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12 Feb 25. Space Development Agency launches study on Trump’s Iron Dome order. The Space Development Agency is launching a study to look at how its proliferated satellite constellation could support the Trump administration’s proposal for a homeland missile defense shield. In late January, President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling on the Defense Department to establish an “Iron Dome for America.” Though its name is a reference to Israel’s Iron Dome, the system would be designed to counter a range of advanced missile threats, including hypersonic weapons, cruise missile and drones. The multilayered architecture would feature several space-based elements that build on existing capabilities like the Missile Defense Agency’s Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor program and the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, or PWSA. It also calls for the development of space-based interceptors, reviving a controversial discussion about the technically complex and politically loaded capability. SDA’s proliferated architecture includes hundreds of missile-warning satellites designed to detect and track threats in orbit. In a notice Wednesday, the agency said it is conducting a study that looks at how its architecture could be expanded as part of the Iron Dome proposal and asks companies to submit technology concept proposals.
“SDA is interested in industry’s perspective on implementing the Iron Dome for America architecture, and is particularly interested in building on and integrating PWSA’s current contributions to global kill chains and missile defense,” SDA said.
The document lists a number of topics the agency plans to study related to Trump’s executive order, including: high-fidelity modeling, simulation and analysis of PWSA’s ability to counter current and emerging threats; accelerating the process to integrate the Missile Defense Agency’s space-sensor technology into the PWSA; bringing on new missile tracking and custody layer technologies; securing SDA’s supply chain; and improving on-orbit sensor data processing and fusion capabilities. SDA wants proposals submitted by Feb. 28, and notes that its study will directly inform the Defense Department’s plans. Meanwhile, Senate lawmakers have proposed legislation that would add $10.4bn to the Missile Defense Agency’s fiscal 2026 budget to fund the new missile shield and another $19.5bn in fiscal 2025. The bill, introduced by Sens. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., and Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, builds on Trump’s proposal and draws on findings from the Pentagon’s 2022 Missile Defense Review, which was signed out by the Biden administration. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
12 Feb 25. SATIM, the global leader in AI-based object detection and classification on SAR imagery, is pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with Thales, global leader in advanced technologies specializing in three business domains: Defence & Security, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital. Together, the companies aim to transform the future of SAR image-based intelligence solutions, providing unparalleled capabilities tailored to the unique needs of Thales’ diverse customer base.
“This partnership with Thales marks a significant milestone for SATIM. Combining our powerful AI-powered SAR image analytics with Thales’s advanced intelligence solutions, we’re unlocking a new era of possibilities for global security, defense, and commercial sectors.” Jacek Strzelczyk, CEO and Co-founder of SATIM
Under this groundbreaking collaboration SATIM’s state-of-the-art AI algorithms will seamlessly integrate into Thales’s cutting-edge image intelligence system MINDS (Multi-sensor image INformation and Distribution System), enhancing precision and efficiency in Synthetic Aperture Radar imagery analysis. From detecting and classification vessels in complex maritime environments to detecting and classifying critical objects in different scenarios, the combined expertise of SATIM and Thales will redefine the standards for image intelligence.
“We are thrilled with our partnership with SATIM, which aligns with our global AI strategy to deliver top-tier AI solutions to our customers. The open architecture of our MINDS all-in-one IMINT system enables seamless integration of AI-based solutions from partners or customers. Incorporating SATIM’s expertise in AI-driven SAR detectors into MINDS is essential for providing our customers with the most accurate and actionable image intelligence.” Eric Aubineau, Director of Image & Intelligence Systems at THALES
Through this collaboration, SATIM and Thales are able to deliver solutions that not only meet but even exceed the evolving customer requirements, ensuring faster, more accurate, and actionable intelligence in even the most challenging conditions. As the demand for high-performance AI and SAR imagery analysis continues to grow, this partnership is an example of the commitment of both companies to pushing technological boundaries and delivering excellence in intelligence solutions for industries worldwide.
About SATIM
SATIM revolutionizes the analysis of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery with AI-based solutions. With over a decade of experience, proprietary solutions, and strong partnerships, the company delivers exceptional precision—automatically detecting and classifying objects with up to 90% accuracy. SATIM’s technology is powered by OREC, an advanced AI-based software solution designed for strategic monitoring of open ocean, coastal areas, ports, and land areas.
