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Archives for May 2024

Unseenlabs announces next generation smallsat constellation for 2026

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Unseenlabs‘ space-based RF detection satellites engage in RF space-based detection that are specifically designed for maritime surveillance that improve the detection, tracking, and characterization of maritime activities by leveraging a fleet of 13 monosatellites, with four additional units slated for launch in 2024. These satellites have been pivotal in providing critical intelligence to combat illegal fishing, piracy, and other maritime threats, effectively covering vast areas at sea.

Building on this success, Unseenlabs is expanding its surveillance capabilities to include terrestrial and space environments in addition to maritime with its upcoming constellation. This new fleet will be comprised of advanced 150 kg satellites and is tailored to monitor a wider range of emissions across all domains, enhancing global security and compliance capabilities.

Unseenlabs’ patented RF monosatellite technology sets the company’s smallsats apart from more traditional, tri-satellite systems. The Unseen Labs approach allows a single satellite to perform RF intelligence collections independently, providing a resilient, cost-effective solution with significant operational savings. This technological edge ensures persistent, global coverage and continuous operation under any weather conditions, 24/7.

The 2026 constellation will capitalize on Unseenlabs’ proven monosatellite technology, extending the surveillance reach to include land and space, in addition to maritime. This expansion is designed to meet evolving global security needs, offering unprecedented coverage and detection capabilities of many more multidomain targets. On land, the constellation will track crucial emissions from devices such as satellite phones and jammers, while also enhancing existing maritime surveillance prowes

The effectiveness of Unseenlabs’ current constellation in maritime surveillance has demonstrated its capability to significantly reduce illegal activities and economic losses, particularly in the fishing industry, which suffers an estimated $36 billion annually due to illegal operations. Unseenlabs’ technology’s unique RF fingerprinting ability enables accurate identification and tracking of vessels, providing vital Intelligence for enforcement and conservation efforts.

Unseenlabs also serves a wide array of private sector stakeholders. These include insurers requiring accurate intelligence for risk assessment and claim management, shipowners in need of dependable vessel tracking, and companies in the oil & gas and offshore industries seeking advanced monitoring and security solutions.

With the introduction of its new constellation, Unseenlabs will continue to offer surveillance intelligence capabilities, interoperability with other EO systems, and rapid delivery of mission-critical intelligence with sub-kilometer accuracy. The firm’s solutions are designed for current needs and future challenges, thereby ensuring that Unseenlabs remains a leader in RF detection from space

Clément Galic, CEO & Cofounder of Unseenlabs, said, “The launch of our next-generation satellite constellation marks a pivotal moment in our journey. This expansion into terrestrial and space surveillance embodies our commitment to pioneering comprehensive global monitoring solutions. We are not just extending our reach; we are setting new standards for the industry.”

Jonathan Galic, Unseenlabs’ CTO and Cofounder, said, “Our new constellation will leverage cutting-edge monosatellite technology to deliver unparalleled accuracy and flexibility across multiple domains. With this next-generation capability, we will monitor and analyze RF emissions more efficiently than ever, ensuring swift and precise intelligence delivery in near real-time conditions.”

About Unseenlabs
Since its inception, Unseenlabs has been committed to innovation and excellence in RF detection surveillance. As the pioneer and global leader provider of RF monosatellite technology that has been space-proven, it delivers robust, future-ready solutions that are perfectly aligned with international security standards and strategic defense objectives. Unseenlabs’ ongoing advancements in satellite technology and data analysis reaffirm its pioneering status and dedication to enhancing global surveillance capabilities.

AAC Clyde Space leads consortium to develop laser communication system

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Recently, AAC Clyde Space‘s subsidiary, AAC Hyperion and its partners, Netherland’s FSO Instruments and TNO, have agreed to develop the next generation of laser communication terminals for smallsats.

In the project, AAC Clyde Space is to deliver a compact, low-cost, laser system capable of transmitting data from space at a speed of up to 10 Gbps. The project is planned to be finalized during the third quarter 2026.

AAC Hyperion will productionize the existing 1 Gbps system, CubeCAT V1, in corporation with FSO Instruments. This will also expand CubeCat‘s capacity to 10 Gbps to generate a next-generation terminal to enable space-to-ground communication between small satellites and optical ground stations.

