Archives for November 2024

Spire Global (NYSE: SPIR) has been selected by LatConnect60 to provide Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry (GNSS-R) data and Soil Moisture Insights.   

The World Bank reports that investments in climate-resilient agriculture can yield returns of three to eight times the costs, making accurate environmental data essential for today’s farmers. LatConnect60 will integrate Spire’s Soil Moisture Insights and GNSS-R data into its web-based platforms, delivering actionable intelligence for water management, usage efficiency, and crop stress levels. These insights are crucial for farmers, resource managers, and policymakers.

LatConnect60 will combine data from its satellite fleet—which includes optical imagery and shortwave infrared technology—with Spire’s GNSS-R data to deliver a detailed view of environmental conditions and resource needs. Through this, its customers across Southeast Asia and Australia will have access to dynamic maps and detailed dashboards, allowing them to monitor specific areas, track water use, assess crop health, access daily updates and integrate multispectral satellite data for more informed decision-making. 

Spire’s Soil Moisture Insights leverages its GNSS-R satellite constellation to deliver high-resolution, daily soil moisture insights at 500-meter and six-kilometer resolutions, covering any location worldwide. Designed for diverse sectors this product helps optimize crop yield, manage environmental risks, and assess ground stability. Accessible via API, the product integrates seamlessly into existing systems, providing precise, actionable insights for applications such as drought and flood forecasting, irrigation planning, commodity price forecasting, hydrological modeling and more.

“LatConnect 60 looks forward to working closely with Spire to make this combined capability easily accessible to our end users across the Southeast Asian and Australian continents,” said Venkat Pillay, CEO and Founder of LatConnect60. “We envisage tremendous demand for the insights that will be made available, particularly in agricultural or forestry areas that are not easily accessible for manual data collection, while leveraging the ability for the GNSS-R data to enable daily soil moisture readings even in heavy cloud cover and dense canopy environments.”  

“Predicting biomass growth and understanding soil moisture conditions are essential for building climate resilience,” said Michael Eilts, general manager of Weather and Climate, Spire. “By combining our GNSS-R technology with LatConnect60’s analytical platforms, we are setting new benchmarks for accuracy in soil moisture data and comprehensive environmental monitoring in any corner of the globe.”  

  Learn more about Spire’s advanced Soil Moisture Insights at this direct link…  

ICEYE will be the consortium lead in an industrial participation program for the Finnish Ministry of Defense F-35 program — this consortium will develop advanced space and joint intelligence technologies, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for military users such as the Finnish Defense Forces.

The consortium, comprised of ICEYE, and prominent Finnish industry players Insta, Huld, DA-Group, and the Finnish Meteorological Institute as a supplier, will work together with Lockheed Martin on advancing technological development. This will include the progression of disruptive capabilities such as analytics with AI, and encompass mobile ISR cell development, advanced analytics, and high-performance SAR imaging for all weather and light conditions, making it especially suitable for the demanding Arctic weather and light conditions of NATO’s Northern Flank. Space-based intelligence remains a vital tool to support military operations across the land, sea, and air, and the program demonstrates Finnish willingness to develop and adopt advanced dual-use technologies that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness on the modern battlefield. 

The partnership between leading innovators within the defense and aerospace industry aims to support the Finnish Defense Forces with the goal to enhance the security of supply and strengthen Finland’s position as a leader in cutting-edge aerospace technology. The advanced capabilities will also present opportunities for further expansion and collaboration with NATO Allies and other friendly nations, paving the way for export growth for the members of the consortium.

Lockheed Martin Space will contribute its next-generation sensor processing framework and AI-enabled Global Automated Target Recognition (GATR) system. The cloud-based GATR software automates satellite image analysis by using deep learning algorithms and open-source libraries to quickly identify and classify objects in large areas across the world.

Through strategic partnership with the Finnish Defense Forces and previous fighter jet acquisitions, technology company Insta has decades of experience in demanding defense solutions. Insta has a strong focus on developing state-of-the-art command and control (C2) systems and modern solutions using data and AI that help execute successful multi-domain operations.

“ICEYE’s role in leading the industry consortium marks a significant milestone. This partnership aligns with our ambition to strengthen information capabilities and develop advanced technologies, ensuring that the Finnish Defense Forces and Allies can be equipped with the vital knowledge and capabilities required to maintain the strategic advantage,” said Pekka Laurila, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-founder of ICEYE.

“Lockheed Martin’s advanced mission solutions will provide the Finnish Defense Forces with enhanced situational awareness and reliable decision support for multi-domain operations,” said Rod Drury, Lockheed Martin Space’s vice president for Global Business. “This international technology collaboration demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s commitment to advancing the 21st Century Security capabilities of our NATO allies and mission partners.” 

