Archives for 2024

Synspective Inc., a provider of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite data and analytics solutions, has announced that the Yamato Technology Center, a new manufacturing site for small SAR satellites, began full-scale operations in September — this factory is Synspective’s third site, following the Tokyo Headquarters and Singapore Branch.

With the start of operations at the new facility, and in partnership with Seiren Co., Ltd. and TOKYO KEIKI Co., Ltd. for mass production, Synspective has established a comprehensive production system for StriX SAR satellites. This advancement will enable us to build a full constellation of 30 small SAR satellites by the late 2020s.

The Yamato Technology Center is designed to produce 12 small SAR satellites per year, guided by the concept of Iterative Manufacturing. Synspective will expand production capacity by continually incorporating new insights and experiences while refining our processes to meet this target.

The company will improve satellite quality and performance by quantifying as many events throughout the manufacturing process as possible, compiling them into a database, and analyzing the data. These insights will inform improvements in satellite, process, and equipment design. Quantifying quality and accumulating information is also valuable in verifying future satellite parts and manufacturing process changes.

In addition, seasoned spacecraft manufacturing professionals will train new team members. To create an optimal work environment, we will introduce ergonomically designed equipment and tools to enhance skills and support consistent, high-quality satellite production. We are also organizing training sessions to build proficiency in space manufacturing for those new to the space industry.

Office Space	Meeting Area

The Yamato Technology Center will attract highly skilled professionals to its convenient location near central Tokyo. We plan to hire approximately 50 new employees as we begin full-scale operations. You can learn more about our open positions at the firm’s Careers Page.

United Kingdom Armed Forces personnel are to have access to the latest space technology for military operations, following a contract procured by Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment & Support DE&S for a new satellite.

The £40 million project with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) will support approximately 200 skilled jobs, boosting the UK’s space sector and helping to grow the economy.

Named Juno, the satellite will be able to capture daytime images of the Earth’s surface, strengthening the UK’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Expected to launch in 2027, Juno will have advanced imagery sensors, building on the capabilities of Tyche, UK Space Command’s first satellite which successfully launched in August of this year.

Both satellites form part of the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) space-based ISR program, which will deliver a constellation of satellites and supporting ground systems by 2031.

Juno and Tyche satellites will support military operations, for instance by monitoring adversary activities, and contribute to other government tasks, including natural disaster monitoring, the development of mapping information, environmental monitoring and tracking the impact of climate change around the world.

SSTL employs around 400 engineers, technicians and support staff across its two sites in Guildford, Surrey, and Bordon, Hampshire. With around half of these employees expected to work on the project, Juno will play a key part in securing critical UK skills in the growing global space sector. The project will also help inform the procurement strategy for future space capability requirements.

The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, said, “The contract for Juno shows the UK’s commitment to grow one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world and keep our competitive edge in space science and technology. Juno will not only support Armed Forces personnel deployed globally, but also support highly skilled jobs, delivering on the government’s growth mission.”

Paul Russell, Space team leader at DE&S, said, “Placing contracts and managing delivery of a new generation of UK military capabilities for use in a complex and critical environment takes incredible focus and collaborative working with our defence and industry partners. These efforts are key in ensuring the UK Armed Forces have access to the surveillance and intelligence information they need to maintain a competitive edge.”

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, said, “With Tyche in space, and Juno now on contract, UK Space Command’s ISTARI programme is making great strides, showcasing innovation and collaboration across government and industry. With these Earth Observation satellites on-orbit, UK Space Command and defence will be better equipped to conduct all-domain military operations and deliver assured space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to the joint force and our allies.”

Andrew Cawthorne, Managing Director, SSTL, said, “We’re incredibly proud that the Ministry of Defence has again placed its trust in SSTL to deliver the UK’s next sovereign intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance spacecraft. We look forward to continuing our successful relationship with UK Space Command, DE&S, and Dstl, and playing a leading role in delivering the UK Defence Space Strategy.”

WISeKey International Holding Ltd. (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY) has announced that the firm’s subsidiary, WISeSat.Space, is preparing for the mid-January 2025 launch of the next-generation satellite.