11 Feb 25. Eutelsat America Corp. and OneWeb Technologies Inc (EACOWT), operating in combination as a wholly owned independent U.S. proxy company and subsidiary of Eutelsat Group, today announced a contract with Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes), an EchoStar company (Nasdaq: SATS), to develop an enterprise-grade OneWeb capable Low Earth Orbit (LEO) modem transceiver Circuit Card Assembly (CCA). The CCA will support EACOWT’s contract with L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) Call 003 program. This hybrid satellite communications (SATCOM) technology will deliver resilient Eutelsat OneWeb LEO broadband connectivity to the L3Harris RASOR Ecosystem, a scalable and configurable waveform solution that unifies multiple line-of-sight and beyond line-of-sight capabilities into a single unit. It will provide military users with flexible software-defined multi-orbit connectivity for critical Comms on the Pause (COTP), Comms on the Move (COTM) and Aero applications through the AFRL’s DEUCSI Call 003 program. The partners will deliver this future-proof Eutelsat OneWeb LEO capability, helping to augment military communications by leveraging agile, commercial satellite innovation, beginning in 2025.
“Hughes is developing this solution leveraging its deep expertise in the OneWeb gateway electronics, Satellite Subscriber Module (SSM) and systems architecture,” said Ian Canning, CEO of EACOWT. “In addition to its engineering capabilities, Hughes is a long-standing distribution and technology partner. They are well placed to support EACOWT to deliver seamless and innovative connectivity solutions to address military users’ multi-orbit mobility needs.”
As a Eutelsat OneWeb and EACOWT distribution partner, Hughes has delivered and developed the OneWeb gateway electronics and core modules that enable military users to access OneWeb LEO broadband connectivity.
“Hughes looks forward to developing this critical, multi-orbit solution, which will integrate Eutelsat OneWeb’s resilient LEO broadband connectivity into L3Harris’ innovative RASOR Ecosystem,” said Raghunandan Janardhan, vice president at Hughes Defense and Government Systems. “By collaborating with EACOWT, we are meeting military requirements for innovative, resilient satellite communications worldwide.”
EACOWT is a leading provider of satellite services for the U.S. government and its allies, committed to ensuring customers’ access to the most reliable SATCOM capabilities available. Together, EACOWT and Hughes have delivered OneWeb LEO capabilities in the Arctic region for AFRL since 2021.
About Eutelsat America Corp. and OneWeb Technologies
Eutelsat America Corp. and OneWeb Technologies Inc are a commercial satellite communications (SATCOM) services provider, offering resilient fixed and mobile solutions to the U.S. government and its allies. Operating in combination as a wholly owned independent U.S. proxy company and subsidiary of Eutelsat Group, Eutelsat America Corp. and OneWeb Technologies Inc provide consultative and customer-first solutions with access to a low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation of 600+ satellites and a global fleet of 36 geostationary (GEO) satellites. The company has a long-standing record of meeting the mission requirements of U.S. government customers through our technical achievement, operational excellence and service commitment. Learn more at https://eacowt.comand follow us on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).
About Hughes
Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company (Nasdaq: SATS), provides broadband equipment and services; managed services featuring smart, software-defined networking; and end-to-end network operation for ms of consumers, businesses, governments, airlines, and communities worldwide. The Hughes flagship internet service, Hughesnet®, connects ms of people across the Americas, and the Hughes JUPITER™ System powers internet access for tens of ms more worldwide. Hughes supplies more than half the global satellite terminal market to leading satellite operators, mobile network operators and military customers. Hughes products and services have helped bring in-flight video and broadband to thousands of aircraft for over twenty years. A managed network services provider, Hughes supports approximately half a m enterprise sites with its portfolio of wired and wireless solutions including 5G Open RAN and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
10 Feb 25. BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) and Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) have established a launch window opening February 18 for the first Gen-3 satellite. The launch, named “Fasten Your Space Belts,” will add very high-resolution 35-centimeter imaging capability to BlackSky’s high-cadence, low-latency data and AI-enabled analytics offerings.
“This launch represents a major inflection point for our global defense and intelligence customer base as BlackSky introduces very high-resolution Gen-3 capabilities to our high-frequency, low-latency monitoring constellation,” said Brian O’Toole, BlackSky CEO. “As more Gen-3 satellites complete production, we expect a regular cadence of additional launches over the coming year.”
