Archives for January 2025

As the exclusive provider of satellite imagery for both ALOS-2 and ALOS-4, PASCO will deliver high-end geospatial data via a dedicated platform. This partnership highlights PASCO’s prominent role in advancing satellite-based Earth Observation (EO) and ensuring seamless access to high-resolution imagery for various applications.

Launched in July of 2024, ALOS-4 is a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite that features phased array type L-band radar (PALSAR-3). This advanced radar technology is developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Electric and offers enhanced observation performance compared to its predecessor. With a spatial resolution of 3 meters and an expanded observation swath of 200 km, ALOS-4 is tailored for precise monitoring of crustal deformation, subsidence, disasters, forests and marine environments.

Unlike optical sensors, PALSAR-3 radar operates independently of sunlight, acquiring images day and night. Its radio waves can penetrate clouds, ensuring consistent observations regardless of weather conditions. These capabilities enable ALOS-4 to monitor disaster-hit areas, sea ice and infrastructure displacement while supporting broader applications like forest conservation.

Additionally, similar to its predecessor ALOS-2, ALOS-4 integrates an automatic identification system (AIS) for ships. Equipped with the advanced SPAISE3 system developed in collaboration with NEC Corporation, the satellite enhances vessel detection in high-traffic marine areas by leveraging multiple antennas and robust ground-based data processing. This innovation ensures improved monitoring of ocean activity, aiding in maritime safety and environmental protection.

PASCO, active in EO since 2005, is committed to addressing societal challenges through the company’s expertise in satellite data processing and geospatial solutions. In partnership with the Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC) and Tellus, PASCO aims to promote widespread use of ALOS-4 data.

This marks a significant milestone for Pixxel as it begins commercial operations, delivering critical climate and Earth insights to industries worldwide and solidifying its position as a global leader in Earth Observation. 

The Fireflies, currently the world’s highest-resolution commercial-grade hyperspectral satellites, bring unprecedented precision to monitoring the planet and setting a new benchmark for hyperspectral imaging capabilities. With an 5-meter resolution attained for the first time in a hyperspectral spacecraft, Fireflies are six times sharper than the 30-meter standard of most existing hyperspectral satellites, capturing fine details previously invisible to conventional systems. 

This cutting-edge resolution is paired with the ability to capture data across 150+ spectral bands, enabling Fireflies to detect subtle changes in chemical compositions, vegetation health, water quality, and even atmospheric conditions with unmatched accuracy. Unlike traditional Earth observation satellites that rely on broader spectral bands, Firefly’s narrowband sensors uncover hidden patterns and anomalies critical for applications ranging from agriculture to climate action.

Pixxel’s satellites also feature a 40-kilometer swath width and a daily revisit capability, enabling consistent monitoring of vast areas without compromising on detail and ensuring that no critical event goes unnoticed. This combination of high spatial resolution, spectral richness, and frequent global coverage positions Firefly as the world’s most advanced commercial hyperspectral imaging system.

Orbiting in a sun-synchronous orbit at roughly 550km, the Fireflies will form the cornerstone of Pixxel’s mission to build a health monitor for the planet.

“The future of our planet depends on how deeply we understand it today. The successful deployment of our first commercial satellites is a defining moment for Pixxel and a giant leap toward redefining how we use space technology to address the planet’s challenges,” said Awais Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Pixxel. “By investing in the health of our planet now, Pixxel hopes not just to shape the trajectory of Earth observation but also to help write the next chapter in the story of our shared future.”

“The Fireflies represent years of rigorous research, engineering, and innovation aimed at unlocking critical insights about our planet and are a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of our team and the transformative potential of hyperspectral imaging,” said Kshitij Khandelwal, Founder and CTO of Pixxel. “Their ability to detect subtle changes in Earth’s ecosystems will provide industries and governments with the precise information needed to address critical global challenges confidently.”

This launch marks the first phase of Pixxel’s commercial constellation, with three additional Firefly satellites scheduled to launch in Q2 2025. Together, these satellites will deliver comprehensive, real-time data collection and analysis, equipping industries and governments with insights to address global concerns, manage resources responsibly, and drive climate action.

The Firefly constellation’s advanced hyperspectral imaging capabilities open new possibilities across sectors. From empowering environmental agencies to monitor deforestation and ocean pollution in near real-time to helping industries like mining, oil, and gas enhance resource management and infrastructure safety, the applications are vast and transformative. By detecting subtle changes in soil composition, water quality, or atmospheric conditions, Firefly will change how humanity interacts with and protects our planet’s resources.

As part of its larger mission, Pixxel plans to integrate hyperspectral data with machine learning and artificial intelligence tools, further amplifying the impact of Earth Observation technology. This fusion of advanced satellite imagery and predictive analytics will enable businesses to anticipate disruptions and governments to implement proactive policies, paving the way for a new era of precision decision-making.