The total value of the project is 3.5 million euros, of which 1.9 million euros will be co-funded by the Dutch National Growth Fund program NXTGEN HIGHTECH through the Netherlands Space Office (NSO). The project is thereby carried out under a program of and funded by the European Space Agency. The project will be recognized as revenue with no net margin as AAC Hyperion and partners will fund the remaining 1.6 million euros.

As commercial and government data demands continue to increase, the need for high-quality, timely data from space is growing rapidly. Laser communication technologies are being increasingly used to send data generated on satellites directly to earth. By transmitting through the infra-red wavelength band, the limitations of standard radio frequency communication technologies are avoided, thereby increasing transmission capabilities of satellites by factors of 10 to 100. Moreover, the narrow beamwidth makes optical communication links more secure. Laser communication systems also have the potential of lower size, weight and power, which is important in the Space domain.

The CubeCAT V1 is currently flying in LEO on a technology demonstration mission. It has been developed by TNO together with AAC Hyperion, the Group’s subsidiary in the Netherlands specialized in optical communications, and other partners.

“The demand for direct laser communication between satellites and Earth is growing rapidly. With this project, we aim to stay at the forefront of technological development,” says AAC Clyde Space CEO Luis Gomes.

Agile Space Industries to provide propulsion capability for True Anomaly’s space operations

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Photo of Agile Space Industries’ M4 thruster, courtesy of the company.

Agile Space Industries will be providing advanced propulsion technology for a variant of True Anomaly’s Jackal autonomous orbital vehicle (AOV).

Photo of the True Anomaly Jackal vehicle with an Agile Space propulsion system. Photo is courtesy of Agile Space Industries.

Space security and sustainability missions require True Anomaly’s Jackal AOV to maneuver in any orbit. Propulsive efficiency is key to enabling mission flexibility so operators can “maneuver without regret,” knowing they will have ample propellant reserves for future maneuvers. In addition to efficiency, high thrust is imperative to minimize response time and maximize unpredictability to potential adversaries.

True Anomaly’s new, highly propulsive Jackal configuration will add to the company’s platform options to suit specific mission types. Agile is currently manufacturing the main engines, attitude control thrusters, propellant tanks, and other propulsion components that will be integrated into True Anomaly’s production line on an accelerated schedule to enable the company’s multi-orbit, high-acceleration, and high delta-V Jackal requirements.

True Anomaly was recently selected for a contract by Space Systems Command, a U.S. Space Force field command, for the VICTUS HAZE Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) mission, which has a goal of demonstrating and proving how commercial capabilities can be used for future TacRS operations all while further enabling dynamic space operations.

In addition to the propulsion components, Agile will provide propellant logistics services, including procurement, handling, and spacecraft fuel-loading for the Jackal AOV that True Anomaly will launch as part of the VICTUS HAZE demonstration in 2025.

“Propulsion is at the heart of Jackal’s unique capabilities,” said True Anomaly CEO and Co-Founder, Even Rogers. “Agile’s hardware gives Jackal propulsive capability that has simply not been seen before in a spacecraft of this size. By combining efficiency and high thrust, we will empower operators with the agility needed to succeed in the demanding space environment.”

“Both Agile and True Anomaly are investing in the mission—it’s a true collaboration,” said Agile CEO, Chris Pearson. “The hardware being brought to market will benefit the wider space economy and is enabled by Agile’s strategic investments in advanced additive manufacturing and vertically integrated propulsion test capabilities.”

About Agile Space Industries
Agile Space Industries provides in-space propulsion solutions to enable our customers to reach their destinations faster and more efficiently to take advantage of the new space economy. Our industry leading propulsion design, metal 3D printing, and vacuum hot-fire testing capabilities are under one roof allowing us to provide a competitive edge for our government and industry customers.

About True Anomaly
True Anomaly builds innovative technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to deliver solutions for space security, sustainability, and accessibility. The company empowers the U.S. government, its allies, and partners as well as the commercial space industry to lead safe, resilient operations on orbit to secure life on Earth..

