Sponsored by MatrixSpace
http://matrixspace.com
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12 Aug 25. ICEYE, the global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar 12 (SAR) satellite operations, announces the launch of its newest imaging mode, Scan Wide. This latest addition to ICEYE’s suite of SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) imaging products offers customers the largest scene size available in its portfolio to date: with Scan Wide, customers can now image an area of 60,000 km² with a single scene. Scan Wide also supports multi-frame tasking, enabling customers to capture 120,000 km² in a single acquisition. This large scene size is particularly useful for maritime applications such as dark vessel search and oil spill monitoring. Scan Wide extends ICEYE’s uniquely differentiated imaging capabilities, enabled by its phased array imaging technology. ICEYE is the only NewSpace company providing a comprehensive range of imaging modes, from 25 cm resolution Dwell and Spot modes with a 5 km x 5 km footprint to the 27 m resolution Scan Wide mode with a 200 km x 300 km footprint, with multiple resolution and scene size combinations between these extremes. With ICEYE’s rich product capabilities, customers can use Scan Wide to conduct large-area intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). For instance, Scan Wide can help analysts identify suspicious activity like illicit ship-to-ship transshipment or vessels that have disabled their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) to mask illegal activity. Once these threats are identified with Scan Wide, users can deploy ICEYE’s 25 cm and 50 cm modes like Dwell Precise and Spot Fine to better characterize the activity. Beyond defense applications, the Scan Wide footprint and resolution are well-suited for applications such as oil spill detection and monitoring. Scan Wide is supported on all satellites in the rapidly-growing ICEYE fleet. The combination of ICEYE’s proliferated constellation and diverse imaging modes is unequaled in the industry.
“By adding Scan Wide to our imaging portfolio, we enable users to ‘zoom out’ to search wide areas, and then ‘zoom in’ for high-resolution collections of targets of interest, tipping and cueing all within the same, seamless user experience,” said John Cartwright, ICEYE’s SVP of Product for Data. “ICEYE is unique among operators of its class in this extraordinary flexibility. We will continue to take advantage of our satellite technology to innovate new products that help our customers answer questions faster and more reliably, providing a powerful information advantage.”
ICEYE owns and operates the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation, delivering unlimited global access and the highest frequency revisits on the market. ICEYE SAR satellites provide 25 cm ground resolution, enabling accurate object detection and situational awareness in all weather and light conditions. To date, ICEYE has launched 54 SAR satellites into orbit for ICEYE’s and its customers’ use. The release of the Scan Wide product demonstrates ICEYE’s ongoing leadership in expanding the frontier of imaging capabilities for NewSpace missions.
13 Aug 25. Rohde & Schwarz has taken a significant step forward in satellite testing technology by delivering a fully customized solution to the TASA. For the first time, Rohde & Schwarz integrated EMC and antenna measurement capabilities into a single test chamber, addressing a complex challenge in satellite payload testing. The innovative system, now operational at TASA’s facility, reflects the growing need for advanced satellite testing methodologies. With the increasing adoption of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technologies, precise validation of satellite performance in complex environments is becoming essential. This includes ensuring seamless integration between satellites and cellular base stations — an area where conventional testing methods often fall short. The project’s complexity stemmed from TASA’s dual testing requirement: a single chamber capable of performing both EMC and antenna measurements. To meet this demand, Rohde & Schwarz’s solution includes a R&S ZNA43 vector network analyzer, R&S AMS32 customized measurement software, and engineering services. The system also incorporated a Compact Antenna Test Range (CATR) reflector, developed in partnership with a Taiwan third-party supplier. A key innovation in the project was the introduction of a patented diamond-shaped reflector design. This reflector minimizes interference within the chamber and reduces interactions between the reflector, feed, and Device Under Test (DUT) positioner. The result is improved accuracy and reliability in measuring complex satellite payloads. For Rohde & Schwarz, this project reinforced its expertise in integrating third-party components. The collaboration between a third-party supplier and TASA highlights the company’s adaptability in addressing specialized customer requirements while maintaining high standards of performance and reliability. As satellite-based connectivity becomes more integral to global communications, the industry faces rising expectations for robust and reliable testing processes. Satellites play a critical role in ensuring seamless communication across a wide range of applications, from remote sensing tools to mobile networks.