Pixxel has already launched three successful demo hyperspectral satellites before this launch and raised $95 million in funding, making it the most well-funded hyperspectral imaging space startup globally. With this commercial launch, Pixxel takes a decisive step toward operationalizing its vision of a hyperspectral-powered future where advanced Earth Observation drives solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

GPS technology relies on satellite infrastructure and supports everything from ride-share and food delivery apps for civilians to critical navigation for military and defense operations. The increasing sophistication of adversarial threats, however, such as jamming and spoofing, necessitates advancements in GPS resilience.

The U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) R-GPS program plans to address these challenges by integrating proliferated small satellites into the existing GPS architecture. Sierra Space’s expertise in small satellite technology and rapid deployment provides a competitive edge in achieving this goal.

Sierra Space’s strategic engagement in the R-GPS program underscores its commitment to delivering high-impact, innovative satellite solutions for defense applications. By leveraging its expertise in small satellite technology, rapid deployment capabilities, and advanced signal processing, Sierra Space aims to play a pivotal role in strengthening U.S. national security.

Sierra Space’s strategic engagement in the R-GPS program underscores its commitment to delivering high-impact, innovative satellite solutions for defense applications. By leveraging its expertise in small satellite technology, rapid deployment capabilities, and advanced signal processing, Sierra Space aims to play a pivotal role in strengthening U.S. national security.

Sierra Space’s strategic engagement in the R-GPS program underscores its commitment to delivering high-impact, innovative satellite solutions for defense applications. By leveraging its expertise in small satellite technology, rapid deployment capabilities, and advanced signal processing, Sierra Space aims to play a pivotal role in strengthening U.S. national security.

Sierra Space announced in September a “Quick Start” R-GPS contract awarded by the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command to produce design concepts for smaller, more cost-effective GPS satellites. Sierra Space was selected for this initial award due to the company’s innovative and integrated commercial concepts.

The R-GPS program has been expedited under “Quick Start” authority granted by Congress under Section 229 of the National Defense Authorization Act. This authority allows for rapid response to emerging threats or technologies, enabling the U.S. Space Force to initiate new programs more swiftly.

“The successful Systems Requirements Review of our R-GPS program is a proof point for Sierra Space technology and a notable commercial milestone with our DoD customers,” said Erik Daehler, Vice President of Defense, Satellites & Spacecraft Systems at Sierra Space. “We are focused on efficiency and speed of development to outpace adversaries. The quick turnaround of two months from R-GPS program launch to this next step of development is exactly the speed at which commercial space companies should be moving. We look forward to the next phase of our R-GPS program and getting our satellite technology into orbit.”

“GPS is vital for everything from financial markets to civilian navigation,” said Lt. Col. Justin Deifel, head of the U.S. Space Force’s R-GPS program. “It’s a utility – like water or electricity — and we need to make sure it’s resilient for civilians and warfighters alike, so they have access to GPS when they need it most.”

Varda’s W-2 mission includes a Rocket Lab Pioneer spacecraft and a Varda a re-entry capsule carrying a spectrometer from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The capsule employs a heatshield with a Thermal Protection System (TPS) developed in collaboration with NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley.

These payloads are in addition to Varda’s expanded pharmaceutical reactor which will expand capability and capacity for pharmaceutical processing. The W-2 mission follows on from Rocket Lab’s first mission for Varda, which operated on-orbit for eight months before returning to Earth in early 2024 in a successful demonstration of the world’s first orbital manufacturing mission conducted outside of the International Space Station.

Like the first Pioneer spacecraft for Varda, the W-2 Pioneer is delivering critical mission functions for Varda’s 120 kg capsule including power, communications, propulsion, and attitude control.

Following the payload processing phase on-orbit, Rocket Lab’s spacecraft will guide and position Varda’s capsule for deorbit, enabling a hypersonic re-entry and recovery at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia, operated by Southern Launch.

The Pioneer spacecraft was designed, built, and tested at Rocket Lab’s Spacecraft Production Complex and headquarters in Long Beach, California. It integrates Rocket Lab’s vertically developed components and systems, including star trackers, propulsion systems, reaction wheels, solar panels, flight software, radios, composite structures, tanks, separation systems, and more.

The W-2 mission is the second of four spacecraft ordered by Varda to support orbital processing, with the third spacecraft complete and awaiting shipment for launch.

“Another Rocket Lab spacecraft is in orbit, performing well, and supporting innovative new space capabilities for our mission partners Varda Space Industries,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck. “We’ve built a deep expertise in guidance, navigation, and control, allowing us to precisely manage spacecraft operations in some of the most demanding environments, ensuring that our customers, like Varda, can rely on us to safely and accurately deliver their mission goals, from on orbit operations to capsule re-entry.”

