Open Cosmos has gained a €60 million contract to deploy an Earth Observation (EO) constellation consisting of seven satellites that will supply daily high-resolution and very-high-resolution imagery for Greece.

This flagship project forms part of the Hellenic Government‘s procurement of an advanced satellite constellation, demonstrating its commitment to delivering economic and environmental benefits for Greece and European citizens at large. The data collected from this constellation will be instrumental in improving public services such as the land registry, combating sea pollution, and increasing agricultural efficiency.

The seven satellites in the Greek constellation will gather data from a multi-sensor instrument suite in LEO, including very-high resolution optical multispectral and hyperspectral cameras, Internet-of-Things (IoT) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers, complemented by on-board AI to maximize efficiency. The program will be delivered in partnership with the European Space Agency and complement existing systems such as EU Copernicus, while being fully compatible with the Atlantic constellation.

The satellites will be built and operated by Open Cosmos Aegean, a new manufacturing center that will enhance sovereign capabilities in satellite technologies and attract further investment to the country. By overseeing regional sales and complementing other European operations, it will play a crucial role in future European and international programs.

Open Cosmos was founded in 2015 with a mission to address global sustainability challenges by making actionable information from space available to everyone. Part of this vision is the OpenConstellation, a mutualized constellation, set to become the largest shared infrastructure in space. Greece is set to join in this global partnership of nations and companies in the private sector, exchanging valuable data in respect of disaster responses and environmental monitoring.

The Minister of Digital Governance, Mr. Dimitris Papastergiou, said, “Greece is making significant steps in Space. By investing in both capacity-buying and capacity-building space programs, our aim is to stimulate local high-tech space industries, foster job creation, retain our skilled engineers and space experts in the country and attract additional talent. The development of cutting-edge satellite technology will cultivate a sustainable economic framework that integrates advanced science and technology sectors, bolstering long-term economic resilience in the country.”

Rafel Jorda Siquier, Founder and CEO of Open Cosmos, said, “It is an honor to be chosen for such a crucial program for Greece and incredibly proud of the team’s achievement in securing this contract. We faced competition from some of the world’s leading players in the industry, and to win is a true testament to the hard work of everyone at Open Cosmos and the strength of our advanced satellite technology. Delivering this contract will position us at the forefront of satellite data providers, opening up further collaborations and growing the OpenConstellation.”

Simonetta Cheli, director of the Earth Observation programs at ESA, said, “The assignment of the development of the Greek Constellation to Open Cosmos is a proof of the Agency’s continuous commitment in supporting National initiatives from the ESA Member States, in close coordination with the National Authorities and on compressed timescales. ESA has the unique ability to maximise the cross-benefit of all such initiatives by providing a unified framework for observations exchange among and for the benefit of Member States.”

Dr. Maria Kalama, Director of Open Cosmos Aegean, said, “We have created a vibrant ecosystem of suppliers and service providers around us, in every country we are present, and Greece will be no exception. We would like to thank all partners for their contribution to securing this contract, and in particular our main collaborators in Greece, Nova ICT, EMTECH-Space, the Libre Space Foundation, Planetek Hellas, Adamant Composites and Priority consultants.”

Intelsat has been selected by Japan Airlines to provide multi-orbit, inflight connectivity (IFC) service on more than 20 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to be delivered in the coming years.

The airline will become one of the first in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region to offer reliable, multi-orbit service using Intelsat’s new electronically steered array (ESA) antenna (pictured below, courtesy of Intelsat).

The new service will be installed by Boeing in the factory, making JAL one of the first airlines to take delivery of a Boeing aircraft with ESA inflight service ready for immediate passenger use. The first linefit aircraft is expected to be delivered in 2026.

The Intelsat ESA is less than seven centimeters tall and interoperates on both Intelsat’s family of geo-stationary satellites and its partner’s constellation of LEO satellites.

In addition to JAL’s Boeing 737s and 767s flying with 2Ku service, JAL’s subsidiary airline, J-AIR Co., Ltd.. is currently installing Intelsat’s 2Ku system on the carrier’s fleet of Embraer E190 aircraft. As recently announced, J-AIR will complete installation of the 2Ku system on 14 E190s in the coming months. When completed, J-AIR will be the first regional airline in Japan to offer inflight entertainment and connectivity services.

“Japan Airlines’ passengers will soon benefit from multi-orbit connectivity that will provide the same fast and dependable internet access they enjoy at home, thanks to wide coverage and low latency,” said Dave Bijur, Senior Vice President for Commercial Aviation. “JAL was Intelsat’s first non-U.S. commercial aviation customer, and we look forward to continuing to support JAL’s market-leading inflight connectivity service in Japan where their guests enjoy free service.”

“Intelsat has been a trusted partner of JAL since 2013,” said Junko Sakihara, Deputy SVP, Customer Experience Division at Japan Airlines. “We are proud to have been among the first airlines in the world to offer free service for all passengers flying on our domestic routes starting in 2017 and look forward to the greater speed and reliability benefits the new multi-orbit service will bring to our customers.” 

Rivada Space Networks has announced new partners in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region — the company has now lined up more than $9 billion of business across the globe for the company’s LEO network.