“Electron is a trusted and reliable constellation builder for companies like BlackSky, allowing them to be in control of how, when, and where to deploy their constellation. BlackSky is one of our earliest and longest-standing commercial satellite customers, and it’s great to be heading back to the pad with them once again to continue to advance and expand their constellation,” said Sir Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and CEO.
As BlackSky’s constellation evolves with the regular addition of Gen-3 satellites, BlackSky will continue to optimize for increased constellation capacity and flexibility giving customers confidence in reliable access to services. Gen-3 customers will be able to conduct the automated detection, identification and classification of a wide library of vehicles, aircraft, vessels and other objects of tactical interest. These new capabilities will further enable BlackSky’s space-based intelligence applications for tactical ISR missions and strategic intelligence operations.
11 Feb 25. Viasat unveils Flipper-based manpack L-TAC system. The Viasat manpack L-TAC beyond line-of-sight system seen on display in London on 28 January 2025. Viasat showcased the latest version of its dismounted soldier beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) solution using its L-band tactical (L-TAC) satellite service at SAE Media Group’s Mobile Deployable Communications conference held in London on 28 and 29 January. The company aims to broaden its customer base for dismounted communications with the L-TAC system converting a conventional very-high-frequency (VHF) or ultra-high-frequency (UHF) tactical radio to use L-band satellite communications (satcom). Originally launched in 2023 as the Inmarsat BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) Patrol, prior to the acquisition of Inmarsat by Viasat, using a BGAN, Inmarsat’s satellite network, class 3 and a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) omnidirectional satcom antenna, the system has since evolved. It now uses a Commcrete Flipper L-TAC frequency converter with its associated antenna. The Flipper used in the latest manpack solution is the handheld HTS-100, which weighs 230 g including the antenna, although other versions for vehicle, headquarters, maritime, or aeronautical use are also available. The HTS-100 Flipper is integrated with a Glenair Star-Pan power and data hub, which also integrates the radio, an end-user device (a data terminal), and a separate power supply.
Daan Ruhe, Viasat global product specialist for L-TAC, told Janes that with a two-channel radio such as the Harris AN/PRC-163 it is possible to cross-band the channels, with one on the terrestrial net and the other on the L-band. He added that the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) battle management application has been integrated into the system. TAK is generally the application of choice for dismounted personnel. (Source: Janes)
10 Feb 25. New satellite deal to boost military operations, jobs and growth. Armed forces personnel will have access to the latest space-based imagery for military operations, following a deal signed for a new satellite system, named Oberon.
- New satellite system to enhance military operations, named ‘Oberon’, will be designed and built in the UK.
- The £127m contract with Airbus will support around 200 skilled jobs in Stevenage and Portsmouth, boosting the UK’s space sector and delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.
- Oberon will strengthen the UK’s intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities.
Armed forces personnel will have access to the latest space-based imagery for military operations, following a deal signed for a new satellite system, named Oberon.
The £127m deal with Airbus will support around 200 skilled jobs in Stevenage and Portsmouth, boosting the UK’s space capabilities and delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change.
The Oberon satellite system, made up of two Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, will be able to capture day and night-time images of the Earth’s surface, strengthening the UK’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Expected to launch in 2027, Oberon will have advanced imagery sensors, building on the capabilities of Tyche, UK Space Command’s first satellite which successfully launched in August last year.
The deal comes as UK Space Command has published the first images captured by Tyche. The images of Heathrow Airport, Sydney, Washington DC, and the California wildfires, demonstrate Tyche’s ability to capture imagery from anywhere on earth when Defence needs it. Both satellites form part of the Ministry of Defence’s space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance programme, known as ISTARI, which will deliver a constellation of satellites and supporting ground systems by 2031. These satellites will support military operations, for example by monitoring adversary activities, and contribute to other government tasks, including natural disaster monitoring, the development of mapping information, and tracking the impact of climate change around the world.
UK Space Commander, Major General Paul Tedman said: “WThrough UK Space Command, defence is partnering with industry and continuing to invest in advanced and innovative space technologies. Oberon, alongside Tyche and other satellites in our ISTARI constellation, will allow us to observe what’s happening on Earth from space at any time and through any weather. This will enable and enhance UK and allied military operations around the world.”
