Sponsored by MatrixSpace
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26 Jun 25. Pacific Defense, the leading provider of Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) products, announced it has secured the inaugural launch for its Moonraker MOSA space Radio Frequency (RF) payload on board the K2 Space Gravitas Mission in February 2026. The mission includes a series of multi-orbit Space Situational Awareness (SSA) demonstrations showcasing the payload’s mission flexibility. Moonraker is a 3U Open VPX multi-function, RF payload with application software capable of performing a range of RF missions that fundamentally changes the cost, schedule, and deployment concept for responsive space missions. Designed for SSA, Moonraker payload architecture fully supports a range of receive and transmit Electromagnetic Spectrum Operation (EMSO) functions to command the electromagnetic operational environment.
“We’re thrilled to take the United States Department of Defense’s MOSA initiative to new heights with Moonraker,” said Bryan Terlecky, Vice President of Space Systems at Pacific Defense. “As global space competition intensifies, there is a pressing need for adaptable, software-driven solutions that can rapidly evolve to counter emerging threats. This mission marks a significant step in our commitment to providing innovative and flexible solutions for space control”.
The on-orbit demonstration, being completed under a contract with the Air Force Research Lab/Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RV), is a critical milestone for Pacific Defense’s Space MOSA payloads and will inform future operational systems. For more information, please visit Space Systems. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
25 Jun 25. GSOA welcomes the European Commission’s publication of the proposed EU Space Act and the accompanying Vision for the European Space Economy. These developments acknowledge the strategic relevance of space infrastructure and services for Europe’s economic resilience, technological sovereignty, competitiveness and digital future. As the EU advances its space agenda, it is essential to foster innovation, fair competition, and legal certainty across the space value chain. A coherent and proportionate regulatory framework, aligned with international obligations and cohesive across Member States, will be key to avoiding fragmentation of the internal market and preserving Europe’s global competitiveness while ensuring a level-playing field for all stakeholders. Europe needs a space regulation that is tailored for the industry to best respond to government’s and citizen’s needs, preserving competition both at national and international level. It is crucial to avoid duplication of existing national or EU-level rules and to refrain from introducing burdensome requirements that may stifle innovation, investment and growth. Notably, the security of space-based assets and services should build on the effective and cohesive implementation of existing EU legislation on cybersecurity and critical entities resilience, while ensuring consistency with global standards. Sustainability and responsibility in space activities are also imperative to 1) Mitigate the risk of in-orbit collision; 2) Minimise the Threat of Non-Trackable Debris; 3) Preserve human life in space; 4) Limit satellite reflectivity and the related impact on optical astronomy. GSOA remains committed to engaging constructively with EU institutions and stakeholders as these policy efforts evolve, and to supporting a balanced, pragmatic approach that reinforces the long-term viability and strategic relevance of the European space ecosystem.
25 Jun 25. Kongsberg Launches New Satellites to Complete N3X Space Constellation. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (’KONGSBERG’) has completed its N3X satellite constellation with the successful launch of two new microsatellites — ARVAKER 2 and 3 — aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-14 mission from California. The N3X satellite constellation is designed to enhance Norway’s maritime domain awareness.
