellation by:
- Powering dawn-to-dusk image collection, with satellites in mid-inclination orbit and sun-synchronous orbit.
- Enabling up to 15 revisits per day of some locations on Earth, which is critical for use cases like site and change monitoring.
The first two WorldView Legion launched in May 2024 and are currently supporting customer missions. The second pair launched in August 2024 and delivered first images late last year.
Built by Maxar Space Systems, these six WorldView Legion satellites are the first Maxar 500™ series platforms to reach space, following the successful launches of the four last year.
“Maxar Space Systems is committed to our Maxar Intelligence customer, delivering on our legacy of quality and reliability. The WorldView Legion spacecraft are built to be the most advanced commercial Earth observation systems, reflecting our team’s dedication and hard work,” said the CEO of Maxar Space Systems, Chris Johnson. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
03 Feb 25. £16m for new projects to boost UK benefits of satellite constellations. Two innovative projects are awarded a share of £16m from the UK Space Agency today (3 February) to position the UK at the forefront of the latest advancements in satellite communications.
The funding will enable UK industry to capture a greater portion of the satellite mega-constellation market by developing technology that improves their efficiency and capability. It comes from the UK Space Agency’s Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme, which will invest up to £160m in UK expertise in this area over the next four years.
Satellite constellations are enhancing global connectivity by providing high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas, bridging the digital divide. These constellations are set to transform markets in maritime and aviation connectivity, changing how people communicate as they live and work in some of the remotest places on Earth.
Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:
The UK has all the cutting edge expertise and technology to spearhead the latest advancements in satellite communications and become a leader in this high-tech industry.
These Government backed projects will not only provide significant advancements in mobile communication, but help to bridge the digital divide, connecting communities in the most hard-to-reach areas.
Companies benefitting from this round of funding include Oxfordshire’s EnSilica plc, which will receive £10 m to develop novel silicon chips and software for a user terminal. This will be compatible with UK and European constellations like OneWeb Next Generation.
In Cardiff, Excelerate Technology Ltd will receive £6m to develop the small and flexible Mobility and Autonomy Market User Terminal (MAMUT) which will allow users to choose the operator and orbit via an app, reducing costs and enhancing global configurability.
The UK has a growing space sector, with a rich heritage in satellite design and the operation of large constellations. This new government funding is crucial to maintaining the UK’s competitive edge during a period of rapid change and growth in the global space sector.
In 2023, a new record was achieved with the successful launch of more than 2,900 satellites into space. The majority of these satellites are part of commercial constellations, which are expected to expand rapidly. A further 18,000 satellites are likely to be launched between 2021 and 2031, with mega-constellations comprising 75% of this total.
This is a significant opportunity for UK industry to secure high-value contracts within the global supply chain for satellite constellations, and to assume a leading role in the long-term growth of the satellite communication sector.
The UK is also a founding member of the European Space Agency (ESA) and hosts the European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) in the Harwell Space Cluster. The C-LEO programme awards funding through two different routes. The projects announced today are grants awarded directly by the UK Space Agency, with further contracts from ESA set to follow in the coming months.
The announcement was made ahead of the UK Space Agency’s Ignite Space Conference, to be held this week at the National Space Centre in Leicester. This event highlights opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to connect with new customers, collaborators, and investors within the UK’s space industry and its supply chain. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
03 Feb 25. iPhone update adds Starlink compatibility. iPhones will soon be able to send and receive texts via Starlink after a new update quietly enabled the service. The ‘straight-to-mobile’ upgrade was revealed by news agency Bloomberg late last week but seemingly confirmed by SpaceX founder Elon Musk on X shortly afterwards.
“Medium resolution images, music & audio podcasts should work with the current generation Starlink direct-to-phone constellation,” wrote Musk. “Next generation constellation will do medium resolution video.”
Previously, iPhones could only send satellite texts via rival Globalstar satellites and the device had to be physically pointed at the sky. The service was also designed to be used only in an emergency if the user was lost or in danger.
Reports suggest that selected T-Mobile users in the US will be offered the chance to enrol in a Beta test before satellite texts are eventually rolled out to the entire customer base.
The news significantly comes after Telstra followed Optus in signing a “straight-to-mobile” deal with Starlink last month. The agreement is unique because it does not require customers to obtain specific hardware and will work on all compatible handsets.
The telco revealed that while the service would initially focus on testing texts, it could eventually evolve to support voice, data and IoT services.
SpaceX, meanwhile, only completed the first constellation of the special satellites needed to make the technology work in December.
“Currently, satellite-to-mobile technology allows users to send a message only,” said Shailin Sehgal, a Telstra group executive.