The contract for Oberon was awarded via competitive procurement to Airbus, which worked with Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises across the UK to leverage innovative new technologies for the 400kg satellites. The antennas for the spacecraft will be supplied by Oxford Space Systems, which has developed carbon fibre structures that stow away in very small volumes for launch but spring into shape once in orbit. Oberon will play a key part in securing critical UK skills in the growing global space sector. The aerospace sector added almost £40 bn to the economy last year, a growth of 50% in the last 10 years, and employs tens of thousands of people. The project will also help inform the procurement strategy for future space capability requirements. Space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance offers unparalleled earth observation, operating over any part of the globe. Constellations of ISR satellites can use different sensors and cameras, allowing focus to move quickly from one area of the world to another. In contrast to conventional cameras, Oberon will use Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to capture imagery in all-weather conditions.
Ben Bridge, Airbus Defence and Space UK Chairman, said: “£Oberon’s satellites will give the UK a much-needed sovereign capability and greatly enhance its space surveillance autonomy. Airbus in the UK has more than 45 years’ experience in the design and build of high-resolution radar satellites and, once in orbit, these spacecraft will play a vital role in keeping our Armed Forces safe around the world.”
Paul Russell, Space team leader at DE&S said: “This has been a superb team effort by members of DE&S, Space Command, DSTL and industry. With the award of the Oberon contract, we will deliver the next in a series game changing capabilities to UK Space Command providing the UK military with leading Space Based Synthetic Aperture Radar whilst helping to keep our nation safe and prosperous. We are looking forwards to working with Airbus as our Mission Partner to deliver this important capability together.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
10 Feb 25. ICEYE, the global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations for high-fidelity Earth Observation, and SATIM, a world-leading provider of AI-based solutions for Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) on SAR imagery, have today announced the signing of partnership agreement for joint product development.
The companies will combine ICEYE’s industry-leading satellite imagery with SATIM’s cutting-edge AI-powered imagery analytics solutions into new products enabling prompt, high-confidence detection and classification of vessels, aircraft, and land vehicles. After an initial pilot phase, the partners plan to release a series of generally-available products in 2025.
ICEYE owns and operates the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation, providing customers unprecedented access to 25 cm high-resolution imagery of any location on Earth, regardless of the weather conditions or day/night conditions. ICEYE’s unique, innovative satellites provide imagery with the industry’s highest resolution and scene sizes up to 840 km2, and hourly revisit rates for points around the globe. ICEYE has launched 44 satellites for its own and its customers’ use since 2018 and plans to launch more than 20 new satellites annually in 2025, 2026, and beyond.
SATIM is a world-leading AI technology company specializing in Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery. Harnessing the power of AI and SAR imagery, SATIM offers three highly accurate AI-based solutions that enable fast, highly accurate detection, classification, and identification of targets —anywhere, anytime. These advanced solutions are data-agnostic, near real-time, and cover a wide catalogue of objects.
Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE said: “Our partnership with SATIM is an important step on our journey towards becoming the global source of truth. By combining our world-leading SAR imagery and capabilities with SATIM’s powerful AI-driven SAR image analytics, we will be able to serve our customers with easy, direct access to actionable intelligence and insights. Improving situational awareness with satellite-based intelligence will enable informed and rapid decision-making where it is needed the most”.
Jacek Strzelczyk, CEO and Co-founder of SATIM, said: ”At SATIM, we continue to set the standards in AI-powered SAR analytics, and our collaboration with ICEYE, a leading SAR imagery provider, is an important milestone in our pursuit of excellence. This partnership marks a significant step in our commitment to advancing space-based solutions that provide critical insights for those on Earth. As we continue to explore new ways to advance the field, this partnership represents an exciting step ahead, and we look forward to what lies ahead in this evolving landscape”.
10 Feb 25. LM Matures Next Secure Communications Satellite Solution for USSF with Major Design Milestone. Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has now proven the readiness of its satellite design in support of the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command’s upcoming Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) Service Life Extension (SLE) program through successful execution of an Early Design Review (EDR). Future MUOS satellites planned as part of the program will be critical in continuing to provide crystal-clear, secure communications to military forces on the move.
Lockheed Martin is one of two companies selected to develop future MUOS satellite concepts under Phase 1 of the program, centered on early design activities and risk reduction.