“With our initial N3X satellite constellation in orbit, KONGSBERG’s role as one of Europe’s most integrated space system and surveillance providers has been proved again. With this and future constellations, we are ready to support Norway and other global customers with technology and services to enhance maritime security,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
The N3X constellation is built for persistent monitoring of maritime activity. Its payloads include an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver and a navigation radar detector (NRD) both supplied by Kongsberg Discovery, and the NRD designed by Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI). This combination enables N3X to identify cooperative vessels broadcasting AIS, as well as “dark vessels” that disable AIS but continue emitting radar signals. N3X satellites capture these emissions, allowing authorities to geolocate suspicious vessels and support maritime law enforcement, environmental monitoring, and rescue operations among other applications. The data from N3X will be utilized by the Norwegian Armed Forces, as well as other Norwegian government institutions involved in maritime security such as the Coastal Administration, the Directorate of Fisheries, and the Norwegian Customs. The development and deployment of the N3X constellation highlights KONGSBERG’s vertically integrated space capability: Kongsberg NanoAvionics manufactured three microsatellite platforms for the constellation, Kongsberg Discovery delivered payloads and KSAT (Kongsberg Satellite Services) are providing satellite operations and a global ground station network for low-latency data access. KONGSBERG companies and subsidiaries cover the full value chain to offer next-generation satellite systems, from delivering our own micro satellites and ground stations to market-leading data processing and analytics. KONGSBERG is uniquely positioned to deliver complete system solutions combing space segment with the ground systems to enhance data delivery and reduce latency. A central part of KONGSBERG’s capability is the ability to assemble, integrate and test satellites with sensitive and nationally controlled payloads in our facilities. In addition to the N3X satellites, KONGSBERG also successfully integrated and deployed four additional satellite missions aboard the same SpaceX launch. These satellites, delivered by Kongsberg NanoAvionics, serve customers from Germany, Spain, and New Zealand, and will conduct missions in air traffic surveillance, thermal intelligence, and fundamental space research. In total, KONGSBERG has launched 10 satellite missions so far in 2025, continuing its year-over-year expansion from 9 missions in 2024. (Source: ASD Network)
25 Jun 25. Space businesses react as UK government unveils Industrial Strategy. Space business leaders say the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, “sets the stage for timely and meaningful discussion at next month’s UK Space Conference”. As UK Space Conference prepares to convene on 16–17 July in Manchester, UK space business leaders have voiced broad support for the UK government’s new industrial strategy. The Industrial Strategy names space as a ‘frontier’ industry alongside 10 others “where investment supports both economic growth and security”. The space sector sits across two of the detailed sector plans, ‘Advanced Manufacturing’ and ‘Digital and Technologies’. On that basis, UK space businesses now sit squarely in two flagship sector programmes, potentially opening a broader pool of innovation grants, facilities, and cluster support.
Space Business Leader Reaction: UK Space Conference in Manchester on 16-17 July will be the first chance for space sector leaders to convene and discuss the implications of this announcement.
Nick Shave, Managing Director of Astroscale UK says: “The UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy marks a major step forward for the space sector, particularly for In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM). With the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, it creates a more supportive environment for high-assurance innovation, underpinned by commitments to R&D, infrastructure and skills. The strategy also strengthens national resilience by backing truly nationally separable capabilities in critical dual-purpose technologies and recognising space as part of the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure. At the same time, its export-focused approach positions UK ISAM capability to support allied missions and expand global partnerships — a vital balance for long-term competitiveness and security in space.
“The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy is likely to make this year’s UK Space Conference more focused on both practical delivery and strategic collaboration. With space identified as a key growth sector linked to advanced manufacturing and national resilience, discussions will shift from exploring potential to shaping concrete plans around infrastructure, supply chain security, and export opportunities. The strategy’s emphasis on strengthening sovereign capabilities in critical technical areas and fostering international partnerships will encourage deeper dialogue on how the UK space sector can strengthen its global position while supporting defence and critical national infrastructure. Overall, the conference is set to bring together industry and government with a shared drive to accelerate the UK’s space ambitions and secure its position as a global leader, particularly in the high growth ISAM market.”
Lewis D’Ambra, Head of Government Affairs, Space Forge says: “The new Industrial Strategy signals a pivotal shift in how the UK backs its most promising space innovators. We welcome the government’s sharper focus on core capabilities – it’s exactly what’s needed to unlock scale and position the UK as a manufacturing powerhouse in orbit and on Earth. From advanced materials to in-orbit servicing and launch, this strategy connects the dots between innovation, industrialisation and sovereign capability – and Space Forge is ready to deliver on that vision.”
John Harrison, General Counsel and Head of Public Affairs, Airbus says: “Airbus welcomes the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy. Having worked closely with the Government to help shape this plan, we are delighted to see it deliver a long-term vision, built on a genuine partnership with industry.
“The firm long-term commitment to the full innovation lifecycle, from R&D in the Aerospace Technology Institute to a focus on commercialisation and supply chain resilience, provides the confidence and stability needed to fuel innovation and anchor high-value manufacturing in the UK for decades to come. The significant new investment in skills is also critical, creating a strong pipeline of engineering and digital talent, which will be the foundation for developing the sustainable technologies of the future, from hydrogen-powered aircraft to next-generation space systems. We stand ready to help turn this ambitious strategy into a reality for British industry.”
