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22 May 25. ICEYE, the global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations for earth observation, and IHI Corporation (“IHI”), the Japanese heavy industries company, start cooperating on the development of a SAR constellation of up to 24 satellites, to provide earth observation data for military, civilian and commercial purposes. A memorandum of understanding between the two companies was signed at DSEI Japan, the biannual defense event taking place this week at Makuhari Messe, near Tokyo. As part of the planned development, IHI and ICEYE plan to establish a satellite manufacturing facility in Japan, with satellites to be operated domestically. This initiative is intended to support Japan’s space ambitions of boosting space industries while strengthening national security and resilience. The foundation is still subject to definitive agreements and official approvals.
Rafal Modrzewski, Co-founder & CEO of ICEYE, said: “ICEYE has had a close relationship with Japan since 2018, building trust and long-term commitment. The strengthening of Finland-Japan relationship and technical alliance enhance the security of both nations. By collaborating with Japanese organizations, ICEYE improves its defense capabilities and strengthens shared security. We are dedicated to creating new connections and deepening relationships with all of Japan’s industry and government organizations.”
Atsushi Sato, President of IHI’s Aero Engine, Space & Defense Business Area, said: “Today’s world is increasingly insecure. Japan’s National Defense Strategy recognizes the importance of strengthening its own sovereign capability in space whilst simultaneously opening the door to cooperation and collaboration with allies / like-minded countries who share the nation’s strategic interests. This MoU is the first step in realizing the next generation of capabilities critical to Japan’s national security in the years to come.”
22 May 25. BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) and Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) have established a launch window opening May 27 for the second Gen-3 satellite. The launch, named “Full Stream Ahead,” will add very high-resolution 35-centimeter imaging capability to BlackSky’s high-cadence, low-latency data and AI-enabled analytics offerings.
“Each successive Gen-3 launch represents a major step forward for our global defense and intelligence customer base with the prospect of new mission applications that will be enabled by combining very high-resolution imaging with high-frequency monitoring and advanced AI analytics,” said Brian O’Toole, BlackSky CEO. “With every Gen-3 addition we improve revisit rates, capacity and the quantity and quality of actionable intelligence for our customers.”
BlackSky is setting new industry standards using advanced software and AI-enabled automation to accelerate space-based intelligence capabilities through disruptive speed, economics and insights. BlackSky has signed multiple early access contracts for Gen-3 services with anticipated general commercial availability anticipated to begin by Q4. The company is on track to place eight Gen-3 satellites on orbit by early 2026. 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.
20 May 25. Airbus next-generation Skynet satellite reaches major milestone. The UK’s next-generation military communications satellite – Skynet 6A – has successfully completed the coupling of its communications and service modules. The spacecraft – designed and built at Airbus’ Stevenage and Portsmouth plants – will provide vital communications services for Britain’s armed forces and achieved the major milestone at the National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) in Harwell, Oxfordshire. The NSTF is operated by the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s RAL Space.
“This significant development in the programme will allow Airbus to complete final baseline testing at our Stevenage site, followed by environmental testing back at NSTF later this year,” said Airbus Defence and Space UK Chairman Ben Bridge.
“Skynet 6A is the next-generation, fully-hardened military satellite for the Ministry of Defence. It has three-and-a-half times the capacity of the UK’s current Skynet 5 military satellites and is due to enter service in 2027.”
The Airbus Skynet satellite programme has provided the UK military with sovereign capability for the past 50 years and the 6A spacecraft builds on that wealth of home-grown experience to incorporate new, innovative capabilities to meet the changing requirements of our armed forces for the foreseeable future.
“Congratulations to Airbus Defence and Space, RAL Space and the MOD project team on achieving this impressive milestone,” said Barry Austin, Skynet Programme Manager at Defence Digital. “This marks a significant achievement for the Skynet 6 programme and the UK space sector as a whole. Once operational, Skynet 6A will enhance and be critical to our Armed Forces’ military satellite communications capability and ensure they continue to receive world-class connectivity globally.”
This is the first time that a large, geostationary-orbit (GEO) communications satellite has been coupled in the UK. Skynet 6A is also the first spacecraft to use the new NSTF during this initial year of operation by RAL Space; earlier this year 6A’s antennas were successfully tested in the NSTF’s electromagnetic compatibility facility.
“Welcoming our first customers represents a significant achievement for the NSTF, and we are proud to support Airbus with the integration and testing of Skynet 6A,” said Sean Stewart, Head of Environmental Test at RAL Space. “This milestone is a testament to the dedication of all involved and marks an exciting step for the UK as we prepare to host many more satellites of this scale.”