“In less than the initial one-year base period of performance, our team went above and beyond to deliver not only a successful early design review – but one so robust that it passed the rigorous standards of a more advanced design assessment,” said Maria Hartin-Swart, program management director for Lockheed Martin’s MUOS SLE development efforts.
The company’s expertise derived from building and sustaining the existing MUOS constellation uniquely enables it to reduce risk by engineering for established complexities of the mission. Lockheed Martin’s commitment to leveraging digital technology and innovation also helps ensure MUOS can operate smoothly for years to come.
Future-Proof Technology that Can be Reconfigured in Space
For its proposed MUOS satellites under the extension program, Lockheed Martin has called upon SEAKR Engineering, an industry leader in advanced electronics for space applications. Together the company and Lockheed Martin have designed a new MUOS payload processor – a centrally important electronics box on the spacecraft. This new component uses state-of-the-art space technology to achieve an optimal balance of processing performance, resilience and resource utilization aboard the satellite.
Lockheed Martin’s next-generation MUOS payload processor also introduces a modern feature: it can be re-programmed once in space. The ability to reconfigure aspects of this critical payload will enable future MUOS satellites to evolve and meet emerging mission needs throughout their lives on orbit. Here on Earth, this processor recently completed a successful customer demonstration and achieved a Technology Readiness Level-6 designation – signifying it is ready to advance to production.
Integration of this proven electronics technology ensures future MUOS satellites can remain secure and act with agility in the face of an ever-changing threat environment.
MUOS Makes a Difference in Secure Military Communications
MUOS is a network of orbiting satellites and relay ground stations that revolutionize secure communications for mobile military forces.
The unique Wideband Code Division Multiple Access waveform introduced by the current MUOS constellation enables it to act more like a conventional cellphone network, spreading multiple users out over a spectrum. Currently, MUOS satellites provide more than 67,000 terminal and radio users with:
- Secure, beyond-line-of-sight Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) communications
- Simultaneous, crystal-clear voice, video and mission data
- Reliable communications where needed most, even in the far corners of the globe
After Phase 1 concludes, the USSF has said it will select a provider for Phase 2, encompassing production, testing and delivery of two new MUOS satellites for launch by 2030. (Source: ASD Network)
08 Feb 25. Rocket Lab launches next batch of satellites for Kinéis Constellation. Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB), a global leader in launch services and space systems, successfully launched, its 59th Electron mission, deploying five satellites to Low Earth Orbit for French Internet-of-Things (IoT) constellation operator Kinéis.
The “IOT 4 You and Me” mission lifted-off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand at 9:43 am NZDT on 9 February (20:43 UTC), successfully deploying five satellites to a 647 km low Earth orbit. The mission was Rocket Lab’s first Electron launch of 2025, fourth launch for Kinéis to date, and 59th Electron launch overall.
Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck said: “That’s four launches done and one still to go for Kinéis, then we’ll have deployed their entire constellation in less than a year. It’s not uncommon for constellation operators to wait longer than that for their first launch, let alone have a full constellation deployed and operating. Once again Electron has shown its strength as a pinpoint accurate constellation launcher that lets customers tailor missions and schedules to their needs.”
Kinéis CTO Michel Sarthou said: “Producing 25 nanosatellites and launching them into orbit in just eight months is an unprecedented feat—and above all, a remarkable challenge! With this fourth and penultimate launch, Kinéis moves one step closer to its ambitious goal: delivering global IoT coverage through a complete constellation of 25 nanosatellites. This milestone showcases the expertise and determination of our teams and partners like Rocket Lab. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support and commitment we have received since Kinéis was founded.”
The Kinéis constellation is designed to make it possible to connect and locate any connected object anywhere in the world, enabling data transmission to users in near-real time, at low bit rates and with very low energy consumption. By enabling internet connection to the Earth’s most remote locations, Kinéis constellation can support forest fire detection, water resource management, infrastructure and energy network monitoring, transport and logistics tracking, and much more. The launch date for the fifth Kinéis launch in this series of missions will be announced in the coming weeks. The next Electron launch is scheduled for lift-off in February, with the specific launch window and customer details to be announced in the coming days. (Source: Satnews)
02 Feb 25. SpaceX’s successful Saturday launch of Starlink Group 11-4 smallsats. 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. All photos by Satnews. The mission was the 111th orbital launch for SpaceX from its pad at Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) and the 200th orbital launch in total from that site. Liftoff happened at 3:02 p.m. PST (6:02 p.m. EST, 2302 UTC). This was the 17th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched SDA-0A, SARah-2, Transporter-11, and now 14 Starlink missions.
