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03 Apr 25. Rapid Deployable SATCOM Systems for USVs, Small Vessels and Special Operations Forces : Orbit Showcases MPT at Sea Air Space. Orbit Communication Systems Ltd. (TASE: ORBI), a leading global provider of ground, airborne, and maritime SATCOM terminals, tracking ground station solutions, and mission-critical communication systems, will highlight its MPT30Ka and MPT46Ka SATCOM Systems at Sea Air Space 2025. Specially designed for space-constrained platforms such as Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) and small naval craft and special forces operatrion, the MPT30Ka and MPT46Ka offer powerful, secure, and reliable satellite communication in a compact and lightweight form. Based on Orbit’s battle-proven Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT), the MPT30Ka and MPT46Ka deliver broadband SATCOM connectivity in minutes, thanks to their rapid roll-on/roll-off capability. With plug-and-play functionality and single-button activation, they are ideal for missions requiring rapid deployment and immediate operational readiness—even in GPS-denied or hostile environments. The systems support GEO, MEO, LEO, and HEO satellite constellations, ensuring comprehensive global coverage. With high EIRP and G/T values and efficient EIRP Spectral Density (EIRPsd), they provide optimal performance with reduced bandwidth consumption—making them especially suitable for defense forces operating large SATCOM fleets. Their ruggedized, MIL-STD-compliant construction enables reliable operation in extreme maritime conditions, while their compact footprint makes them a perfect fit for small vessels, where every inch of space matters.
“Modern naval operations increasingly rely on unmanned and small platforms that still require robust connectivity,” said Daniel Eshchar, CEO of Orbit. “The MPT30Ka and MPT46Ka rapid deployable systems bring advanced SATCOM capabilities to even the most compact maritime systems, ensuring operational effectiveness and mission continuity.” (Source: ASD Network)
02 Apr 25. Paving the Way for Next-Generation Satellite Communications. Find out how our new ELEVATE partner RBC signals is empowering service integrators with cost-effective spectrum and ground station access. With demand for satellite-based Industrial IoT solutions continuing to rise – where satellites connect everything from Agriculture, Utilities, Energy, Environment, Mining, Maritime, and Transport – powerful, reliable satellite communication has never been more important. Enter our new ELEVATE partner RBC Signals, a company that’s helping companies stay connected with innovative solutions for satellite-based IoT networks. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA, RBC Signals specializes in Fractional & Dynamic Spectrum Leasing and Ground Stations as a Service (GSaaS) to offer cost-effective and flexible solutions for private IoT networks. Their mission? To make satellite communication for IoT more flexible, affordable, and reliable – and they’re doing just that, one device at a time.
How to Deploy Industrial Internet of Things
Deploying private Industrial IoT networks over satellite can be a significant investment. Many service integrators opt for reselling Managed Services from satellite operators, but this can limit flexibility and customization, often locking them into specific equipment, fixed service level agreements (SLAs), and preset data packages. In some countries, government regulations may even prohibit Managed Services if the gateway (teleport) is not in-country, making a private network with a sovereign in-country gateway the only viable solution. To help service integrators differentiate themselves by creating customized solutions with private IoT networks, RBC Signals offers Fractional & Dynamic Spectrum Leasing solutions with the required gateway (teleport) infrastructure. This capability enables service integrators offer reliable connectivity, including narrowband (NB-IoT), more efficiently, potentially accelerating market entry and reducing upfront investment.
What does RBC Signals provide?
The company offers a range of services, including:
- Provides Service Integrators with the option to deploy private IoT networks for enhanced flexibility.
- Proprietary STORM platform supports easy integration and testing for private IoT networks, with Fractional & Dynamic Spectrum Leasing solutions.
- Supplies in-country gateway antennas for private IoT networks to support Sovereign Data and Regulatory compliance.
- Provides Ground Stations as a Service, including procurement, installation, and management.
- Offers integrators access to 90+ antennas across more than 60 locations.
