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25 Jul 25. Hanwha Aerospace has signed a landmark technology transfer agreement with the stated-funded Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) for the KSLV-II (Korea Space Launcher Vehicle-II) also called Nuri, Korea’s first indigenously developed space launcher. This tech transfer underscores Hanwha’s commitment to cultivating the space industry as a primary future growth engine, complementing its established leadership in the defence sector. This landmark deal marks the first time that the complete lifecycle technology for the KSLV-II – encompassing design, manufacturing, and launch operations – has been transferred to the private sector in South Korea. The agreement formally positions Hanwha Aerospace at the forefront of the nation’s growing space industry. The KSLV-II is a monumental achievement for South Korea. Developed over 14 years from 2010 to 2023, the project was a national effort led by KARI with the participation of over 300 private enterprises. Its successful launch made South Korea the seventh country in the world with the capability to launch a satellite using its own indigenous technology. Under the agreement, Hanwha Aerospace will collaborate closely with KARI on upcoming KSLV-II’s launches, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive transfer of operational know-how and accumulated experience. This acquisition is a cornerstone of Hanwha’s strategy to build a comprehensive space industry value chain. Leveraging synergies with its affiliates, including Hanwha Systems and Satrec Initiative, the company aims to connect space transportation, satellite manufacturing, and satellite services, creating a robust, private sector-led space ecosystem. “This technology transfer is a critical milestone for improving the nation’s space industry capabilities. It provides us with the foundation to enhance the KSLV-II’s technological capabilities and cost-effectiveness,” said Son Jae-il, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace. “Our goal is to build a robust and globally competitive commercial launch service, solidifying our position as a leader in the new space era”.
22 July 25. Boeing [NYSE: BA] engineers have confirmed the 9th and 10th O3b mPOWER satellites, built for leading space solutions company SES, have successfully launched and are transmitting signals from space after lifting off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 5:12 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Approximately two hours after liftoff, the satellites separated from the launch vehicle, initiating a series of comprehensive health checks by Boeing team members in El Segundo, Calif., home to Boeing’s mission control facility and the world’s largest satellite factory. Leveraging highly efficient xenon thrusters to maneuver in space, the satellites will continue their 130-day journey to MEO, approximately 8,000 kilometers from the Earth’s surface. They will join the first eight satellites currently providing high-performance connectivity services to SES users worldwide.
“We designed O3b mPOWER so each additional satellite beyond the first six boosts capacity, performance, and resilience,” said Michelle Parker, vice president, Boeing Space Mission Systems. “This capability stems from our investments in cutting-edge technology and the enhanced production techniques we’ve refined over the course of the program.”
The O3b mPOWER constellation entered commercial service in April 2024, providing high-throughput, low latency connectivity that mimics the speed and reliability of traditional internet connections, but with virtually unlimited geographic flexibility. From MEO, the satellites provide coverage to nearly 95% of the world’s population.
“I’m proud of our SES team and partners for continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space to bring critical connectivity where it matters most. Over the past year, our O3b mPOWER services have been transforming industries and empowering our key customers including telco operators, cruise lines, airlines, NATO, the Government of Luxembourg, the Government of United States and many other allied governments,” said Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES. “With this launch we continue adding incremental capacity to our initial O3b mPOWER constellation, strengthening our MEO network and delivering high throughput and predictable low latency services at scale.”
The satellites leverage digitally formed beams to dynamically address evolving communication needs across geographies and customer bases. Boeing hardened this technology for military use on the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS)-11 and WGS-12 and Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) nuclear command and control satellites the company is building for the U.S. Space Force. This software-defined technology allows for more secure and reliable connectivity resistant to attempts of jamming, interruption or interception. A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.
21 Jul 25. PAL Aerospace has integrated next-generation low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity into its Force Multiplier fleet, becoming the first contractor-owned, contractor-operated ISR provider to do so. The first aircraft equipped, PAL Aerospace’s flagship C-GFMX (DHC-8 315), features Starlink technology installed in partnership with AeroMech. This capability enables real-time, high-throughput transmission of full-motion video, radar tracks, imagery, and open-source intelligence directly from the aircraft to ground-based analysts and mission command. The system is now available as a fleet-wide option for defense clients seeking turnkey, no-compromise ISR capability. Integrating seamlessly with equipped mission software, AIMS-ISR and AIMS-C4 (by CarteNav, a PAL company), this capability enables Force Multiplier operators to cross-reference live airborne data with remote sensor feeds and intelligence sources mid-mission. While SATCOM has been available on ISR aircraft before, this marks a generational leap in cost and performance – delivering persistent, secure, high-bandwidth connectivity at a price point cost-viable for agencies of all sizes.
“We collect data for our customers, and this truly revolutionizes how we deliver it – both in terms of speed and volume,” said Dave Keddy, VP of Operations, PAL Aerospace. “We can now transmit full-motion video and other mission data in real time, directly from the aircraft, while still in flight. We’ve already seen it enable collaborative analysis between airborne crews and ground-based teams during live operations. For us, this is a generational step forward in airborne ISR.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside PAL Aerospace, and we are excited to see how Starlink’s groundbreaking high-speed connectivity will enhance mission capabilities for the Force Multiplier fleet” said AeroMech COO, Anthony Wiederkehr.
PAL Aerospace is redefining what contractor-operated ISR can deliver—real-time collaboration, faster decisions, and proven operational readiness. Our Force Multiplier program gives defense, domestic security, and public safety agencies access to cutting-edge airborne ISR without the burden of ownership. Learn more about our turnkey solutions here: palaerospace.com/force-multiplier
13 Jul 25. Russia slaps a satellite dish on a boat, calls it a “Starlink Killer” — analysts say it’s 1990s tech. Russia has introduced a new maritime drone called “Breeze” equipped with satellite communication technology, presenting it as a domestic alternative to Starlink. However, the system appears to rely on outdated communication methods that could severely limit its practical military use. According to Defense Express on July 12, Russian companies Sea Project and Unmanned Logistics recently tested the Breeze drone in the White Sea. Designed for transporting cargo to remote northern regions, the drone is slated for production in Arkhangelsk region. Notably, its communication system includes a Simrad maritime radar and a spherical antenna housing the new RS-30M satellite terminal—previously tested on a train. Russia has positioned the RS-30M as its answer to the American Starlink system, but several critical limitations suggest otherwise. Unlike Starlink, which uses a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites positioned roughly 550 km above Earth, the RS-30M connects to satellites in geostationary orbit—approximately 36,000 km away. While this allows for broad coverage, it introduces significant drawbacks, including signal latency as high as 800 milliseconds and limited bandwidth of only a few megabits per second. In contrast, Starlink typically offers latency around 40 milliseconds and speeds exceeding 200 Mbps. In addition, the RS-30M relies on a mechanical, parabolic antenna that must be physically aligned with a satellite, a method largely phased out in modern systems. Starlink’s phased array antenna enables dynamic, software-based tracking without moving parts—technology commonly found on next-generation UAVs. In effect, the RS-30M reflects a technological regression. Similar SATCOM systems were installed on US military drones like the MQ-1 Predator in the 1990s. Modern drones such as the MQ-9 Reaper now use significantly more advanced antenna systems with greater performance. Due to these limitations, the RS-30M is unlikely to support high-quality real-time video streaming or provide the responsiveness required for controlling high-speed, long-range unmanned systems—especially suicide drones such as Russia’s Shahed-type platforms. In comparison, Ukraine has already demonstrated practical battlefield integration of Starlink-based communication systems in platforms like the RUBAKA and UJ-26 “Bober.” (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.
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