Archives for March 2025

Startical, a company created by ENAIRE and Indra to optimize air traffic management from space, has launched its first satellite, the IOD-1 (In-Orbit Demonstrator-1), via launch integrator Exolaunch as part of the Transporter-13 rideshare mission with SpaceX.

Startical entrusted GomSpace with the satellite’s manufacturing, while its specification and validation have been carried out by Indra with support from ENAIRE. Additionally, Exolaunch handled the satellite’s integration into the rocket and subsequent deployment into orbit. The launch occurred at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Equipped with a powerful VHF antenna and an ADS-B surveillance system, IOD-1 aims to demonstrate the feasibility of real-time communications between air traffic controllers and aircraft using signals transmitted from space. The satellite is part of ECHOES project, which aims to gather evidence on how this satellite-based solution can enhance ATM services and generate positive environmental effects.

The project is co-funded by the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), with support from the SESAR Joint Undertaking.

The demonstrator will explore the limits of implementing these technologies on CubeSats, which are characterized by their standardized miniaturized format, low cost, and high efficiency. Placing it into orbit will validate a space-based solution designed specifically for air traffic management, fully compliant with existing aeronautical communication standards.

Currently, in transoceanic flights or over remote areas, aircraft traverse regions without real-time voice communication coverage. This requires them to maintain large separation distances to ensure safety, reducing airspace efficiency and limiting traffic volume management.

With Startical’s solution, aircraft positions will be continuously monitored via satellite, while real-time, high-quality voice and data communications between controllers and pilots will be possible even in areas currently lacking coverage. This technology will enable more efficient and safer air traffic management, particularly useful in critical situations such as route changes due to storms or onboard medical emergencies. Additionally, it will contribute to more sustainable aviation by allowing aircraft to select optimal routes, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

In February 2025, Startical introduced its second satellite, IOD-2, which has undergone testing at Spain’s National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) in Madrid. Like its predecessor, IOD-2 is part of the ECHOES project.

Following the deployment of the IOD-1 and IOD-2 demonstrators, Startical will conduct various proof-of-concept tests to confirm the technological viability. These studies will take place in the South Atlantic corridor, covering airspaces (FIR) over the Canary Islands, Azores-Santa Maria, Dakar Oceanic, Cape Verde, and the Atlantic region of Brazil. The initiative will involve air navigation service providers such as ENAIRE, NAV Portugal, ASA, ASECNA, and DECEA, highlighting international collaboration and interest in Startical’s vision.

Spire Global, Inc. (NYSE: SPIR) has launched two advanced AI weather models: AI-WX and AI-S2S.

Developed on NVIDIA Omniverse Blueprint for Earth-2, these models leverage Spire’s proprietary satellite data to deliver both medium-range and sub-seasonal forecasts, offering unparalleled forecasting capabilities to industries such as energy, utilities and commodities.

AI-WX and AI-S2S offer comprehensive weather forecasting capabilities, with AI-WX providing up to 20-day forecasts and AI-S2S extending up to 45 days. Built on Spire’s proprietary data assimilation techniques, these models integrate data from Spire’s extensive satellite network, including atmospheric profiles, soil moisture readings, and ocean surface winds.

Differing from traditional deterministic models, the models provide probabilistic forecasts, offering a range of possible weather outcomes rather than a single prediction. Customers including Freepoint Commodities and Dominion Energy are using these new products to navigate market complexities with enhanced precision and to evaluate potential risks and likelihood of extreme weather events.

As climate variability intensifies, leading to more frequent and severe weather events, the demand for more advanced and accurate forecasting capabilities is increasing. Industries such as energy and commodities are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of unexpected weather changes, which can disrupt operations and inflate costs dramatically. Spire’s new AI models provide detailed insights that enable companies to anticipate and effectively respond to weather disruptions.

Previously, Spire collaborated with NVIDIA to integrate Spire’s Radio Occultation data and proprietary data assimilation capabilities with NVIDIA Earth–2 Cloud APIs, setting the foundation for the new models announced today.

Learn more about Spire’s AI Ensemble Weather Model and Sub-Seasonal AI Model at this direct infolink…

About Spire Global, Inc.
Spire (NYSE: SPIR) is a global provider of space-based data, analytics and space services, offering unique datasets and powerful insights about Earth so that organizations can make decisions with confidence in a rapidly changing world. Spire builds, owns, and operates a fully deployed satellite constellation that observes the Earth in real time using radio frequency technology. The data acquired by Spire’s satellites provides global weather intelligence, ship and plane movements, and spoofing and jamming detection to better predict how their patterns impact economies, global security, business operations and the environment. Spire also offers Space as a Service solutions that empower customers to leverage its established infrastructure to put their business in space. Spire has nine offices across the U.S., Canada, UK, Luxembourg, Germany and Singapore.