This launch represents a significant development in WISeSat.Space’s mission to provide secure IoT connectivity, advance climate change monitoring capabilities, and support European satellite independence with cutting-edge technology.

WISeSat.Space’s new generation of low-orbit satellites leverages compact picosatellites equipped with SEALSQ Corp. (NASDAQ: LAES) semiconductor technology and WISeKey’s cryptographic keys. These integrated solutions enhance the security, performance, and resilience of satellite-based IoT systems, and support a diverse range of applications including environmental monitoring, disaster management, smart agriculture, and industrial IoT solutions.

The satellites are specifically designed to support low-power sensors, enabling data collection in remote and off-grid areas. WISeSat.Space’s picosatellites, which are smaller and more cost-effective than traditional satellites, make global IoT connectivity feasible by reducing launch costs and optimizing data transmission. The satellite technology incorporates Quantum-Resistant cryptographic keys, and offers future-proof security against potential quantum computing threats, a step critical to the long-term security of global IoT ecosystems.

An essential component of WISeSat.Space’s strategy is the creation of a European-based, neutral satellite constellation. By anchoring operations in Europe, WISeSat.Space is able to ensure data sovereignty and reduce reliance on non-European providers for critical IoT and environmental data. This independence not only strengthens data security but also allows for robust, unencumbered international cooperation. A neutral European constellation addresses global trust concerns, positioning Europe as a leader in secure and autonomous satellite technology. This approach further aligns with EU objectives for strategic autonomy and technological resilience, fostering economic growth and high-tech job creation within the region.

The advanced satellite set for January 2025 launch includes key enhancements to bolster connectivity for diverse IoT applications. The satellites’ upgraded semiconductor technology, developed by SEALSQ, optimizes both processing and communication capabilities. This facilitates faster data relay and enhanced responsiveness, crucial for applications in real-time environmental monitoring, industrial automation, and smart agriculture.

For climate change monitoring, the WISeSat constellation allows for the real-time tracking of environmental variables, enabling early detection and response to extreme weather events. The satellites contribute to disaster management through early warning systems, aiding vulnerable communities and ecosystems by providing timely, high-quality data. These capabilities not only support critical disaster preparedness but also allow policymakers to make informed decisions about climate resilience and adaptation.

WISeSat.Space’s picosatellites employ a unique design focused on compactness and cost-effectiveness. Through the combination of low-orbit satellite networks and low-power, long-range sensors, WISeSat.Space provides a reliable network with low latency and high data accuracy—ideal for continuous tracking and monitoring across large, remote areas. These picosatellites are designed to operate with minimal power consumption, which is crucial for sustainable, long-term deployment in remote locations. Each satellite is embedded with WISeKey’s advanced cybersecurity protocols, ensuring that data is encrypted and secure from unauthorized access throughout its journey from sensor to end-user.

The launch’s timing aligns with WISeKey’s annual event in Davos, where industry leaders, policymakers, and technologists will convene for a roundtable on space technology and its applications in IoT and climate monitoring. This roundtable will provide a platform to discuss how space-based systems can address global challenges and explore the role of satellite technology in building a sustainable and secure digital future.

With the upcoming launch of this next-generation satellite, WISeSat.Space reaffirms its commitment to pioneering secure, scalable IoT solutions and advancing European autonomy in space technology. WISeKey looks forward to this critical addition to its constellation as it leverages space to enhance secure connectivity, climate resilience, and technological independence for the global community.

About WISeSat.Space
WISeSat AG is pioneering a transformative approach to IoT connectivity and climate change monitoring through its innovative satellite constellation. By providing cost-effective, secure, and global IoT connectivity, WISeSat is enabling a wide range of applications that support environmental monitoring, disaster management, and sustainable practices. The integration of satellite data with advanced climate models holds great promise for enhancing our understanding of climate change and developing effective strategies to combat its impacts. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, initiatives like WISeSat’s IoT satellite constellation are essential for creating a more resilient and sustainable future.

About WISeKEY
WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, and (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions.

Astranis has been selected as a prime contractor for the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command’s (SSC) new Resilient GPS (R-GPS) program — Astranis is one of four awarded an agreement to produce design concepts for R-GPS’ Lite Evolving Augmented Proliferation program.