“The most important prerequisite for multi-domain operations is a real-time situational picture. We want to engage in a unique collaboration with top domestic and international experts, thereby ensuring the continuous development of situational awareness security and performance in an increasingly networked world. We bring to the project our deep understanding and world-class expertise in how different sensor data can be processed and integrated into the C2 systems, and possibly further into the corresponding systems of NATO Allies,” said Petri Reiman, Senior Vice President from Insta.

Huld has more than 35 years of expertise in the space domain, along with extensive experience in national security and defense. “Huld is proud to see this important initiative start, as we have been planning this inspiring project with partners for a long time. We foresee utilizing our best experience in both digital systems and product design to develop this capability with our partners, and to contribute to Finland’s national defense and the safety of our society,” said Matti Anttila, Director, Defence & Space, Huld.

“Security innovations are DA-Group’s driving force. In this consortium, we will bring our
innovations for the common good and be better with our partners. We have proven before that we can do big things. DA-Group is now waiting to start working and gain results within the time frame,” said Pekka Airola, Chief Executive Officer of DA-Group.

“The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) is the main national public organization in the field of space-related services and research in Finland. This partnership on advanced satellite information with key Finnish industrial players, and Lockheed Martin further strengthens FMI’s role as a satellite data and data products provider,“ says Jyri Heilimo, Head of FMI Arctic Space Centre.

IEC Telecom will showcase its cutting-edge maritime connectivity solutions at Metstrade 2024, highlighting the transformative impact that LEO services, such as Starlink will have on the sector.

Maritime communication has been transformed, with Starlink disrupting traditional connectivity norms. In the Future of Maritime Connectivity Report 2024, to which IEC Telecom had a chance to contribute, Valour Consultancy estimates that, by 2033, more than 12,800 vessels will adopt the service. This growth surpasses the deployment of GEO VSAT systems, reflecting a shift toward more accessible and cost-effective LEO solutions. The appeal is clear: lower equipment costs, ease of installation, and a significant reduction in cellular data expenses—some service providers have seen an 80% decrease in costs since Starlink Maritime’s launch.

In response to shifting market dynamics, IEC Telecom has developed a versatile solution designed to provide yacht owners with maximum flexibility, particularly as Starlink is expected to restructure its offerings to two packages, 50 and 500 GB, starting in February of 2025. IEC Telecom’s network management ecosystem enables vessels to benefit from customized airtime packages tailored to their specific requirements.

Beyond flexible pricing, IEC Telecom’s advanced systems provide real-time visibility over traffic consumption and optimize each MB performance with features such as credit rollover. Automated notifications alert customers to unusual usage patterns, preventing unauthorized connections and potential losses. IEC Telecom’s 360 Starlink portfolio includes L-band backup and a suite of value-added services, known as OneGate Value-adds, ensuring business continuity and high-quality service even when primary connections are unavailable.

IEC Telecom’s network management solutions elevate the onboard leisure experience, offering everything from live concert streaming to individual VoIP calls. The Starlink portfolio provides yacht owners with seamless, home-like connectivity, whether cruising or anchored and allows for easy network adjustments via IEC Telecom’s proprietary OptiView portal. Designed for ultimate flexibility, these solutions come with an advanced guest voucher system that enables on-demand connectivity, with vouchers generated directly on board.

“IEC Telecom’s philosophy centers on customer-centric solutions,” said Gwenaël Lohéac, President Europe and Africa at IEC Telecom. “With over 400 yachts equipped with our Starlink-based solutions, IEC Telecom gains first-hand insight into the latest market developments. As the yachting industry booms with rising demand for luxury marine tourism and increased spending by high-net-worth individuals, we’ve introduced flexible connectivity packages that meet diverse needs—from small leisure boats to superyachts. In addition, we have expanded a range of our value-added services to ensure business continuity and advanced network management on board. We’re excited to introduce our comprehensive portfolio at Metstrade.”

The launches are currently planned to begin in 2026 and will support
the deployment of the Helios vehicle, among other payloads

Impulse Space has signed a contract with SpaceX for three, Falcon 9 rocket launches that will support the ongoing development and deployment of Impulse’s vehicles Helios and Mira.

The first of these missions will be the inaugural launch of Helios and is targeted for mid-2026. Prior to launch, Helios will be fueled with up to 14 tons of liquid methane and liquid oxygen while integrated into Falcon 9 in Florida. Falcon 9’s second stage will deploy Helios and its payloads in LEO, and Helios will transport those payloads to both Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO).

This mission will deliver a Mira vehicle to GTO as part of the VICTUS SURGO mission. The subsequent launches will also feature Helios, with payloads to be determined at a later date.