As the first unified global communications network, Rivada’s Outernet is transformative. A global low-latency, point-to-point network of 600 LEO satellites, the constellation combines inter-satellite laser links with advanced onboard processing and routing to create a ubiquitous optical mesh network in space. This “orbital network,” in which data stays in space from origin to destination, creates an ultra-secure, private satellite network with pole-to-pole coverage, offering end-to-end latencies much lower than terrestrial fiber over long distances. By routing traffic on a physically separated network, it provides a layer of defense for any enterprise or government organization that needs to securely share data across Asia and beyond.

For Enterprise and Government customers, the key attributes of the outernet are ideal for a variety of applications, for example, to give banks and global companies secured networks with distributed offices, provide significantly more bandwidth for oil & gas exploration than is available today, enable seamless connectivity for shipping and fleet management, or provide 5G satellite backhaul connectivity network expansion for cellular operators. Connectivity providers in Asia can offer a competitive advantage by expanding these markets, enabling new opportunities through secure, multi-gigabit bi-directional performance, combined with worldwide reach.

• KT SAT – Korea
  KT SAT, Korea’s national satellite communications provider will deploy Rivada’s outernet to provide ultra-secure connectivity to Enterprise, Government and Maritime companies looking for scalable and resilient solutions for their expanding networks. And with Asia’s subsea cables increasingly becoming a focal point of geopolitical tensions, the region now, more than ever, needs resilient infrastructure, which is fast, secure, and reliable.

• Connecto Network Systems Inc. (CNSI) – Philippines
  Connecto Network Systems Inc. will work with Rivada to improve connectivity for enterprise and government customers across the Philippines, ensuring seamless coverage, even in remote provinces. Connecto is spearheading the transformation of communities into smart cities, harnessing cutting-edge technologies to boost operational efficiency, facilitate public access to information and elevate the quality of government services.

• NiAT – Brunei
  NiAT is a key provider of connectivity services for the Oil & Gas sector in Brunei. The company is experiencing an increased demand for high bandwidth connectivity from its customer base and sees Rivada’s Outernet as the ideal solution to provide enterprise-grade, secure bandwidth combined with the high availability and guaranteed Service-Level-Agreements which underpins business for premium customers.

• AT Communications – Japan
  AT Communications provides national agencies with secure communications infrastructure for their sites across Japan and supports telcos with international connectivity. AT Communications will harness the Outernet’s seamless connectivity to ramp up performance, improve security, and increase customer efficiency. Rivada’s Outernet is particularly well suited for the low latency and secure connectivity required by national and local government and defense sectors.

• Teleport Access Services – Taiwan
  TAS will deploy Rivada’s Outernet to enhance the connectivity infrastructure in Taiwan, providing coverage of remote and underserved areas and ushering in a new era of secure communications and technological innovation. For telecoms services providers, government agencies and media companies, the deployment of LEO satellite services in Taiwan will drive positive change and empower communities through enhanced connectivity.

Declan Ganley, CEO of Rivada Space Networks, said, “We are seeing a huge uptake in our business in Asia, underlining the growing appetite for our unique space-based network. The outernet’s ability to meet the requirements of Asia’s connectivity providers in terms of security, latency, capacity, and coverage is a game-changer for the region. Our completely new type of LEO constellation will provide the whole of Asia with a transformative next-generation infrastructure for secure, resilient communications and network expansion.”

Rivada’s Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific, Donald Chew, said, “The Outernet is what data communications has been waiting for – a next-generation data infrastructure providing unrivaled secure and resilient connectivity and fueling new opportunities for network expansion.”

ISS National Lab Plays Key Role in Advancing Startup’s Sensor Technology

Using satellite-based hyperspectral sensors that can capture images of Earth beyond the visible light we can see with our eyes, startup Orbital Sidekick provides valuable global monitoring services to customers around the world.

So far, the company has launched five commercial satellites, two of which were placed into orbit in March, and the company has plans to launch a sixth later this year. Co-founder and CEO Dan Katz attributes much of the company’s success to leveraging the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory to test its new sensor technology.

Hyperspectral imaging can reveal the presence of specific chemicals and materials in an area, providing important insights into things like pipeline leaks, crop health, wildfire risk, and materials for mining. To test its new hyperspectral sensor technology, Orbital Sidekick launched its sensor to the ISS, where it was installed on the Nanoracks External Platform (NREP) mounted to the exterior of the orbiting laboratory.

An article in the latest issue of Upward, official magazine of the ISS National Lab, tells the story of Orbital Sidekick and what’s possible through research and technology development on the space station.

Following its ISS National Lab-sponsored investigation, Orbital Sidekick raised nearly $50 million in investment dollars and signed more than a dozen large energy companies for pipeline monitoring services. The company plans to expand its satellite constellation to include 14 satellites, allowing Orbital Sidekick to monitor millions of miles of pipeline around the globe on a weekly basis.

Katz commented on the value of the company’s ISS research in Upward and said, “It allowed us to focus our resources on what’s really driving value for our company, which is our intelligence platform, analytics engine, and product development for our end user—that’s what’s important for our commercialization effort. The mission was wildly successful and really set the table for everything we’re doing today with our commercial satellites.”