“Starlink has revolutionized [our] ability to deliver essential network services to vessel crew, addressing their desperate need for connectivity.
SpaceX is now targeting Saturday, February 1 for a Falcon 9 launch of 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 3:02 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 6:47 p.m. PT. If needed, additional launch opportunities are also available Sunday, February 2 starting at 2:29 p.m. PT. This is the 17th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched SDA-0A, SARah-2, Transporter-11, and 13 Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean. There is the possibility that residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the launch, but what residents experience will depend on weather and other conditions. (Source: Satnews)
30 Jan 25. Arianespace’s Ariane 6 to launch the French Defense Procurement and Technology Agency’s CSO-3 satellite. On February 26, 2025 at 1:24 p.m. local time (4:24 p.m. UTC, 5:24 p.m. CET), Arianespace will launch the CSO-3 satellite with Ariane 6 from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The mission, called VA263, will be the first commercial flight for Ariane 6, the new European heavy-lift launcher. It will place its passenger, the CSO-3 satellite, into Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) at an altitude of around 800 km. Spacecraft separation will occur 1 hour and 6 minutes after lift-off.
David Cavaillolès, CEO of Arianespace, said: “I am very pleased to announce the date of Ariane 6’s first commercial flight as I take up office. This marks the start of the Ariane 6 operating phase, and it’s an honor to open this new era for Arianespace. With this launch in support of French defense and the capability requirements of several partner nations, Arianespace will guarantee independent access to space for France and Europe, for the benefit of all our fellow citizens.”
CSO-3 is the third satellite in the DGA-led MUSIS program (Multinational Space-based Imaging System), a constellation of three satellites dedicated to Earth observation for defense and security purposes. CSO-1 and CSO-2 were both successfully launched by Arianespace, respectively in 2018 and 2020. (Source: Satnews)
05 Feb 25. The new US Administration is opening up space funding. The Space Race for Capital session was a crowded and well attended panel at the SmallSat Symposium on February 5 at Mountain View. Brought together by the huge business advice consultancy Moss Adams, and moderated by partner Corey Preugschat, delegates wanted to know what the trends were in terms of fundraising and financing.
Meagan Crawford, Founder & Managing Partner, SpaceFund (and owner of spacefund.com site), explained that valuations came back into line in 2024 and more realistic than the crazy period – over-valued – of 2021-2022. Greater realism sometimes means a lower valuation, and trust the Venture Capitalist to give you hopefully realistic advice. Cash flow, in my experience is crucially important. It can be difficult and very damaging when a contract is held up meaning the cash doesn’t flow, despite an order being in place. I’d hope that the new Administration addresses this. It is also worth stressing that the world’s biggest funder in space is the U.S. government.
She suggested that the biggest opportunities were not in the launch industry. It is no longer ideal.
Noel Rimalovski, MD, GH Partners explained that some Venture Capital funds were often focussed just on the next ‘Facebook’ and not necessarily looking at Space. Space is capital intensive and investors prefer not to have to mark values down when a project comes back looking for more funding. Rimalovski also endorsed the view that the new Administration would be helpful with cash supporting U.S.-based activity. Defense and intelligence are also in favour and attractive to government. But always remember that you have to have your financial house in order. Start getting audits regularly, and be prepared for quarterly announcements.
Greg Smirin, President, Muon Space. They raised $56 m in a Series B round. The challenges, he said, were in explaining to potential investors what space and for Muon Space what it was all about. “We were helped by signing just over $100m in fresh contracts. What we have found subsequently is that valuations have improved and there’s a greater understanding (of Space).”
Christopher Thein, CEO, EOI Space said he was in the middle of a Round B funding. “It is fair to say that sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs before finding your prince. If I was an investor, I would be very wary of any proposal that was pitched against SpaceX. By and large there’s a 30-50% premium for AI-focused companies.”