Interstellar Communication Holdings Inc. has launched their first icMercury PocketQube satellite, HADES-ICM—the satellite was deployed into LEO aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on March 15, 2025.

This mission represents a significant step toward expanding space access for individuals, small businesses, and organizations. Developed in collaboration with experienced satellite manufacturing and launch partners, the icMercury satellite highlights how emerging space technologies are unlocking new opportunities in communication, exploration, and business applications.

Despite their small size, PocketQubes provide a cost-effective and ficient platform for research, Earth observation, and communication, making space more accessible than ever before. By leveraging this technology, icMercury moves closer to its vision of offering personal satellite services, allowing users to engage with space in an intuitive and meaningful way.

HADES-ICM is a 1.5P PocketQube satellite, measuring 5 cm × 5 cm × 8 cm, and weighing 400 g. It carries a hardware payload to test a low-power active graphene radiator developed by SmartIR, a spin-out from the University of Manchester, aiming to assess its feasibility in space. HADES-ICM is equipped with an SDR-based FM and FSK repeater for AX.25/APRS communications at 300/1200 bps, operating in the UHF band for downlink and VHF band for uplink.

Supported by the International Trade Council, the company, together with its partners on the icMercury project, will host a free webinar, “Unlocking the Possibilities – How You Can Launch a Satellite,” on March 19, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM EDT. The event will offer an inside look at the development and potential of PocketQube satellite technology, providing a unique opportunity to explore the journey of satellite launches and understand how space is rapidly becoming a tangible platform for innovation and growth. The webinar will also introduce the upcoming icMercury app, demonstrating how users can interact with the satellite in real time.

Register for this webinar at this direct link…

About Interstellar Communication Holdings Inc.
Interstellar Communication Holdings, Inc., a Florida based company, is a holding company that connects and consolidates space-related companies, enabling entrepreneurs and investors to tap into the vast potential of the universe. Interstellar Communication Holdings provides an affordable personal satellite service named icMercury for stargazers, using Pocketqube technology and a customized user platform. With this service, users will be able to access their satellite and unlock the potential of the universe.

SES and Lynk Global have announced a strategic partnership to address the high-growth, direct-to-device (D2D) segment.

As part of the agreement, SES will provide Series B funding for Lynk Global’s D2D constellation and provide a suite of integrated services that will enhance Lynk Global’s capabilities which includes:

• MEO-Relay allowing D2D providers to route traffic between LEO and SES’s MEO network to access gateways, enabling delivery of secure real-time data, reducing investment requirements in ground infrastructure, and enhancing the reach and resilience of D2D constellations. 
• Network-as-a-Service leveraging SES’s global ground network to provide gateway access and SES’s geostationary satellites to provide Telemetry, Tracking and Command and Monitoring (TTC & M) services.  

SES will also become a strategic channel partner for Lynk Global, enabling key government, MNO and automotive customers to access Lynk Global’s D2D network. This will allow SES’s customers to benefit from a broader range of applications including remote access, mission-critical first responder and secure government communications, offshore and automotive connectivity.

SES and Lynk Global will collaborate in the development of Lynk’s network architecture, as well as satellite manufacturing in the US and Europe. 

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In a landmark moment for the Kingdom of Bahrain, the National Space Science Agency (NSSA) has successfully launched Al Munther, the nation’s first domestically designed and built satellite—the satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-13 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

This historic achievement marks a significant milestone in Bahrain’s journey towards becoming a regional leader in space technology and innovation. The launch of Al Munther underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in space science and technology, while showcasing the expertise of Bahraini engineers and scientists.

The Al Munther satellite was successfully deployed into its designated orbit at an altitude of 550 km above sea level. The satellite will now undergo a series of orbital tests to ensure its operational readiness before commencing full-scale operations.

The satellite is equipped with advanced technological payloads, including a medium-resolution space camera (20 meters/pixel) designed to capture high-quality images of Bahrain and its territorial waters, an artificial intelligence (AI) system capable of real-time image analysis, making Al Munther the first nanosatellite in the region to incorporate such advanced AI capabilities, a cybersecurity payload featuring advanced encryption technologies to safeguard the satellite’s data from unauthorized access or tampering, and a radio broadcast payload that will transmit the Bahraini national anthem and a special message from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, to radio enthusiasts worldwide.

One of the most distinctive features of Al Munther is its ability to broadcast the Bahraini national anthem and a royal message via digital signals. These transmissions can be received by amateur radio operators and space enthusiasts around the globe using simple equipment. This initiative aims to promote Bahrain’s space achievements and enhance its international presence in the field of space exploration.