Daniel Smith, Founder, AstroAgency, says: “It’s encouraging to see the UK’s Industrial Strategy recognise space technology as both critical infrastructure and a key driver of economic growth, underpinning a wide range of business sectors. With effective delivery, it has the potential to catalyse the sovereign capabilities and resilience the industry has long called for. Alongside the Strategic Defence Review, it sets the stage for timely and meaningful discussion at next month’s UK Space Conference in Manchester.”
Jake Geer, Managing Director Orbit Fab UK says: “The inclusion of space in the Industrial Strategy, and the renewed focus on the five capability areas like IOSM identified in the Space Industrial Plan, gives a clear signal to business about the UK’s readiness to scale-up. At a time when many other European nations are doubling their space commitments, the UK government endorsing space as a key growth industry is particularly welcome. The UK needs to move fast to deliver these commitments, and we now wait to see how, when and at what speed the Spending Review will implement the planned interventions.”
Dr. Marco Rocchetto, CEO of Spaceflux says: “Spaceflux welcomes the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, published this morning. Combined with targeted support for areas such as space situational awareness and in-orbit activities that advance both sustainability and security, the strategy has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the space sector and the wider economy. We look forward to discussing next steps at the UK Space Conference in Manchester.”
Alan Thompson, Head of Government Affairs, Skyrora ltd says: “The Industrial Strategy most importantly signals the growing economic coherence and interconnectedness that will continue to enable growth and be further reinforced by faster growth of the UK Space industry.
“Highlighting the UK’s aspiration for In Orbit Service And Manufacturing and creating a green corridor for the start of a commercial Launch service, both will necessitate and inspire the further development of both satellites and spacecraft. This will also lead to the growth of “Next Space” companies developing on orbit services, following in the path of Space Forge, Astroscale, and Clear Space who are pioneering in partnering with regulators to achieve responsible deployment of their engineering capabilities.
“Coupled with longer term availability of funding resources, and a commitment to supporting with the education and skills ecosystem we see every reason to be hopeful in the Space industry about a strong industrial base being formed, and a clear strategic imperative emerging of the significance and importance of the Space domain to the UK.”
24 Jun 25. ICEYE, the global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations and primary provider of critical infrastructure for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to allied nations, has successfully launched and deployed six new SAR satellites into orbit, serving dedicated customer missions and expanding its own SAR satellite constellation – the largest in the world. This launch brings ICEYE’s total launched satellites to 54. All ICEYE satellites on the Transporter-14 launch are 25 cm class collectors, the highest fidelity in the industry. The launch marks ICEYE’s biggest to date, significantly accelerating the expansion of ICEYE’s constellation and its capabilities. The satellites were integrated via Exolaunch and successfully launched on June 23 aboard the Transporter-14 rideshare mission with SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA. Each spacecraft has established communication, and routine commissioning operations are underway. These satellites were manufactured by ICEYE in Finland and ICEYE US in the United States. Yesterday, ICEYE announced that it has been selected to provide Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). The first satellite of the agreement was launched into orbit aboard this Transporter-14 rideshare mission with SpaceX. The satellite was launched within four months of the agreement, a record delivery time, marking the first operational Dutch military satellite mission. With this launch, ICEYE successfully launched its second Generation 4 satellite (“Gen4”), following the first on Transporter-13 launch in March. Gen4 satellites extend ICEYE’s SAR leadership in national security and disaster response with the best SAR image quality available. It doubles the SAR antenna size and also the radiated SAR power, enabling 2x larger imaging areas (150-400 km swath width) and 30% more image detail. Additional upgrades include advanced orbit control for imaging congested areas in a single satellite pass. So far this year, ICEYE’s launches in January and March 2025 have successfully deployed four new satellites each. ICEYE plans to launch more than 20 new satellites annually in 2025 and beyond.
24 Jun 25. New projects use satellite data to drive public service innovation. Five projects from across the UK will use satellite data to help transform the delivery of public services, thanks to new funding from the GHGSat C9, C10, and C11 launched in space. Credit: GHGSat The new projects bring innovative space companies together with public sector partners, ranging from local councils to government agencies. They will use a wealth of data from existing satellite networks to help monitor the safety of buildings and infrastructure, track animal and plant life, identify methane leaks and ensure farmers can access the right government support schemes. Over £2.5m of funding, announced today (24 June) at the European Space Agency’s Living Planet Symposium 2025, in Vienna, comes after a joint call for proposals from the UK Space Agency and ESA’s InCubed2 programme, which was launched in July 2024.