06 Aug 25. Open Cosmos kicks off first rideshare mission for the European Commission’s IOD/IOV program. Marking a major milestone for European innovation, the European Commission and ESA established a pool of rideshare providers to accelerate access to space for groundbreaking technologies. Today, Open Cosmos is thrilled to move from selection to execution, officially starting its first rideshare service under this program. Under this contract, Open Cosmos will deliver the first rideshare service to Luso Space, providing end-to-end support to the company on demonstrating and validating new on-orbit satellite technologies. This contract recognizes Open Cosmos’s proven capability in designing, manufacturing, and operating space missions, with a 100% success rate in orbit. The company has demonstrated its readiness to offer comprehensive rideshare services, leveraging its flight-proven architecture compatible with a range of satellite form factors up to 500 kg microsats. With six satellites currently on-orbit under Spanish ITU filing, and an additional four under design and manufacturing from Spain, alongside contributions to 22 more satellites contracted from other Open Cosmos subsidiaries, Open Cosmos is rapidly expanding its on-orbit infrastructure. This growth, coupled with its Open Constellation initiative, which aggregates heterogeneous space infrastructure for hosting additional payloads, highlights the company’s commitment to providing continuous and regular rideshare opportunities. The implementation of the framework contract will be through individual Work Orders, with the first set of Work Orders already planned. Each Work Order will detail the specific tasks and deliverables, ensuring a streamlined and effective process for integrating IOD/IOV Experiments onto Open Cosmos’s spacecraft. Furthermore, Open Cosmos will establish Rideshare Service Agreements with each IOD/IOV Experiment Provider, ensuring a collaborative and successful mission for all parties involved.
Open Cosmos is committed to ensuring that all Rideshare Services rely on spacecraft and launch services based on EU solutions, reinforcing Europe’s self-reliance in space.
We are incredibly enthusiastic about this partnership with the EU and ESA supporting the fast validation of new European technologies, as part of our mission of making space more accessible”, said Rafael Jordá Siquier, CEO of Open Cosmos. “We have progressed at speed, signing the frame contract earlier this year and now kicking off the first work order for a launch next year.”
Zuzana Mazanova, Head of Unit at the European Commission, said, “This contract marks another step forward in realising the Horizon Europe vision — boosting technological sovereignty and innovation within the EU space sector. By supporting companies like Open Cosmos, we are enabling a new generation of European missions that advance science, commercial competitiveness, and sustainability in space.”
Patrice Kerhousse, IOD-IOV Programme Manager at European Space Agency (ESA), said, “The selection of Open Cosmos through this Frame Contract reflects our continued effort to strengthen the European rideshare ecosystem. We are committed to fostering a competitive market of service providers capable of supporting IOD/IOV missions with agility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Open Cosmos has demonstrated that capability, and we are confident in their ability to deliver.” (Source: Satnews)
07 Aug 25. First next generation GEO-based missile warning satellite completes environmental testing, on track for delivery to USSF. The first of a new, more capable, more survivable missile warning satellite, designed by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) for today’s highly contested space domain, has successfully completed environmental testing. The first Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) Block 0 missile warning satellite recently completed thermal vacuum (TVAC) and acoustic testing. Completion of both tests, performed at Lockheed Martin Space’s facility in Sunnyvale, California, keeps the satellite on track for delivery. During TVAC testing, the Next-Gen OPIR GEO satellite faced a grueling, simulated space environment, proving it can operate in and withstand the harsh temperatures and pressures of an extended life in GEO. In acoustic testing, the satellite successfully withstood the violent vibration conditions that it will endure during launch. With environmental testing complete, the satellite is now in final systems integration testing, which includes testing connections with various ground systems. From a GEO vantage point—approximately 22,000 miles from the Earth’s surface—Next-Gen OPIR GEO’s advanced sensors will have an unmatched view of our planet’s mid-latitudes to detect ballistic missiles, hypersonics and other threats to America and its allies. Next-Gen OPIR GEO’s new sensors are designed to detect advancing adversary threats, including missile boost technologies that are faster burning and dimmer. The satellites, built on Lockheed Martin’s proven LM 2100™ combat bus, include resiliency features to address counter-space threats. The pacesetting Next-Gen OPIR GEO program will enhance and eventually succeed the on-orbit, Lockheed Martin-developed Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS). SBIRS is a combat-proven, space-based early warning system that has protected America’s troops and allies from ballistic missile attacks. (Source: Satnews)
08 Aug 25. Innovative NTS-3 Navigation Satellite Readies for Launch. Satellite will help chart the course for the future of global positioning, navigation and timing capabilities to address 21st century threats. L3Harris continues to help chart the course toward a new era of positioning, navigation and timing (PNT). As the prime contractor of NTS-3, the company is preparing its Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) for launch following successful tests earlier in 2024. Designed, built, and tested by L3Harris, NTS-3 is the first U.S. experimental, integrated navigation satellite system in nearly 50 years. In addition to the satellite, L3Harris is also supporting launch vehicle integration, integration with the control, and user segments and on-orbit operations. The company is also delivering novel mission applications software integrated into the NTS-3 ground control system to enable responsive reprogramming of the payload. Together with Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)-developed reprogrammable, software-defined user equipment, the system demonstrates a multilayer, robust, and resilient geosynchronous (GEO) augmentation to GPS to ensure U.S. freedom of navigation in air, space, and terrestrial domains.