Now, RBC Signals has partnered with the ELEVATE program – giving its solutions access to a growing partner ecosystem to provide even more robust satellite connectivity solutions. Joining ELEVATE aims to help RBC Signals boost their capabilities, enabling them to support some of the most advanced communications networks in space. (Source: ASD Network)
02 Apr 25. Orbit Communication Systems Ltd. (TASE: ORBI), a leading global provider of ground, airborne, and maritime SATCOM terminals, tracking ground station solutions, and mission-critical communication systems, will highlight its MPT30Ka and MPT46Ka SATCOM Systems at Sea Air Space 2025. Specially designed for space-constrained platforms such as Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) and small naval craft and special forces operation, the MPT30Ka and MPT46Ka offer powerful, secure, and reliable satellite communication in a compact and lightweight form. Based on Orbit’s battle-proven Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT), the MPT30Ka and MPT46Ka deliver broadband SATCOM connectivity in minutes, thanks to their rapid roll-on/roll-off capability. With plug-and-play functionality and single-button activation, they are ideal for missions requiring rapid deployment and immediate operational readiness—even in GPS-denied or hostile environments. The systems support GEO, MEO, LEO, and HEO satellite constellations, ensuring comprehensive global coverage. With high EIRP and G/T values and efficient EIRP Spectral Density (EIRPsd), they provide optimal performance with reduced bandwidth consumption—making them especially suitable for defense forces operating large SATCOM fleets. Their ruggedized, MIL-STD-compliant construction enables reliable operation in extreme maritime conditions, while their compact footprint makes them a perfect fit for small vessels, where every inch of space matters.
“Modern naval operations increasingly rely on unmanned and small platforms that still require robust connectivity,” said Daniel Eshchar, CEO of Orbit. “The MPT30Ka and MPT46Ka rapid deployable systems bring advanced SATCOM capabilities to even the most compact maritime systems, ensuring operational effectiveness and mission continuity.”
28 Mar 25. ICEYE, the global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations for Earth Observation, announced today that it will be providing satellite data to the Situation Center at NATO HQ (SITCEN). Through this collaboration, the SITCEN will be able to access the ICEYE capabilities, which will enhance its capacity to deliver better and faster data-driven assessments to decision-makers. This first partnership established between NATO HQ and ICEYE will broaden NATO’s access to valuable earth observation data through ICEYE’s cutting-edge technology. The commercial space industry’s role in national security and defense has become more important over the last decade. ICEYE works as a trusted partner with multiple governments and organizations, and has already supplied SAR data and satellites to a number of NATO allied and friendly nations. Today’s announcement deepens the collaboration with NATO.
“ICEYE provides high-accuracy SAR satellite imaging and data to support situational awareness and decision making in defence and security settings. We are proud of the opportunity to cooperate and support NATO users and decision-makers with data from the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation, owned and operated by ICEYE,” said Pekka Laurila, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder of ICEYE.
ICEYE owns and operates the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation, delivering unlimited global access and the highest frequency revisits on the market. The latest ICEYE SAR satellites can provide 25 cm ground resolution, enabling accurate object detection and situational awareness in all weather and light conditions. To date, ICEYE has launched 48 SAR satellites into orbit for ICEYE’s and its customers’ use.
26 Mar 25. USSF certifies ULA Vulcan for NSSL missions. U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command’s (SSC) Assured Access to Space organization has announced the certification of United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan launch system for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) missions—ULA is now eligible to launch NSSL missions as one of two certified providers. NSSL certification is a rigorous process for launch service providers to demonstrate their ability to design, produce, and qualify a new launch system that will successfully deliver national security space satellites to orbit. Vulcan’s certification is the culmination of several years of effort by the Space Force and ULA, which encompassed 52 certification criteria, including more than 180 discrete tasks, 2 certification flight demonstrations, 60 payload interface requirement verifications, 18 subsystem design and test reviews, and 114 hardware and software audits, all to establish the technical baseline from which the Space Force will make future flight worthiness determinations for launch. Assured Access to Space executes the U.S. Space Force’s Core Competency of Space Mobility and Logistics. It secures reliable and responsive launch services to deploy the space-based capabilities needed by our Nation’s warfighters, intelligence professionals, decision makers, allies, and partners. Additionally, it operates and sustains resilient and ready launch and test infrastructure to project on-orbit warfighting capability through all phases of conflict and to expand US economic, technological, and scientific leadership. Further, Assured Access to Space delivers servicing, mobility, and logistics capabilities that operate in, from, and to the space domain. Assured access to space is a core function of the Space Force and a critical element of national security,” said Brig. Gen. Panzenhagen, Program Executive Officer for Assured Access to Space. “Vulcan certification adds launch capacity, resiliency, and flexibility needed by our nation’s most critical space-based systems. The SSC and ULA teams have worked together extremely closely, and certification of this launch system is a direct result of their focus, dedication, and teamwork.”