Harshbir Sangha, Director of Missions and Capabilities at the UK Space Agency, said: “By bringing together innovative space companies with public sector partners, we’re demonstrating that space technology delivers practical benefits here on Earth. From monitoring biodiversity to ensuring infrastructure safety, these initiatives show how satellite data can drive efficiency, sustainability and better decision-making.”
This investment reflects our commitment to establishing the UK as a global leader in space-enabled public services, creating a blueprint for how space technology can address some of our most pressing societal challenges.
The projects
CORE: COrner Reflector Enabled Remote Sensing
Geospatial Ventures in Nottingham is developing a system that tracks tiny movements in buildings, bridges and other structures to spot potential safety issues early. The system uses special radar technology and artificial intelligence to constantly monitor infrastructure that might be difficult or expensive to check manually. This provides a safer, more efficient way to survey large sites without sending engineers to dangerous locations.
THICKET: a biodiversity mapping tool
AAC Clyde Space in Glasgow is creating a tool that helps farmers support wildlife on their land. Using their own constellation of satellites that frequently capture detailed images, the system will show farmers exactly what plants and animals are living on their land. This will help farmers make better decisions about sustainable farming and access government support schemes like the Sustainable Farming Incentive.
Government GHG service
GHGSat UK in London is developing an advanced analytics platform that turns satellite data about greenhouse gases into practical information the government can use for increased accountability across emitting organisations and tailored mitigation strategies. Their constellation of satellites, which trace the source of greenhouse gases directly to industrial facilities focuses particularly on methane, providing accurate data within hours of an emission to help the UK government make informed decisions about reducing these harmful gases. This supports the government’s goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
FANTOM – Future Analytics
Earth-i in Guildford is building a system that creates useful environmental information from satellite images by developing novel indicators for environmental land monitoring. It will provide analytics directly to the Rural Payments Agency, which manages farming subsidies and environmental schemes. The service will help monitor land changes and support sustainable land management across the UK.
EO4Biodiversity
HR Wallingford in Oxfordshire is leading a project that uses satellite information to help improve plant and animal diversity. Working with multiple partners, including Water Resources South East, they’re developing ways to use Earth Observation data to track biodiversity changes over time. This will help landowners, developers and public bodies protect and enhance natural habitats and support the UK government’s biodiversity net gain requirements.
UKspace Executive Director, Colin Baldwin, said:
This investment into the application of satellite data into downstream services covering infrastructure, biodiversity, agriculture, methane emissions and sustainability is very welcome.
For some time, we have been working with our members and through our committees to highlight how the space industry can bring immense value to the public sector, so we are very encouraged to see the Government recognising the opportunity. Several UKspace member companies are benefiting from this programme and we look forward to seeing their ideas being adopted into new and improved operational services.
On Monday the Living Planet Symposium hosted a ceremonial signing of the ground segment development contract awarded to Telespazio UK for the TRUTHS mission, a UK-led climate mission developed with the European Space Agency. Under this agreement, Telespazio UK will be responsible for designing and developing the ground systems needed to receive, process, and distribute TRUTHS satellite data. Their role is vital to ensuring that this highly accurate climate data reaches scientists, policymakers, and organisations worldwide to support better climate monitoring and action.
The UK Space Agency is also due to launch a climate funding call, offering up to £300,000 in funding to help UK organisations develop new climate services using Earth Observation satellite data. These small grants, between £40,000 and £80,000 per project, are aimed at supporting early ideas that improve tools or services for tackling climate change, protecting nature, or helping society make more informed decisions for the planet. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
18 Jun 25. Qorvo offers new Ka-band PA for LEO sats + strengthens radar with BAW S-band switched filter bank modules. Qorvo® (Nasdaq: QRVO) has launched their new Ka-band power amplifier (PA) that is designed to improve the performance and integration of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Developed to meet the evolving demands of next-generation payloads, Qorvo’s newest PA further expands its proven GaN-on-SiC SATCOM portfolio, giving system designers a more efficient, compact and scalable option for space-based payloads. Qorvo’s QPA1722 PA offers customers three times the instantaneous bandwidth, a 38% smaller footprint and 10% higher efficiency than competing devices. These enhancements enable greater data throughput and more flexible payload architectures, critical for meeting global connectivity goals in size- and power-constrained satellite platforms.