Descartes Labs Government accelerates mission-ready solutions with EarthDaily constellation EO data

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Descartes Labs and its subsidiary, Descartes Labs Government, has selected EarthDaily Analytics as a supplier for their EO data to power their geospatial analytics and AI solutions. 

EarthDaily’s Constellation will unlock a continuous stream of scientific-quality and analytics-ready data providing an unprecedented industry advancement for Descartes Labs’ customers.

The anticipated EarthDaily Constellation is set to launch later in 2024. Their “string of pearls” configuration will enable coverage of nearly 100% of the world’s land masses and maritime regions every six hours, providing the widest commercially available spectral range specifically tailored to inform and guide a diverse set of the most mission-critical, real-world applications. The EarthDaily Constellation will fundamentally change customers’ ability to identify change and adapt quickly in an increasingly complex world.

Retina integrates Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) for rapid intelligence extraction, enabling government agencies to see the world in real-time clarity through a single, streamlined interface. WayFinder, a new mission management tool, aids Search and Rescue (SAR) operations by shortening the time between emergency beacon detection and responders hitting the ground, reducing emergency response times by 25-50%. Iris, an InSAR-based deformation monitoring solution, visually focused on AOIs, with an easy to use, no code interface. Iris continuously monitors critical infrastructure for signs of deformation and provides fast alerting for improved response to these anomalies. Together, Retina, WayFinder and Iris arm the Public Sector with actionable insights for mission-ready decisions to meet mission-critical objectives.

Descartes Labs and EarthDaily’s integration of data and analysis will yield an unparalleled scope and quality of actionable insights for the private and public sectors alike. The addition of EarthDaily data will provide a valuable enhancement to data agnostic, deep tech intelligence of Retina, WayFinder and Iris, Descartes Labs Government’s trifecta of solutions being released at GEOINT Symposium 2024. 

“Access to EarthDaily data will improve mission response times, enabling swift reactions to real-world events. Integrating this data into our product solutions will be pivotal in powering our current tip and cueing event alerting system,” said Nicole Toigo, President of Descartes Labs Government.

Don Osborne, CEO of EarthDaily Analytics, said, “Uniting EarthDaily data with the AI driven analytics that are foundational to Descartes Labs and Descartes Labs Government, delivers a complete end-to-end solution across industries, enterprises and governments, globally.”

About Descartes Labs Government (DLG)
Descartes Labs Government is a wholly owned subsidiary of Descartes Labs. Our solutions are grounded in an ever-expanding portfolio of cloud-native, dual-use, AI-driven products and capabilities that are commercially available and mission-stress-tested by a variety of government organizations. Our expert team comes from a broad range of physical and applied science backgrounds at top institutions, and our strength lies in blending physical and statistical modeling techniques.  

HyImpulse launches their 1st commercially viable launch vehicle

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Photo of the SR75 test launch is courtesy of HyImpulse.

HyImpulse, a German manufacturer and system provider of commercial launch vehicles for satellite transport, successfully test-launched their 12 meter long and 2.5 ton single-stage rocket “SR75” that can transport smallsats weighing up to 250 kg to an altitude of around 250 km.

The hybrid rocket propulsion system of the launch vehicle operated as planned. After the successful lift-off, the SR75 will be retrieved for further examination and analysis of the data.

HyImpulse introduces a groundbreaking propulsion concept with its rockets, using solid paraffin (commonly known as candle wax) and liquid oxygen as fuel. Paraffin, being both cost-effective and inherently safe as a fuel, serves as an alternative to conventional liquid or solid fuels and does not have the risk to explode. This innovative design significantly simplifies the construction of launch vehicles, cutting costs by a remarkable 40 percent compared to traditional propulsion systems. As a result, satellite transportation expenses are reduced by an impressive 50 percent, demonstrating HyImpulse’s commitment to affordable access to space.

The SL1 multi-stage orbital launch vehicle, scheduled for its inaugural lift-off by the end of 2025, stands at a height of 32 meters and weighs 50 tons. Depending on the weight of the payload, it can ascend to an altitude exceeding 500 km, i.e., reaching low Earth orbits. Designed for cost-effective transportation of smallsats into space, it can carry payloads of up to 600 kilograms to LEO.