General B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, pointed out in the Department of the Air Force Posture Statement Fiscal Year 2025, that as threats to our national security and space environment, to include GPS, increase at alarming rates, the U.S. is accelerating the pivot towards resilient satellite constellations, ground stations, networks, and data links. To successfully navigate this rapidly evolving threat environment, the nation’s warfighters need to be able to operate in GPS-degraded and GPS-denied environments. To that end, the U.S. has been conducting transformational analysis based on current and future threats, operational needs, and costs to be able to deliver resilient, effective systems and architecture.
Given these considerations, NTS-3 is smaller and lighter than traditional satellites and will operate at a different altitude. Once on-orbit, it will be used to conduct experiments that will demonstrate the resiliency that NTS-3 technology can provide to U.S. and allied military PNT. These will include, but are not limited to, flexible and advanced signals, reprogrammability, enhanced timekeeping, regional military protection, beam forming, alternative concept of operations in an end-to-end space, ground-control, and user-equipment enterprise.
Faster delivery through industry standards and modular design
L3Harris delivered NTS-3 three times faster and at lower cost than similar programs by leveraging industry standard form factors and interfaces. Its use of commercial development platforms enabled early integration and testing of software and firmware, helping to reduce risk. In addition, the satellite’s payload technology is modular and scalable and can be accommodated on different platforms.
“In today’s volatile geopolitical landscape, the need for accurate and uninterrupted PNT has never been more critical,” said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. “We’re looking forward to the launch and on-orbit tests of NTS-3’s cutting-edge capabilities, which are critical to updating 20th century technology for the 21st century threats that contested, degraded, and denied PNT poses to our country’s national security.”
Cutting-edge capabilities to counter threats to PNT
NTS-3’s innovative technologies include:
- Active electronically steerable phased array: NTS-3 is the first U.S. satellite to use phased array antenna technology for a space-based PNT mission, allowing simultaneous transmission of Earth-coverage beams and multiple, independently configurable regional beams. This capability enables groups with diverse needs to be supported more efficiently. Phased array technology is more power-efficient than other options and allows for graceful degradation in case of failures, significantly enhancing reliability.
- Agile waveform platform: This innovative platform features an on-board Enhanced Signal Processor and Ground Mission Application, enabling the rapid development and deployment of new signals. The Enhanced Signal Processor is fully reprogrammable on-orbit and supports legacy GPS as well as new, advanced waveforms. The Ground Mission Application enables operators to plan, configure and control Earth coverage and regional spot beams and signals to support multiple operations over a wide geographical area.
- Cion antenna/receiver: Fully reprogrammable on-orbit, the NTS-3 Cion digital space receiver can navigate autonomously if needed thanks to its ability to synch its signals to GPS. This ensures continuity if ground contact is lost.
Beyond the Satellite: Supporting the Launch
This past summer, L3Harris marked the one-year anniversary of its acquisition of power and propulsion provider, Aerojet Rocketdyne. The Vulcan rocket that will be used to launch the NTS-3 satellite is equipped with two Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 engines, providing a combined total thrust of nearly 48,000 pounds to its Centaur V upper stage. Additionally, it utilizes 12 MR-107 thrusters and helium tanks provided by the company that are essential to the rocket’s operation. Separately, L3Harris’ Integrated Mission Systems segment is also providing key spaceflight avionics including controllers, data acquisition units, and the T-740U Transmitter, which are crucial for vehicle control and data relay during launch. From engines and avionics to an innovative new satellite, L3Harris technology and people are helping to launch a new era of PNT. As it readies for launch, the NTS-3 satellite will help pave the way for uninterrupted, assured PNT by testing innovative technologies and techniques across space, ground control and user equipment segments. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
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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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