We are proud to have launched 100 national security space missions and honored to continue serving the nation with our new Vulcan rocket,” said Tory Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch Alliance. “We thank the Space Force for their collaboration and confidence, and we are honored to support our national security needs for many years to come.”
Space Systems Command
Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force’s field command responsible for acquiring and delivering resilient warfighting capabilities to protect our nation’s strategic advantage in, from, and to space. SSC manages a $15.6 bn space acquisition budget for the DoD and works in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, and academic and allied organizations to accelerate innovation and outpace emerging threats. Our actions today are making the world a better space for tomorrow. (Source: Satnews)
29 Mar 25. SWISSto12 releases HummingLink-SOTP user terminal for continuous GEO connectivity. SWISSto12 has debuted HummingLink-SOTP, a new type of terminal for GEO connectivity that combines a small form factor, high portability, quick deployment as well as high-throughput. HummingLink-SOTP leverages SWISSto12’s proprietary Additive Manufacturing processes to produce ultra-lightweight, high-gain antennas in X-, Ku-, and Ka-band. HummingLink-SOTP integrates these antennas together with state-of-the-art RF electronic circuits to enable the highest throughput out of highly portable and compact systems. These terminals focus on GEO SATCOM-On-The-Pause (SOTP) connectivity and target a sub-50 cm size. HummingLink-SOTP is a compact, highly portable yet highly performing SATCOM product that answers the requirements of operators for systems that can be rapidly deployed by a single person to establish robust, high throughput connectivity over GEO,” said Emile de Rijk, CEO of SWISSto12. “Despite the small size of the HummingLink-SOTP terminals, the antenna arrays that we integrate into our terminals are extremely efficient and highly differentiated when compared to traditional dish antennas, which require larger surface areas to reach similar performance. We combine this with an optimized system design and industrial approach to provide a cost-competitive solution.”
Mathieu Billod, Head of Terminals at SWISSto12 said, “HummingLink-SOTP is first released in Ka-band (HummingLink-SOTP-Ka), and in different gain, polarization, and frequency configurations. The terminal is designed for ultra-fast deployment. HummingLink-SOTP terminals can integrate a modem and can be equipped with auto-pointing systems. Terminals in X-band (HummingLink-SOTP-X) and Ku-band (HummingLink-SOTP-Ku) are available for pre-release demos and will be available for order later in 2025.”
About SWISSto1
SWISSto12 is a leading manufacturer of advanced satellite RF products, payloads and systems, including the HummingSat: a small yet powerful geostationary telecommunications satellite developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) through its public-private-partnership program. The company’s RF products benefit from unique and patented 3D-printing technologies and associated Radio Frequency (RF) product designs that deliver lightweight, compact, highly performing, and competitive RF functionality. In addition to the company’s space portfolio, Swissto12 is also active in telecommunications and aeronautic industry. The firm has developed commercially with success in Europe and in the USA, and is amongst the fastest growing aerospace companies in Europe. SWISSto12 spun off in 2011 from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), is privately owned and backed by prominent Swiss and European Investors. (Source: Satnews)
26 Mar 25. Czech Republic, Ukraine launch spy satellite project. The Czech Republic is moving forward with the creation of a joint satellite reconnaissance constellation with Ukraine designed to provide high-resolution optical surveillance capabilities in support of Ukraine’s defense needs. According to Militarnyi outlet, the project stems from an October 2022 agreement between the Czech and Ukrainian governments to establish a joint defense cluster. As part of that cooperation, Prague and Kyiv initiated a joint space monitoring effort focused on building an independent satellite-based intelligence network. At the core of this constellation is the TROLL satellite, developed by the Brno-based space company TRL Space.