“Securing these launches allows us to showcase the full potential of Helios,” said Eric Romo, President and COO of Impulse Space. “Delivering spacecraft to high energy orbits rapidly and economically changes the equation for commercial communication operators and national security missions like VICTUS SURGO.”

“We’re honored Impulse Space selected Falcon 9 to launch these exciting missions,” said SpaceX Vice President of Commercial Sales, Stephanie Bednarek. “We share Impulse’s goal of making space more accessible for those looking for a ride to orbit, and we look forward to working with their team once again.”

According to the CBC, the government of the province of Ontario, Canada, is partnering with Starlink to provide high-speed internet access for 15,000 customers, both businesses and rural in rural, by June of 2025.

Called the ONSAT (Ontario Satellite Internet) program, this move is part of a nearly $4 billion investment by the provincial government’s to bring enable access to high speed internet to all communities in Ontario. 

At a news conference in Sudbury, Ontario, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure, Kinga Surma, said the province signed a nearly $100 million contract with Starlink, which is owned and operated by SpaceX.

Read the entire CBC article at this direct link…

Blue Origin now has a multi-launch agreement (MLA) to deliver multiple, next-generation, AST SpaceMobile Block 2 BlueBird satellites to LEO on New Glenn— all launches will occur over a multi-year period from Blue Origin’s Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. 

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network designed for both commercial and government applications. It will operate directly with everyday smartphones and allow seamless switching between terrestrial cell towers and satellite signals depending on location and coverage needs. 

New Glenn stands more than 320 feet (98 meters) tall and is named after John Glenn, the first person to orbit Earth. Its seven-meter fairing enables twice the payload volume of any five-meter class commercial launch system.   

The vehicle’s reusable first stage is designed for a minimum of 25 missions and is powered by seven Blue Origin BE-4 engines, the most powerful liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled, oxygen-rich staged combustion engine ever flown. Its second stage is powered by two BE-3U engines. Each BE-3U generates 160,000 lbf of thrust in vacuum. Blue Origin also manufactures BE-7 engines for its Blue Moon lunar landers and New Shepard’s BE-3PM engine.  

New Glenn’s first launch is on track for this year.  

“New Glenn’s performance and unprecedented capacity within its seven-meter fairing enables us to deploy more of our Block 2 BlueBird satellites in orbit, helping provide continuous cellular broadband service coverage across some of the most in-demand cellular markets globally,” said Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, AST SpaceMobile. 

“It’s an honor to support AST SpaceMobile’s deployment of their next generation BlueBird satellites, which will expand connectivity across the globe and positively impact many lives,” said Dave Limp, CEO, Blue Origin. “New Glenn is purpose-built for these kinds of innovative and ambitious missions.” 

Starfish Space has raised $29 million in a new funding round led by Shield Capital. Major participants in the round include new investors Point72 Ventures, Booz Allen Ventures, Aero X Ventures, Trousdale Ventures, and TRAC VC, as well as existing investors Munich Re Ventures, Toyota Ventures, NFX, and Industrious Ventures.

The additional funding will enable Starfish to complete the development of the first three Otter servicing vehicles, which will perform missions for Intelsat, the U.S. Space Force, and NASA. The completion of this round brings Starfish’s total funding to date to over $50 million. This round builds on multiple significant milestones achieved by Starfish throughout 2024, including concluding the Otter Pup mission with a successful rendezvous, winning a $37.5M STRATFI contract with the U.S. Space Force, signing a contract with Intelsat for a life extension mission, and partnering with NASA for a debris inspection mission in low Earth orbit.

Starfish is developing a suite of innovative software and hardware technologies to enable Otters to perform servicing missions. These include CETACEAN and CEPHALOPOD—proprietary software systems that provide precise autonomous navigation and docking capabilities, and Nautilus, a unique capture mechanism designed to dock with a wide variety of client satellites.

Starfish has grown to a team of 70 employees at its headquarters in Tukwila, Washington. The company’s first two Otter missions for Intelsat and the U.S. Space Force will launch to geostationary orbit in 2026, and begin providing services to client satellites thereafter. 

“This new round of funding is a pivotal moment in the journey of Starfish Space, as it will allow us to launch the first Otter satellites to orbit,” said Austin Link, Co-Founder of Starfish. “These first Otters will change what is possible when it comes to operating satellites in space. We are excited to partner with an outstanding group of investors to make these missions happen, and proud of the growing support we’ve received from existing investors as part of this round.”

“On-orbit satellite servicing is a critical evolution to unlock the next level of value for defense and commercial space,” said Letitia ‘Tish’ Long, newly appointed Starfish Board member and Senior Advisor at Shield Capital. “Austin, Trevor, and the whole Starfish team have proven their ability to execute complex missions on orbit, and we are excited to be partnering with them as they deliver Otter for critical customer applications.”