Ari Juster, COO, Starfish Space, managed to raise almost $30m in 2024 to take the total to $50 m raised. It was the 4th ‘real round’ of cash-raising but he said he found that lead times had expanded and applicants needed to take this on board when embarking on discussions. There were also many factors in the decision making that might be well outside the influence of investor and recipient. (Source: Satnews)
06 Feb 25. U.S. Space System Command + Japan launch first bilateral space effort. A U.S. space domain awareness payload hosted on Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite 6 successfully launched on a Japanese H-3 launch vehicle from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Tanegashima Space Center in Japan on February 2—this is the first bilateral, U.S. Japan cooperative space effort focused on national security, and the first of two launches as part of the JAXA Quasi-Zenith Satellite System Hosted Payload program. The satellite will be operated by Space Operations Command’s Mission Delta 2, which conducts Space Domain Awareness operations to identify, characterize, and exploit opportunities and mitigate vulnerabilities in the national security space terrain on behalf of the U.S. Space Force and U.S. Space Command. The satellite will deliver near real time data to the Space Surveillance Network bolstering the U.S. Department of Defense understanding of the Geosynchronous Orbit regime above the Indo-Pacific region. The QZSS-HP program encompasses the integration, launch and operations of two U.S. payloads hosted on Japanese satellites. In preparation for launch, USSF and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory teams have worked side-by-side with the NSPS and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation teams in Japan over the past two years to integrate and test the first hosted payload alongside its Japanese QZS-6 host. Both U.S. payloads for this mission were designed and built by MIT/LL in Lexington, Mass. The Japanese host Quasi-Zenith Satellites were designed and built by MELCO in Kamakura, Japan, to augment the U.S. GPS capabilities in the region. QZSS-HP utilizes the Multi-Mission Space Operations Center/Enterprise Command and Control – Schriever enclave located in Colorado. The strategic partnership between the USSF and Japan’s National Space Policy Secretariat originated through a December 2020 international agreement to jointly execute the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System-Hosted Payload program. The mission’s second payload aboard QZS-7 is on track for launch in early FY2026.
“This launch is a historic milestone for the U.S. – Japan alliance,” said USSF Col. Bryon McClain, program executive officer for Space Systems Command’s Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power. “In an increasingly contested space domain, Japan’s contribution to the U.S. DoD’s deterrence strategy has been, and will continue to be, key to INDOPACOM awareness and operations. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Japan on space modernization, data sharing, satellite communications and more.”
“Congratulations to both nations on this achievement. Mission Delta 2 is honored to operate these payloads as they get on orbit on behalf of the USSF. These sensors will support the fusion of space- and ground-based Space Domain Awareness to further reinforce all-domain collective defense with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific,” explained USSF Col. Raj Agrawal, commander of SpOC’s Mission Delta 2.
“I’m proud of the team for this achievement as the first launch in this first-ever bilateral collaboration,” said CMSgt. Jacqueline Sauve, SSC’s senior enlisted leader, who was on-site at TNSC for the launch. “This mission is just the beginning of what we can accomplish together with allies and partners.”
“A key component to ensuring the success of the QZSS-HP mission is the ground infrastructure,” said USSF Col. Joe Roth, director of SSC’s Innovation and Prototyping Acquisition Delta. “Ensuring the ground piece exceeds expectation paves the way for continued successful partnership opportunities with our Asia-Pacific allies.” (Source: Satnews)
07 Feb 25. Trump Air Force nominee arranged satellite contract in manner that favored Musk’s SpaceX, sources say. President Donald Trump’s nominee as Air Force Secretary, currently a top official at the national spy satellite agency, arranged a multibn-dollar contract solicitation in a way that favored Elon Musk’s SpaceX, according to seven people familiar with the contract. Changes to the requirements for the classified contract led the inspector general of the agency, the National Reconnaissance Office, to investigate whether the official, Troy Meink, had improperly directed the transaction toward SpaceX, two of the people told Reuters. Musk’s space venture ultimately won the contract in 2021. It isn’t clear whether the inspector general concluded a report or if any investigation remains underway. Neither the allegations related to the contract, nor the inspector general’s probe, have previously been reported. A spokesperson for the NRO said by email the agency “does not have any knowledge of any allegations, protests or wrongdoing related to the procurement” referred to by Reuters. It declined to comment on “details related to contractual relationships with industry partners or specific activities.” (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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