Sidus Space, Inc. (NASDAQ: SIDU) announced that the Department of Defense (DoD) Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) relationship with L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has been extended for an additional year.

The DoD Mentor-Protégé Program was designed to foster partnerships between established defense contractors and smaller, emerging businesses, to help them expand their footprint in the defense industry.

“We had a successful year in the program with L3Harris, and are eager to deepen our partnership, focused on supporting government customers,” said Carol Craig, Founder and CEO of Sidus Space. “The L3Harris Space and Airborne Systems segment and Sidus Space are both located on Florida’s Space Coast which we see as advantageous for further strengthening our relationship.”

The Sidus-L3Harris MPP agreement was extended through March 31, 2025.

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has launched NexusWave, a fully managed connectivity service underpinned by a ‘bonded’ multi-dimensional network, offering high-speed connectivity, unlimited data, global coverage, and ‘secure by design’ infrastructure.

Delivered by a single provider, NexusWave is a fully managed service that seamlessly integrates multiple high-speed networks in real time – Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band, LEO services, and as-available coastal LTE service – with an additional layer of L-band for resiliency – for fast, always-on connectivity. The solution also offers enterprise grade firewall security trusted by global enterprises and governments.

The future-proof NexusWave will also integrate the next-generation ultra-high capacity high-speed ViaSat-3 Ka-band service, following expected entry into service in 2025. As a unified solution, NexusWave ensures managed performance levels regardless of the vessel’s location or requirements, while providing complete transparency on total cost of ownership – with no unexpected charges.

Designed to provide an unparalleled experience in line with evolving customer needs, the new service supports digitization and crew welfare initiatives by transforming ships into floating offices and homes.

Supported globally and fully managed by Inmarsat, NexusWave comes with top-tier technical assistance and guidance derived from decades of experience. The solution will be continuously enhanced over time, in line with Inmarsat’s commitment to delivering excellence.

Ben Palmer OBE, President, Inmarsat Maritime, said, “Maritime operators face ever-growing demand for data consumption and speeds on board their vessels, coupled with the operational challenges of connecting worldwide while ensuring the security and efficiency of their communications. Meeting all these requirements typically relies on multiple, disjointed solutions, resulting in a complex patchwork of data caps, speeds, and coverage, in addition to unverifiable cyber security. At a time when reliable communications are a competitive advantage, maritime operators are seeking a value proposition tailored to their needs and rooted in high performance, certainty, and targeted outcomes. This is where NexusWave fulfils all of those demands, and more. Truly a game-changer in maritime communications, the new solution gives our customers the confidence to operate on their own terms, anywhere in the world, with complete peace of mind. Our combination with Viasat last year brought together the extraordinary people, innovation capabilities, and network assets of both businesses, creating a synergy that has been integral to the development of NexusWave – through which we will ensure unmatched connected confidence for our customers well into the future.”

St12 RF Solutions, the US entity of the manufacturer of advanced satellite products, payloads and Radio Frequency (RF) systems SWISSto12,  has developed, qualified and delivered three fully-integrated RF Antenna Feed Chains in various bands for a Northrop Grumman commercial GEOStar-3 satellite program. SWISSto12 completed the qualification program in January 2024, delivering the three integrated feed chains to Northrop Grumman for payload integration.

The space-qualification and shipment of SWISSto12’s RF Antenna Feed Chains to Northrop Grumman represents a significant milestone in the availability of next-generation RF payload solutions. SWISSto12’s RF Feed Chains are designed as fully-integrated monolithic assemblies; including diplexers, filters, polarizers, horn apertures and mechanical interfaces 3D printed as a single-piece assembly. SWISSto12’s proprietary Radio Frequency Additive Manufacturing (RFAM) processes allow for design optimization to minimize size and weight, while successfully meeting the stringent RF performance and qualification requirements established for this Northrop Grumman’s commercial GEOStar-3 program.

SWISSto12 has pioneered the development of advanced Additive Manufacturing technology for RF applications since 2011, creating strong momentum in the aerospace industry. Previously, RF product designs were constrained by manufacturing limitations impacting performance, weight, size, and cost competitiveness. SWISSto12’s RFAM technology enables the production of highly complex, intricate and non-conventional product designs which were previously not achievable. Through optimized manufacturing tolerances, surface finishes, plating techniques, and RF designs, SWISSto12 can deliver advanced RF performance, size, and weight savings while maintaining product competitiveness.

Scott Wolf, Managing Director of St12 RF Solutions, the US entity of SWISSto12, said, “SWISSto12 is delighted to announce this first delivery to Northrop Grumman of cutting-edge Radio Frequency Antenna Feed Chains for one of its commercial GEOStar-3 programs. Our novel Radio Frequency Additive Manufacturing capabilities coupled with advanced monolithic designs enabled by 3D printing have created a new benchmark in Antenna Feed Chain size, weight and performance. Our Radio Frequency Additive Manufacturing and HummingSat geostationary SmallSat businesses have delivered over $200 million in customer orders to date, validating  our mission to push the limits of existing payload capabilities to better protect and connect every corner of the world.”