19 May 25. Synspective and SATIM Partner to Launch New AI-Based Satellite Data Solution. SATIM, a world-leading provider of AI-driven solutions for object detection and classification in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, has entered a strategic partnership with Synspective Inc., a Japanese SAR data provider and satellite operator. The collaboration combines Synspective’s high-resolution SAR satellite data with SATIM’s proven AI-based analytics software, resulting in the launch of a powerful Object Detection and Classification (ODC) solution. By integrating SATIM’s advanced Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) technology with Synspective’s expanding StriX satellite constellation, the ODC platform enables high-confidence, near real-time detection and classification of vessels and aircraft across vast maritime and land domains. The solution is designed to provide persistent situational awareness in all conditions, regardless of weather, daylight, or cloud cover. This partnership represents a strategic milestone in the AI and satellite market, setting a new standard for SAR-based monitoring capabilities and potentially influencing competitors and customers alike.
“By integrating SATIM’s advanced AI analytics with Synspective’s growing StriX satellite constellation, the collaboration delivers persistent, high-precision situational awareness across critical regions worldwide. The combined strengths of both companies enable the creation of adaptable, data-driven solutions that meet the operational needs of security, defense, and intelligence users. Our technology is mission-agnostic, resolution-independent, and field-proven. Whether it’s low-resolution wide-area scans or high-resolution tactical imagery, we transform SAR data into intelligence that matters. This partnership with Synspective not only validates our technology—it also aligns with our long-term vision to support large-scale, multi-orbit surveillance operations across diverse geographical regions. “Jacek Strzelczyk, CEO and Co-Founder of SATIM
“We are excited to launch the Object Detection and Classification solution, which significantly advances our SAR-based analytics for defense intelligence. Our collaboration with SATIM strengthens our solution lineup, reinforcing a core pillar of our company’s growth strategy. By continuously innovating and expanding our solutions, we are working towards achieving our mission to realize a resilient future.” Motoyuki Arai, CEO of Synspective
This collaboration addresses the growing global need for timely and dependable monitoring capabilities in complex operational environments. Both SATIM and Synspective are committed to the continuous enhancement of their joint solution to ensure it remains aligned with the evolving mission requirements and strategic priorities of their end users.
19 May 25. Satellite technology leaders Eutelsat OneWeb and Kymeta today announce the general availability of the new Kymeta™ Goshawk u8 flat-panel terminal on the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO network, a new multi-orbit terminal for government and military customers. The terminal meets key defense needs by enabling the benefits of both GEO and LEO networks on one terminal, providing resilient, flexible multi-orbit connectivity across all operational domains. As nations boost defense spending and invest in sovereign SATCOM, the Goshawk u8 is purpose-built to deliver. With robust and trusted communications being a top security priority, the Goshawk u8 delivers seamless connectivity from both LEO and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellite networks in a single user terminal. The terminal’s rugged, low-profile design and reliable, high-bandwidth performance make it ideally suited for the evolving demands of allied nations’ defense and security sectors.
“Defense infrastructure is being reshaped at speed, and satellite communications are now a key piece delivering seamless, secure connectivity across all domains,” said Filipe De Oliveira, Vice President Commercial Connectivity Business Unit of Eutelsat OneWeb. “Thanks to the Kymeta Goshawk u8, we can provide secure connectivity on our Eutelsat OneWeb LEO constellation that meets the strategic and operational requirements of governments and security-focused organizations around the world.”
The Kymeta Goshawk u8 provides a ‘plug-and-play’ terminal, designed for use across a range of platforms, including land vehicles, maritime vessels, and fixed installations. Combining LEO, GEO, and cellular connectivity it allows for improved responsiveness to enable maneuver warfare tactics, such as rapid, focused, and unexpected actions that can shatter an enemy’s cohesion.
“In today’s contested battlespace, the ability to move, adapt, and fight without losing connectivity is non-negotiable,” said Rick Bergman, President and CEO of Kymeta. “The Goshawk u8 gives defense forces the freedom to operate across orbits with resilience and certainty, even under pressure.
“Kymeta remains connected with governments, special forces, and military operators to assist with providing solutions to critical defense requirements. Together with Eutelsat OneWeb, we are equipping all warfighters with the communications infrastructure they need to dominate the mission environment.