Key Features of the QPA1722:
- Frequency Range: 17.7–20.2 GHz
- Output power: 10W (saturated); 6W (linear)
- 1 GHz instantaneous bandwidth for high data-rate applications
- 36% efficiency for improved power handling and thermal management
- Compact SMT package for streamlined system integration
Qorvo’s existing Ka-band ground solutions are already enabling global connectivity, and a next-generation, higher-performance lineup is scheduled to debut this summer. Paired with the QPA1722 and Qorvo’s full portfolio of SATCOM products, these enhancements will deliver a more powerful, efficient end-to-end ground-to-space link that reinforces Qorvo’s commitment to connecting the world through space. Additional offerings can be found on our SATCOM solutions page.
The QPA1722 is sampling now, with volume production planned for the Fall of 2025. Qorvo also provides evaluation kits upon request.
The QPA1722 helps us meet the rising demand for LEO constellation deployment,” said Doug Bostrom, general manager of Qorvo’s Defense and Aerospace business. “According to Gartner® research, the most obvious opportunity for LEO satellites is the ubiquitous provision of broadband services to consumers and businesses, reinforcing the demand for compact, high-efficiency payload solutions in space-based networks.” (Source: Satnews)
18 Jun 25. Planet today announced it was selected for a new seven-figure contract with NATO to deliver advanced daily monitoring and intelligence capabilities across the Alliance. In this collaboration, Planet will provide NATO with a specialized platform solution that leverages its PlanetScope Broad Area Monitoring technology combined with advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) analytics to deliver NATO a unique solution for persistent space-based surveillance, enhanced early indicators and warnings, and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) functions. (Source: Satnews)
15 Jun 25. Exolaunch to deploy their largest mission to date — 45 customer satellites on Transporter-14. Exolaunch is set to deploy 45 customer satellites on the upcoming Transporter-14 rideshare mission with SpaceX aboard a Falcon 9 rocket as soon as this month. This mission highlights Exolaunch’s role as a trusted partner for rideshare launches and represents unparalleled expertise and flight heritage
Flight-proven hardware: CarboNIX, Nova, and Quadro deployment systems
The Transporter-14 mission represents a major milestone for Exolaunch as its largest mission to date, building on the company’s track record of providing reliable and precise access to orbit for customers worldwide. Exolaunch’s teams of experts will manage the deployment of numerous microsatellites, up to 250 kilograms, and CubeSats, up to 16U in size, supporting 25 new and returning customers from the USA, UK, Lithuania, Finland, Belgium, Germany, Australia, Canada, South Korea, France, Japan, Spain, Norway, Italy, and Greece. On this mission, Exolaunch will use its flight-proven deployment systems, including:
- CarboNIX microsatellite separation rings in 8″, 11″, 15″, and 24″ sizes
- EXOpod Nova advanced CubeSat deployers, supporting higher-mass and larger volume satellites with exceptional reliability
- Quadro four-point separation systems, offering synchronized release and ultra-low tip-off rates for precision microsatellite deployments
Exolaunch’s EXOpod Nova deployers have now supported over 100 delivered units and hundreds of successful CubeSat deployments, reinforcing Nova’s reputation as a trusted next-generation deployer for CubeSat mission. Exolaunch continues to be the only launch integrator to have manifested satellites on every Transporter mission since the program’s inception in 2020. With Transporter-14, Exolaunch will celebrate its 37th mission overall, having deployed over 530 satellites across 36 previous missions on different global launch vehicles. (Source: Satnews)
18 Jun 25. SpaceX’s successful nightime launch of Starlink Group 10-18 smallsats from Florida. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launched Starlink Group 10-18 smallsats on Tuesday, June 17, for the Starlink constellation to Low Earth Orbit from from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, at 1:55 EDT at the cost of $69.75m. Photos by Satnews. Despite the fog the Falcon 9’s first stage landed on one of two East Coast Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship (ASDS) in the Atlantic Ocean after its flight. (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.
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