The R-GPS program was created by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall to build and launch small, low-cost, PNT (positioning, navigation, and timing) satellites to bolster the existing GPS fleet. The R-GPS satellites will include the latest GPS signals, including M-Code, for assured performance, even in contested regions. USSF has asked contractors to prepare the first eight R-GPS satellites for launch by 2028, a fast turnaround that shows the importance of developing this new capability for America’s warfighters.

Astranis will serve as a prime contractor for an $8 million concept development effort for the R-GPS program, given its experience as a manufacturer and operator of low-cost, high-orbit satellites. The Astranis R-GPS spacecraft design leverages the company’s existing MicroGEO satellite design, with PNT algorithms from Xona Space Systems, a premiere commercial company fielding a full GNSS system — Xona’s algorithms will be implemented in software on the Astranis Octane Software-Defined Radio hardware.

Astranis will work through this phase of the program to advance its R-GPS design ahead of the USSF’s plans to build and launch a proliferated fleet of more than 20 small GPS satellites.

About Astranis
Astranis designs, builds, and operates the world’s most advanced high-orbit satellites.
Their first product, MicroGEO, offers the world’s only dedicated satellite connectivity. Operating in geostationary orbit, each MicroGEO satellite can provide bandwidth to ISPs, small and medium-sized countries, Fortune 1000 companies, and other commercial customers. Astranis has built a $1 billion backlog for 10+ MicroGEO satellites launching over the next two years. Astranis performs missions across multiple orbits and use cases. With contracts in place with Space Force, NASA, and other government partners, Astranis is working across MEO and GEO to support government science, PNT, and communications missions. Astranis has raised $750 million from top global investors and employs a team of over 400 engineers and builders, headquartered at Historic Pier 70 in San Francisco, California.

GMV has been awarded a contract by the European Space Agency (ESA) to lead the CyberCUBE mission, a key initiative under ESA’s Cybersecurity Operations Centre (CSOC) Cyber Evolutions program.

The GMV-led consortium, which includes GMV’s teams in Romania (prime contractor) and Spain, along with Alén Space will manage the end-to-end lifecycle of the CyberCUBE mission—from specification and design to procurement, assembly, verification, validation, and launch, and LEOP. This mission is a critical step in bolstering the cybersecurity of space-based assets, ensuring they remain resilient against emerging cyber threats in future operations.

The CyberCUBE mission will validate the CSOC’s radio frequency (RF) capabilities and provide a real-world demonstration of sophisticated data analysis tools designed to detect and counter potential cyber threats. In response to the growing need for stronger space cybersecurity, GMV will deliver a cutting-edging on-orbit operational laboratory equipped with innovative onboard cyber capabilities. This platform will support the development, testing, and refinement of cryptographic functions and key management strategies while gathering valuable security data from operational systems.

The CyberCUBE mission aims to offer ESA a cost-effective, reconfigurable cyber capability for demonstrating new technologies in orbit, minimizing risks, and accelerating the adoption of cybersecurity solutions for future ESA missions.

GMV brings a diverse portfolio of products and services to the table, providing ESA with a reliable infrastructure for both the flight and ground segments of the mission. The project will be led by GMV’s Romanian subsidiary, with Alén Space acting as subcontractor and supported by GMV Spain’s expertise in flight software and ground control systems, and in cybersecurity.

GMV’s responsibilities span the entire CyberCUBE mission lifecycle, from development to launch and operations. This includes delivering the flight segment, composed of a 3U cubesat bus provided by Alén Space, equipped with advanced reprogrammable processing capabilities and a core payload for cybersecurity monitoring. The platform will remain operational in orbit for at least one year, collecting essential data on space asset vulnerabilities and cyber resilience.

GMV will also provide components for the ground segment, including the Alén Space Mission Control Center integrated with GMV’s focus suite COTS product, and a representative flatsat. ESA’s CSOC will be the primary user segment, managing mission requests, ingesting raw data, and processing it for cybersecurity analysis.