As allied nations prioritize secure, resilient and rapidly deployable communications, the Goshawk u8 delivers a critical solution with its flexible, open network architecture designed to support defense operations on the move.
16 May 25. ICEYE, the global leader in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology, announces strengthening its presence and the opening of its new office in Greece. The company’s growing footprint in Greece is an important step in the company’s participation in the “Greek National Satellite Space Program – Axis 1.2”, in cooperation with the Hellenic Space Agency and the Ministry of Digital Governance. As announced in September 2024, Axis 1.2 covers the Greek SAR Space Segment and includes both radar imagery and the development of a Greek Observation System with two ICEYE SAR satellites, and their launches. In addition to sovereign satellites, Greece will also have access to ICEYE’s existing SAR satellite constellation.
ICEYE’s growing presence also strengthens the Greek space sector with an influx of SAR expertise by attracting and nurturing talented professionals interested in working in the industry.
ICEYE’s new Athens facilities feature a satellite assembly production line, creating jobs in a growing industry. Long-term investment in talent development and infrastructure will expand ICEYE’s Greek presence, establishing the country as a regional space technology hub. The company’s growth strategy includes a Centre of Excellence to leverage talent, advanced technologies, and the Greek market’s potential, enhancing employment for Greek scientists and engineers.
“We are very proud of the commencement of our operations in Greece, a strategic hub for ICEYE’s expansion in South Eastern Europe. We very much look forward to strengthening our collaboration with the Greek space industry and to accelerating its growth. We announced our collaboration with the Hellenic Space Agency and the Ministry of Digital Governance last year, and we continue to build on the success of that project,” said Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE.
“We are working hard to set a solid foundation in Greece to guarantee our future success and more in-country investment. ICEYE is one of the most promising companies in the world, and we want to leverage that to promote the Greek ecosystem into the center of the European space industry,” said Vasilis Chaloulakos, Head of ICEYE Greece.
As a signal of the importance of the Greek market for the strategic development of the company, ICEYE’s Board of Directors met in Greece in connection with the inauguration of the Greek office, together with an opportunity to meet with the company’s partners and clients.
16 May 25. US FAA approves license modifications for SpaceX Starship Flight 9 mission. The Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday said it approved license modifications for the SpaceX Starship Flight 9 mission, but did not immediately allow it to fly. SpaceX will not be allowed to launch until the FAA either closes its Starship Flight 8 investigation or makes a return to flight determination, the FAA added. The approval also included allowing SpaceX to increase the number of launches at Boca Chica, Texas, from five to as many as 25, a Starship Flight 8 exploded in space in early March, shortly after it began spinning uncontrollably with its engines cut off. The incident disrupted about 240 flights, with space debris concerns requiring more than two dozen of those planes into diversions. The FAA said it was reviewing the mishap report SpaceX submitted on May 14, and that it would expand the size of aircraft and maritime hazard areas in the United States and other countries for the Starship Flight 9 mission. (Source: Reuters)
15 May 25. Defense Intelligence Agency releases ‘Golden Dome’ missile threat assessment. The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) recently released an unclassified assessment titled “Golden Dome for America: Current and Future Missile Threats to the U.S. Homeland” to depict threats a sophisticated missile defense system for the United States would defend against—this product presents the agency’s unclassified intelligence on adversary missile threats and capabilities. In the coming decade, missile threats to the U.S. Homeland from more advanced conventional—and nuclear-capable delivery systems—will expand in scale and sophistication. DIA profiles the missile threat and inventories in six categories: intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, two types of hypersonic weapons, land attack cruise missiles, and fractional orbital bombardment systems. DIA’s mission is to provide intelligence on foreign militaries and their operating environments to prevent and decisively win wars. DIA officers are united in a common vision—to be the indispensable source of defense intelligence expertise for the nation. For more than 60 years, DIA has met the full range of security challenges faced by the United States. DIA intelligence officers operate around the world, supporting customers from forward-deployed warfighters to national policymakers. (Source: Satnews)