TRL Space illustration
The system, which successfully entered orbit in January 2025, is capable of capturing images of Earth’s surface with a resolution of less than five meters per pixel, providing valuable data for battlefield assessment and infrastructure monitoring. The second key component of the constellation will be the Drak satellite, currently under development by companies within the Brno Space Cluster, with TRL Space serving as the primary integrator. The Drak satellite is being designed specifically for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in cooperation with Ukrainian technical specialists. It will offer enhanced image resolution—under one meter per pixel—providing greater detail for operational intelligence. The formation of this joint constellation comes amid recent concerns over the consistency of Western intelligence support for Ukraine. Earlier this year, U.S. authorities temporarily curtailed access to some government and commercial satellite imagery services, including data from companies such as Maxar. That access has since been fully restored, but the episode underscored Ukraine’s reliance on external sources of intelligence. By partnering with Czech industry on dedicated reconnaissance capabilities, Ukraine aims to reduce that dependence and increase its own operational autonomy in space-based intelligence gathering. (Source: Satnews)
24 Mar 25. SpaceX launches “never hibernate” NROL-69’s classified mission. On Monday, March 24 at 1:48 p.m. ET, Falcon 9 launched the NROL-69 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Photos captured by Satnews. This was the second flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched a Starlink mission. The weather officials had projected a good day for a launch with a 90% chance of favorable weather conditions at the time of the launch. Officials had been monitoring weather conditions with concerns related to Thick Cloud Layers Rule. The forecast called for a temperature of 77°F, few clouds, 18% cloud cover and a wind speed of 9mph to ready, set, go NROL-69. The NRO has launched more than 150 satellites into Earth’s orbit in the last two years “creating the largest and most capable government constellation on orbit in our nation’s history,” the agency said. SpaceX plans Monday’s NROL-69 launch and the National Reconnaissance Office provides insight into the mission to “never hibernate” SpaceX is targeting Monday, March 24 for a Falcon 9 launch of the NROL-69 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 1:48 p.m. ET. If needed, a backup opportunity is available on Tuesday, March 25 at 1:34 p.m. ET. This is the second flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched a Starlink mission. Following stage separation, Falcon 9 will land on Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. (Source: Satnews)
23 Mar 25. “US on high alert” – China’s satellites display unprecedented combat maneuvers in space. In an unprecedented development highlighting the escalating militarization of space, Chinese satellites have been observed conducting complex “dogfighting” maneuvers in low Earth orbit, a move that has prompted serious concerns from the United States Space Force about the potential implications for global security and stability.
The militarization of space has become a pressing issue, as evidenced by recent activities involving Chinese satellites engaging in tactical maneuvers in low Earth orbit. The concept of “dogfighting” in space, reminiscent of iconic science fiction narratives, is now a reality that the US Space Force is closely monitoring. These developments signal a shift from space being a peaceful domain to a potential battlefield among powerful nations. This article delves into the intricacies of these maneuvers, the technological advancements that enable them, and the broader implications for international space relations.
China’s Advanced Space Capabilities
In a recent gathering at the McAleese Defense Programs Conference in Washington, Gen. Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations, revealed that China is actively conducting military satellite maneuvers. These operations, observed by the US Space Force, involve synchronized movements of five different objects in space, showcasing a level of control and precision described as “dogfighting.” This term refers to the complex tactics, techniques, and procedures used in on-orbit operations from one satellite to another.
The key participants in these exercises include three Shiyan-24C experimental satellites, alongside the Shijian-605 A and B spacecraft. The ability to perform such advanced in-orbit maneuvers is a testament to China’s growing expertise in space technology. Notably, similar advancements are being pursued by global entities. For instance, Japan’s Astroscale has developed a satellite capable of matching the speed of space debris, an impressive feat considering debris travels at about 18,000 mph. Dr. Samantha Lawler, an astronomer, likens this technological prowess to “collecting bullets,” underscoring the sophistication required for such operations.
Establishing Space ‘Superiority’
The US Space Force’s pursuit of space superiority is driven by the narrowing technological gap between the US and its geopolitical rivals, particularly China and Russia. Gen. Guetlein highlighted past activities by Russia, such as the 2019 “nesting doll” demonstration, where a satellite released a smaller one to perform maneuvers near a US satellite, further emphasizing the need for the US to maintain its edge in space technology.
The US has long held a significant advantage in space capabilities, but this lead is under threat as other nations rapidly develop their technologies. Guetlein emphasized the necessity of re-evaluating the US approach to space operations to prevent the capability gap from reversing. The Space Force’s mission is to ensure that space operations support joint military efforts, aligning with the broader strategic goals of the US military. This shift in focus marks a departure from the principles of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which aimed to preserve space for peaceful exploration and scientific pursuits. (Source: Satnews)
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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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