In addition, GMV will oversee the launch segment, ensuring the cubesat is deployed into the designated orbit. The mission will target orbits that support regular communication with ESA’s primary antenna at the European Space Security and Education Centre (ESEC) in Redu, Belgium.

Following successful commissioning, the LEOP, GMV will transfer control of the CyberCUBE satellite to ESA for nominal operations. The mission’s findings will guide future cybersecurity strategies, and potential extensions will be evaluated based on performance and resource availability.

At the end of its operational life, the CyberCUBE satellite will be decommissioned in accordance with ESA’s Space Debris Mitigation Policy.

Eutelsat America Corp. and OneWeb Technologies Inc (EACOWT), operating in combination as a wholly owned, independent, U.S. proxy company and subsidiary of Eutelsat Group, have entered into a partnership agreement with Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) to provide Iridium Certus® and Iridium® Satellite Time and Location (STL®) services to U.S. government customers.

EACOWT will now offer an enhanced GNSS-resilient, LEO Ku-Band/L-band solution by adding Iridium Certus and Iridium STL services to its portfolio of government services. The solution will enable EACOWT to offer resilient connectivity, alongside out-of-band management solutions for remote terminals.

Leveraging the combined power of Eutelsat OneWeb’s high-speed Ku-band network of 600+ LEO satellites for primary service, along with the ultra-reliable, truly global and weather-resilient L-band Iridium Certus LEO companion service, U.S. government customers can experience unparalleled performance and reliability. The combination of the LEO satellite network with the Iridium STL service delivers a resilient alternate source of positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) information for mission critical operations and for critical government-managed public infrastructure, ensuring the PNT resilience necessary for success in GNSS-challenged environments.

EACOWT is a leading provider of satellite services for the U.S. government and its allies. The company is committed to ensuring customers’ access to the most reliable SATCOM capabilities available.

These groundbreaking services will be accessible to U.S. government through OneWeb Technologies’, and Iridium’s, U.S. Space Force Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (P-LEO) contracts.

“Mission critical operations require continuous connectivity, along with precise and reliable positioning and navigational awareness. Our customers demand uninterrupted communications regardless of their terrain, environment or GPS availability. We are thrilled to add Iridium’s capabilities to deliver the most resilient LEO communications solutions, available even in highly contested environments,” said Kevin Steen, president and CEO of Eutelsat America Corp. and OneWeb Technologies. 

“For years, our customers have been demanding greater diversity and resiliency in support of their operations. The combination of our highly resilient and reliable Iridium Certus and STL services, coupled with EACOWT’s robust, high-speed, low-latency solution, is a significant step forward in addressing the needs of the U.S. government market,” said Scott Scheimreif, executive vice president, government programs, Iridium. “This partnership provides each of our companies the platform for continued innovation to deliver integrated service offerings into the future.”  

ESA has signed a contract for Element #1, the first phase of the HydRON Demonstration System — HydRON, which stands for High thRoughput Optical Network, is set to transform the way data-collecting satellites communicate through the use of laser technology that will allow satellites to connect with each other and ground networks far faster.

ESA has selected Kepler Communications of Canada as prime contractor for Element #1 of HydRON. Element #1 involves creating a ring of ten satellites in LEO, laying the foundational support for communications between third-party satellites and ground users.

The project aims to enable seamless integration of a space data relay transport layer for space assets in different orbits that need to relay their collected data to users on the ground. The following two elements of HydRON will focus on adding satellites in non-LEO orbits as well as adding to the optical ground segment. Once completed, HydRON will aim to provide rapid connections between satellites and terrestrial (ground) data networks. 

Optical communication technologies have the potential to reduce the bottlenecks created by traditional radio frequency systems which are competing for already crowded radio frequency spectra and are subject to heavy regulation. By enabling rapid, high-capacity connections between satellites and ground networks, HydRON will significantly enhance our ability to collect and utilise data from space.  

This capability is particularly crucial for Earth Observation (EO) missions, where large datasets typically need to be downloaded from satellites a few times a day during passes over ground stations. With HydRON, these satellites can connect to the network and transmit data back to Earth much more efficiently, without waiting for specific satellite passes. This advanced system will provide substantial benefits for both government and commercial users, supporting a wide range of applications from environmental monitoring to disaster response. 