“This is really a just-in-case connectivity layer that allows a person to make contact for help or let someone know they are OK when they are outside their own carrier’s mobile coverage footprint.”
Starlink aims to launch data and IoT this year, while it says voice calls are coming soon. Other global telcos to sign up include T-Mobile in the US, One NZ in New Zealand and KDDI in Japan.
Starlink only launched in Australia in 2021 but was only available via a permanent, fixed connection. There are currently thought to be more than 6,000 Starlink satellites in orbit, though the company eventually hopes it can support more than 40,000. (Source: Space Connect)
03 Feb 25. Gilmour and Advanced Navigation to collaborate. Advance Navigation and Gilmour will work together to create a new navigation system capable of withstanding the massive shocks and vibrations encountered in space. The plan to create a new Inertial Navigation System is being backed by a $855,000 grant from the Australian Space Agency, as part of its NASA’s Moon to Mars initiative. Inertial navigation systems use motion and rotation sensors, such as gyroscopes, to deduce a spacecraft’s position, and are designed to operate when traditional satellite navigation systems fail. The new technology will initially be tested via simulations but could ultimately be used to support Gilmour’s Eris rockets and Elara satellite platforms in LEO.
“From lift-off to payload deployment, each stage of the rocket’s journey demands precision engineering and coordination,” said Advanced Navigation.
“All electronic and fibre-optic hardware must be able to withstand massive shock, vibration, shifting gravity, payload impact and extreme temperature change.
“They must be flawlessly integrated into the entire system, as a slight misalignment or miscommunication at any stage could be hazardous and result in a mission failure.
“The onboard INS consists of a plethora of high-end sensors, including accelerometers and gyroscopes, sensitive enough to detect the smallest change in noise and vibration.
“To ensure accurate and reliable performance, these delicate components must be shielded from the extreme forces experienced during launch. One innovative solution is the integration of a high-shock enclosure—a protective barrier encircling the INS housing.
“This enclosure acts as a cushion between the system and the surrounding structure, absorbing and redistributing intense g-forces from engine ignitions and launch vibrations.
“By dampening these shocks, the enclosure prevents disruptive forces from reaching the sensors, preserving their precision in the harshest conditions.”
Advanced Navigation said the technology would be tested by simulating a rocket launch, including seeing how the technology stands up to sudden shocks, extreme temperatures and rapid pressure changes.
“The simulations create the perfect storm for system failure, in which the INS must survive being repeatedly shaken, frozen, heated, smashed, crushed and pulled—a series of critical milestones to overcome before it is truly ready for blast-off,” it said.
The funding that will enable the collaboration has come through the Supply Chain Capability Improvement Grants program, which is part of the wider Moon to Mars initiative that aims to invest $150 m over five years to grow Australia’s space sector.
Gilmour, meanwhile, has still yet to reveal when it will open the launch window for its Eris rocket after securing its licence to blast off late last year.
In its latest LinkedIn post, Gilmour advised the public against attempting to watch the inaugural launch in person, given the “high likelihood of delays or scrubs”.
“We will not be providing a live stream as our priority is ensuring mission safety and success,” it said. “A video of the launch will be shared soon after.”
Gilmour Space Technologies has been developing its three-stage launch vehicle for eight years and hopes to address a gap in the global market for small satellite launch providers.
It was granted the launch licence, an Australian first, by Science Minister Ed Husic in November under the Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018. (Source: Space Connect)
31 Jan 25. ESA and European Commission to Build Quantum-secure Space Communications Network. Today in Brussels, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission consolidated their cooperation on the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), marking the successful conclusion of negotiations and clearing the way for development to begin. EuroQCI is an advanced network that aims to protect everything from personal data to Europe’s critical infrastructure, using proven principles of quantum physics. EuroQCI will enhance the security of critical government data by leveraging quantum key distribution (QKD), a technology that uses the principles of quantum physics to detect any attempt at interception. The system will also protect Europe’s vital infrastructure – from power grids that supply our electricity to emergency services that protect our communities in times of crises. This marks a significant step toward meeting the EU’s Digital Decade target of being at the forefront of quantum capabilities by 2030. The technology works through two complementary systems. On Earth, it leverages existing fibre-optic internet cables enhanced with quantum security features. In space, ESA is leading the development of a satellite constellation through its Optical and Quantum Communications – Scylight programme to expand the reach of the QKD secure network across Europe and beyond. This effort is being advanced through ESA’s Security And cryptoGrAphic mission (SAGA), which will demonstrate and validate space-based quantum technologies in orbit. In partnership with an industrial consortium led by SES Techcom and the European Commission, ESA is also supporting the development of Eagle-1, the first satellite for this space-based QKD system, scheduled for launch in 2026. The project has received strong backing from all 27 EU Member States, demonstrating its importance for Europe’s future. The European Commission launched its first implementation phase for EuroQCI in 2023, with the next milestone focused on its gradual integration into IRIS², Europe’s new secure satellite constellation.