14 May 25. INNOSPACE signs strategic MoU with Saturn Satellite Networks to develop + launch smallsats. INNOSPACE (KS:462350) has signed a strategic MoU with Saturn Satellite Networks, Inc. (Saturn), a U.S.-based satellite company headquartered in Florida. The companies will jointly develop next-generation satellites, commercialize complementary products and services and explore strategic investment opportunities, including the potential establishment of a joint venture (JV) aimed at expanding into the U.S launch services market. Through this partnership, Saturn will develop, with the support of INNOSPACE, a next- generation of LEO satellite, the Caelsat, optimized for INNOSPACE’s HANBIT-Mini launch vehicle. The Caelsat satellite is designed for more than ten years of operation and can provide a stable power supply of over 1000W to onboard payloads. To reduce launch costs, the Caelsat will feature an integrated deployment mechanism capable of efficiently accommodating multiple satellites within a single launch vehicle fairing. The development of the Caelsat satellite will be led by Space Systems Korea (SSK), Saturn’s South Korean affiliate. Launch services for the satellite constellation projects jointly pursued by both companies will primarily be provided by INNOSPACE. The ‘Skycel’ project, which focuses on building a 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), is the initial use case for this satellite. The project involves 120 LEO satellites, with a minimum of eight launches required, based on the HABIT-Mini standard. These launches will be carried out using INNOSPACE’s launch services. As part of the joint vision, INNOSPACE and Saturn plan to establish a joint venture to advance into the U.S. space launch services market.The two companies will also explore strategic investment collaborations aimed at long-term business growth. This initiative is expected to broaden launch service offerings to U.S. customers and lay the groundwork for further expansion in the global space industry. This partnership with INNOSPACE enables Saturn and its Korean affiliate, Space Systems Korea, to offer an integrated satellite platform and launch solution which should achieve the lowest cost point for any customer that is looking to develop their own commercial and government LEO satellite constellations,” said Tom Choi, Chairman of Saturn. “INNOSPACE’s ability to launch from virtually any location, subject to export approvals, provides additional flexibility and attractiveness to our joint offering. We strongly believe U.S. customers will be excited to see a new launch entrant to the marketplace that combines both extreme technical competence, reliability, and affordability. We look forward to building a bright future with INNOSPACE.” This agreement marks a significant milestone in building a joint value chain that spans from satellite and launch vehicle development to launch and satellite services,” said Soojong Kim, CEO of INNOSPACE. “By combining INNOSPACE’s space launch technologies with Saturn’s expertise in satellite development and operations, we aim to accelerate global market penetration in the U.S. and strengthen our competitiveness in the commercial space industry through close partnership.” (Source: Satnews)
11 May 25. Rocket Lab partners with U.S.A.F. | AFRL for Neutron launch for rocket cargo missions. Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) will launch their medium-lift, reusable rocket—Neutron—for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for a Rocket Cargo mission that supports point-to-point cargo transportation and this mission is scheduled for a return-to-Earth launch no earlier than 2026. The launch contract will see Neutron execute a Rocket Cargo survivability experiment under the AFRL Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics (REGAL) solicitation, an effort by the Department of Defense to create a rocket-based point-to-point transportation system to quickly and rapidly deliver cargo around the world with commercial launch providers. AFRL’s experiment will be launched by Neutron and re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in a demonstration of re-entry capability for future REGAL missions. Rocket Lab’s Neutron medium-lift reusable launch vehicle will provide both government and commercial customers with an alternative and reliable launch service capable of deploying 13,000 kg to LEO. Neutron is tailored to deploy constellations and national security missions as well as science and exploration payloads. In addition to serving customers with greater affordability in the medium-launch market, Neutron is key to Rocket Lab’s strategy as an end-to-end space company preparing to deploy its own constellations and deliver services from space in the future. Neutron’s debut remains on track for first launch in the second half of 2025. (Source: Satnews)
13 May 25. SpaceX launches Starlink Group 6-83 smallsats on a foggy Florida Tuesday morning. On Tuesday, May 13 at 1:02 a.m. ET, Falcon 9 launched 28 Starlink smallsats to low-Earth orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This was the 28th 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, O3B mPOWER-A, PSN SATRIA, Telkomsat Merah Putih 2, Galileo L13, Koreasat-6A, and now 17 Starlink missions. SpaceX scrubs Florida launch of Starlink Group 6-83 smallsats to Tuesday. Monday’s launch was scrubbed as weather at Kennedy Space Center was nasty. SpaceX is now targeting Tuesday, May 13 for a Falcon 9 launch of 28 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 1:02 a.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 3:31 a.m. ET. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Tuesday, May 13 starting at 11:06 p.m. ET. AccuWeather’s assessment: A couple of heavy evening thunderstorms; otherwise, clearing; storms can bring flash flooding and damaging winds. This is the 28th 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, O3B mPOWER-A, PSN SATRIA, Telkomsat Merah Putih 2, Galileo L13, Koreasat-6A, and 16 Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. (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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