The HydRON laser beams can also carry far more data than traditional radio waves. The system is designed to connect seamlessly with the fiber optic networks already in use on Earth, creating a fast and reliable global network. This technology supports advanced 5G networks and enables new technologies such as AI and IoT. HydRON’s capabilities extend beyond improving data transfer from Earth observation satellites. As part of ESA’s broader vision, this technology could be used and adapted to support future missions to the Moon and beyond.

The signing ceremony was attended by Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General; Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications; ESA Astronaut Alexander Gerst; Harald Hauschildt, ESA Head of Optical and Quantum Program – ScyLight; Lisa Campbell, President of the Canadian Space Agency; Tuan Huynh, CSA Director General for Space Science & Technology and Mina Mitry, CEO and Co-founder of Kepler Communications Inc. HydRON is also supported by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), which is developing various technologies for the ground and space segments.

“ESA is proud of the HydRON project, which exemplifies the power of European and Canadian collaboration in advancing space technology. With its laser satellite network for lightning-fast internet-like communications, HydRON has the potential to transform how we connect globally, bridging digital divides and enabling secure communications on Earth and beyond,” said Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General.

“The signing of the Element #1 contract marks a significant milestone in advancing optical and quantum communications in space,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. “ESA is proud to be supporting future-facing and innovative risk sharing, driving space-based communications and potential future lunar and solar system missions.”

“For 45 years now, Canada’s collaboration with ESA has resulted in opportunities to participate in European space program projects that would otherwise be out of reach. For Canadian companies, having this unique access to the European space market means commercialization prospects and concrete sales, job creation and knowledge-sharing, and international partnerships opportunities. We look forward to continuing this partnership to strengthen the strong synergies between our industrial, academic and government sectors as we advance space science and technology together,” said Lisa Campbell, President of the Canadian Space Agency.

“Kepler is proud to lead the HydRON Element#1 contract, collaborating with TESAT and Airbus to deliver a state-of-the-art optical constellation that will enable the development of terabit-per-second data relay in space. This program is aligned with Kepler’s core mission to extend Internet-like connectivity speed to space and will improve secure access to space-generated data for all ESA member states,” said Mina Mitry, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Kepler.

HydRON falls under ESA’s Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight strategic program line, part of the wider ARTES program.

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (“AST SpaceMobile”) (NASDAQ: ASTS) has reported the successful unfolding of its first five commercial satellites, BlueBirds 1-5.

With this significant post-launch technical activity now complete, ahead of schedule at 6 weeks after the launch of the satellites, the BlueBirds are now preparing for commercial and US government operations.

AST SpaceMobile will target 100% nationwide coverage across the United States, providing service through more than 5,600 cells on premium low-band spectrum via strategic partnerships with leading operators like AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone, among others.

AST SpaceMobile’s technology features large, phased array antennas supported by over 3,450 patent and patent-pending claims. This innovative design aims to extend cellular coverage globally, eliminating dead zones and delivering space-based cellular broadband connectivity to underserved regions. These advanced phased arrays, the largest ever deployed commercially in LEO, connect directly to standard smartphones at broadband speeds. This eliminates the need for specialized equipment, enabling seamless use with existing mobile phones while enhancing and complementing mobile operator networks.

AST SpaceMobile’s technology also offers significant advantages for government applications, with its dual-use capability supporting both communications and non-communications use cases. The company’s innovative approach positions it to deliver advanced space-based solutions for a range of strategic needs, providing scalable, secure, and reliable connectivity to support various government missions.

“The unfolding of the first five commercial satellites is a significant milestone for the company. These five satellites are the largest commercial communications arrays ever launched in low Earth orbit,” said Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. “It is a significant achievement to commission these satellites, and we are now accelerating our path to commercial activity. The deployment of our first five BlueBird commercial satellites marks just the beginning of our journey. As we prepare for commercial services, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation. Our team is already hard at work building the next generation of satellites, which will offer ten times the capacity of our current BlueBirds, further transforming mobile connectivity and delivering even greater benefits to our customers and partners worldwide.”

About AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio, and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.