“Today, we celebrate the successful conclusion of negotiations and the signing of this Agreement, a pivotal step forward that highlights the power of partnership in achieving ambitious goals,” said Josef Aschbacher, ESA’s Director General. “Through our collaboration with the European Commission and Member States, we will ensure EuroQCI sets the global standard for secure and innovative quantum communication. ESA will lead the Contracting, Design, and Qualification authority, developing EuroQCI to protect critical information and assets, and spearheading R&D activities in space-based quantum technologies.”
Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications, said: “By integrating quantum-based systems into existing infrastructures, EuroQCI will create a secure communication layer resistant to emerging cyber threats, advancing Europe’s cybersecurity strategy and strengthening our leadership in quantum technologies.”
Roberto Viola, the European Commission’s Director-General of Communications Networks, Content and Technology, said: “Yesterday, the Commission had announced the Competitiveness Compass, the key policy agenda for the coming years, which includes maintaining a leading position in quantum technologies. I therefore welcome the agreement with ESA under the EuroQCI, which brings us one step closer to realising our vision in quantum and more specifically of a quantum safe communication network for Europe based on terrestrial and satellite technologies. This agreement builds on our long-standing partnership with ESA in key space technologies and applications such as Copernicus, Galileo and IRIS² initiative.” (Source: ASD Network)
31 Jan 25. Sweden successfully launched military satellite in August. Sweden launched its first military communications satellite in August last year, the government said on Friday, the first of more planned military surveillance satellites. The GNA-3 test satellite was launched from California in the U.S. and is operated by the Swedish Armed Forces. A more advanced surveillance satellite is expected to be launched in the coming months and another one in coming years.
“This is just the first step on our space journey and we look forward to seeing the defence’s space capabilities continue to develop,” Defence Minister Pal Jonson said in a statement.
Jonson said Sweden, which joined NATO in March 2024 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced a rethink in national security policy, was well placed to develop its space programme, citing its large manufacturing industry and its space base in Kiruna, northern Sweden. (Source: Reuters)
31 Jan 25. Russia condemns Trump missile defence shield plan, accuses US of plotting to militarise space. Russia on Friday condemned an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump to build a new missile defence shield, accusing the United States of trying to upset the global nuclear balance and pave the wave for military confrontation in space. Trump on Monday signed an order that “mandated a process to develop an ‘American Iron Dome,’” a next-generation U.S. missile defence shield against ballistic, hypersonic, cruise missile and other forms of aerial attack. The White House said the intention was to modernise an outdated system and address a “catastrophic threat” that had become more complex as U.S. adversaries developed new delivery systems. But Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the plan was aimed at undermining the ability of both Russia and China to exercise nuclear deterrence. In the sharpest Russian criticism so far of a policy announced by Trump’s new administration, she said that the planned U.S. move would hinder the prospects for talks on nuclear arms control – something that both Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have said they favour. (Source: Reuters)
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Founded in 2017, MatrixSpace is creating the next generation of artificial intelligence enabled sensing solutions to digitize the outdoors beyond the limits of human perception.
The company combines novel artificial intelligence and radar technologies to identify movement and provide context in real-time. MatrixSpace sensors are the smallest, lightest and most portable high-performance systems on the market powered by AI. They deliver actionable insights that empower a broad range of public and private enterprises to protect assets and maintain safety with superior situational awareness.
For the modern, mobile battlespace, MatrixSpace provides both high performance 4D radar and jam-resistant mesh networked communications engineered to perform in the harshest conditions—day or night, in any weather, and in remote, rugged locations. Designed for flexibility, our radar systems can be integrated with tactical vehicles or mounted on structures like buildings, TOCs, or stanchions. Offering 360° coverage, they provide unmatched field-of-view advantages, while low energy consumption allows for solar/battery-powered operation in off-grid environments at twice the duration and a fraction the cost of alternatives. The MatrixSpace AI platform removes clutter and classifies objects, so operators can act confidently without specialized radar expertise.
The MatrixSpace expeditionary radar kit fits in a standard daypack and contains everything needed to deliver actionable detections to an ATAK mobile device in less than 5 mins.
MatrixSpace solutions are designed and developed in the United States, without ITAR export restrictions, manufactured under the highest ISO and IATF standards and rigorously tested for quality, reliability and compliance.
Visit maxtrixspace.com
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