Dr. Mario Kobald, co-founder and co-CEO of HyImpulse, said, “ Setting up a commercial launch vehicle equipped with entirely new propulsion technology up for launch and lift-off with such an efficient team and a relatively small budget is quite a feat. We’re signaling Germany’s prowess as a spacefaring nation and expanding Europe’s access to space. Already, we’re planning the launch of a larger, multi-stage transport launch vehicle capable of deploying satellites weighing up to 600 kilograms into low Earth orbits by the end of next year.”

Dr. Christian Schmierer, co-founder and co-CEO of HyImpulse, said, “With this successful launch, which also provides us with valuable data for further development, we have validated our technical concept and demonstrated our market readiness. Our utilization concept is designed for the cost-effective transport of small satellites into space. This enables the implementation of privately funded environmental and climate projects, research projects, as well as navigation, telecommunications, and more. The demand for commercial launch vehicles for the transportation of satellites in Europe is substantial. Accordingly, with a volume well exceeding 100 million Euro, our order book is already substantial and continues to grow monthly.”

Exolaunch deploys NASA’s ACS3 Satellite

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This marks the first-ever satellite Exolaunch has deployed for NASA,
which launched via Rocket Lab’s Electron vehicle on April 23, 2024.

Artistic rendition of NASA’s ACS3 solar sail spacecraft on-orbit. Image is courtesy of NASA.

Exolaunch provided the deployment services for NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) satellite aboard Rocket Lab’s “Beginning of the Swarm” mission.

Launch photo is courtesy of Rocket Lab.

The liftoff occurred on April 23rd. at 1000 NZT / 2200 UTC from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand. As the first satellite the company has deployed for NASA, this landmark launch is Exolaunch’s 28th mission.

Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1, Mahia, New Zealand.

ACS3, which features a 12U nanosatellite (smallsat) bus built by Kongsberg NanoAvionics, is testing new structures for solar sail systems, which harness sunlight for propulsion. The satellite was successfully deployed into orbit using Exolaunch’s flight-proven EXOpod deployer.

With NASA’s ACS3 now in orbit, the mission’s primary objective is to test the deployment of lightweight booms designed to unfurl a solar sail measuring about 30 feet per side. ACS3 marks the first use of composite booms, as well as sail packing and deployment systems, for a solar sail in space. Additionally, exploring solar sailing as a viable alternative to chemical and electric propulsion systems is crucial to enabling future low-cost, efficient deep space missions.

This innovative technology holds great promise for a variety of applications, including space weather monitoring satellites, asteroid reconnaissance missions, and solar observation missions, contributing to significant advancements in space exploration and science.

“Exolaunch is honored to have been a part of NASA’s ACS3 mission,” said Jake Cornish, U.S. launch director at Exolaunch. “Congratulations to NASA and Kongsberg NanoAvionics on reaching this crucial milestone, and thank you, Rocket Lab, for a smooth ride to orbit. We are excited to see the potential applications of ACS3 unfold, and are proud to support and enable NASA’s innovative endeavors in space exploration using small satellites.”

SDA awards an eight satellites build for the FOO Fighter program

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Artistic rendition is courtesy of Millennium Space Systems.

The Space Development Agency (SDA) has issued an award using Other Transaction Authority (OTA) with a total potential value of approximately $414 million to build eight satellites, for launch in first quarter fiscal year 2027, to accelerate fire-control capability for global detection, warning, and precision tracking of advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems.

This firm fixed-price agreement was awarded to Millennium Space Systems, Inc. to deliver eight satellites as part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture‘s (PWSA) Fire-control On Orbit-support-to-the-war Fighter (FOO Fighter) program. FOO Fighter, or F2, will demonstrate advanced missile defense capability by incorporating fire control-quality sensors into a prototype constellation.

“The FOO Fighter program will provide an operational demonstration of fire control efforts separate from, but complementary to, our missile warning/missile tracking and missile defense efforts already underway in the tranches,” said Derek Tournear, SDA director. “We look forward to working with Millennium, a new teammate in the expanding marketplace of performers innovating to deliver the PWSA for the warfighter.”