“Varda and its partners are building a foundation layer for the orbital economy. The W-2 mission is in service of this goal,” said Varda CEO and co-founder, Will Bruey. “We are looking forward to many more successful missions, and a world where products made in orbit are seen as common place.

Pelican-2 joins Pelican-1 (a smallsat platform tech demonstration launched last year ) as part of Planet’s next-generation, high-resolution fleet, to support and expand its existing SkySat capabilities. Planet plans to launch additional Pelicans this year.

Pelican-2 is designed to provide up to 40 cm class resolution imagery across 6 multispectral bands optimized for cross-sensor analysis. Planet has collaborated with NVIDIA to equip Pelican-2 with the NVIDIA Jetson platform to power on-orbit computing—with the aim of vastly reducing the time between data capture and value for customers.

Varda Space Industries are pioneers in developing orbital manufacturing capsules and have selected Southern Launch for their next three W-Series missions. The natural advantages of the space environment, in particular microgravity, enables the production of improved pharmaceutical formulations that cannot be produced anywhere on Earth.

The W-2 capsule carries payloads from Varda partners, including a spectrometer from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and employs a heat shield with a Thermal Protection System (TPS) developed in collaboration with NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley. These payloads are in addition to Varda’s expanded pharmaceutical reactor. Southern Launch operates the Koonibba Test Range in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation.

The Koonibba Test Range offers the greatest return flexibility given the low airspace and uninhabited land. Until the first Varda mission in 2023, all in-space manufacturing was carried out on the International Space Station. The W-Series missions will usher in a new era of commercial in-space manufacturing.

The return authorization for the mission was granted by the Australian Government in October 2024 and was the first authorization approved for a domestically returning spacecraft under the amended Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018.

Lloyd Damp, CEO, Southern Launch, said, “The successful launch of the W-2 capsule is only the beginning of this incredibly exciting mission. Our team is now focused on the safe return and recovery of the capsule to the Koonibba Test Range.’ ‘By the end of this decade, it is predicted that we will all be using items that contain some element that is produced off Earth we are incredibly proud to bring this industry to South Australia.’ ‘In-space manufacturing is the next evolution of our industry capacity as humans. We are so proud to bring this mission to Australia and this first mission signals a new wave of excitement as to what is possible both here on Earth and in space.“

Will Bruey, CEO, Varda Space Industries, said, “Varda is honored to perform Australia’s first commercial space re-entry, and we’re excited to partner with our friends at Southern Launch to support the development of a thriving Australian space sector. Australia is clear-eyed about the promise of orbital pharmaceutical processing, and Southern Launch have led the way for the future of space infrastructure on Earth.”

Corey McLennan, CEO, Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation, said, “The Koonibba Test Range offers more than 41,000 square kilometres of uninhabited land to accept the re-entry of in-space manufacturing capsules,’ says Corey. ‘This open space is essential to accept spacecraft returns and for low-earth orbit to be the genesis of a new era of advanced manufacturing in Australia.”

As one of the world’s first commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellites, SCOT is engineered to track Resident Space Objects (RSOs) with unmatched frequency and precision. In an era where space is becoming increasingly crowded and competitive, SCOT is purpose-built to monitor smaller RSOs, deliver higher revisit rates, and provide enhanced tracking accuracy—filling a crucial gap left by current systems.

SCOT will be deployed in SSO, enabling it to track objects in LEO with greater efficiency than existing sensors, which are constrained by weather conditions, geographic limitations, and restricted fields of view (FoV). Unlike these traditional systems, SCOT offers persistent monitoring of Resident Space Objects (RSOs), detecting and tracking objects as small as 5 cm. This capability significantly minimizes data gaps and enhances the precision of space surveillance. The satellite forms a key part of Digantara’s mission to establish a hybrid network of surveillance systems, delivering persistent monitoring of the near-Earth environment to ensure improved safety and the long-term sustainability of space operations.

The launch of SCOT comes at a pivotal time when space is increasingly recognized as a critical component of national security, having sovereign capabilities is more essential than ever. As space operations become more complex—exemplified by missions such as ISRO‘s ongoing SpaDeX mission, actively tracked by Digantara—a comprehensive and continuous understanding of the space environment is crucial. This ensures safer spacecraft operations while providing a strategic advantage in an increasingly contested domain.

“Satellites serve as the backbone of the global economy, and any disruptions to their operations can trigger cascading impacts on Earth, affecting both economic stability and strategic security,” said Anirudh Sharma, CEO of Digantara. “With SCOT, we are taking a crucial step in achieving surveillance superiority, ensuring not only a safer and more sustainable space environment but also towards safeguarding sovereign assets in the face of an increasingly contested space domain.”