The “Al Munther” project has provided a unique opportunity for a team of young Bahraini engineers to gain hands-on experience in developing advanced space systems. From mission concept development and engineering requirements to system design, software development, and environmental testing, the project has enabled Bahraini talent to contribute to every stage of the satellite’s development.

The National Space Science Agency (NSSA) is responsible for advancing Bahrain’s space sector and fostering innovation in space science and technology. The agency works to develop national capabilities in space exploration, satellite technology, and space applications, contributing to Bahrain’s sustainable development and economic diversification.

Article source: Bahrain News Agency

On Friday, March 14 at 11:43 p.m. PT, SpaceX launched the Transporter-13 mission to orbit from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Photos by Satnews.

This was the 13th flight of the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-7, CRS-29, PACE, Transporter-10, EarthCARE, NROL-186, and six Starlink missions.

Transporter-13 is a dedicated smallsat rideshare mission. There were 74 payloads on this flight, including cubesats, microsats, hosted payloads, a re-entry capsule, and an orbital transfer vehicle carrying 11 of those payloads to be deployed at a later time. To date, SpaceX has launched more than 1,200 payloads to orbit for 130+ customers across our entire Rideshare program.

INNOSPACE (KS: 462350) has successfully completed the Launch Pad-Vehicle Interface Integrated System Test for the HANBIT-Nano launch vehicle.

The company independently developed a new portable launch pad, a key infrastructure for the satellite launch, and conducted the test at Samwooeco, the partner company responsible for manufacturing the launch pad, located in Gwangyang, South Korea. 

The HANBIT-Nano launch vehicle is a two-stage orbital launcher designed to deploy payloads into a 500 km Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). It features a 25-ton-thrust hybrid rocket engine in the first stage and a 3-ton-thrust methane engine in the second stage. INNOSPACE is set to conduct its first commercial launch in July of 2025, carrying payloads from five international customers, including the Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA) and Castro Leite Consultoria (CLC) in Brazil.

The Launch Pad-Vehicle Interface Integrated System Test comprehensively verifies the operational readiness of the launch vehicle and launch pad, covering processes from vehicle assembly and pad integration to vertical erection, propellant supply system checks, and final operational validation. During the test, INNOSPACE confirmed the mechanical and electrical interfaces between the launch pad and vehicle, the transporter erector launcher system, the detachment of the Umbilical, the fuel and oxidizer supply system, and the separation of the launch vehicle hold-down mechanism, ensuring technical reliability and operational stability.

The launch pad that successfully completed the test, is scheduled for maritime transportation to the Alcântara Space Center in Brazil on April 2. Upon arrival in May, the launch vehicle will undergo installation and final verification in the local environment to complete preparations for launch operations. In addition, the launch vehicle used in this test was the HANBIT-Nano Qualification Model (QM), which shares the same specifications—21.8 meters in height and 1.4 meters in diameter—as the Flight Model (FM) scheduled for launch in July.

“The Launch Pad-Vehicle Interface Integrated System Test marks a crucial milestone in the development of HANBIT-Nano,” said Soojong Kim, founder and CEO of INNOSPACE. “With this achievement, INNOSPACE’s proprietary technology and operational capabilities with our internally developed launch pad successfully validated, we are now fully committed to final launch preparations, ensuring the highest reliability in our launch services.”

Rocket Lab USA, Inc.’s third Pioneer spacecraft for Varda Space Industries, Inc. is successfully operating on-orbit—the W-3 mission launched on March 14th from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

The new mission is underway on-orbit just 15 days after the successful re-entry and landing of Varda’s W-2 mission, which was also powered by Rocket Lab’s Pioneer Spacecraft.

Rocket Lab’s Pioneer spacecraft supports Varda’s 120 kg manufacturing capsule on-orbit, providing power, communications, propulsion, and attitude control for the mission. Inside the capsule, Varda carries out in-space manufacturing and processing of pharmaceutical products that benefit from the microgravity environment that is impossible to recreate on Earth.

The Pioneer spacecraft leverages Rocket Lab’s vertically integrated spacecraft components and subsystems, including spacecraft propulsion, flight software, avionics, reaction wheels, star trackers, separation system, solar panels, radios, composite structures and tanks, and more.

Once Varda’s in-space manufacturing processes are completed on-orbit, Rocket Lab conducts in-space operations, deorbiting, and reentry positioning maneuvers to set the capsule on a reentry course to Earth for landing at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia, operated by Southern Launch. The W-3 mission is Rocket Lab’s third for Varda. The first, W-1, was successfully completed in February 2024 and landed in the Utah desert, while the latest mission, W-2, was completed and landed in south Australia on Feb. 27, 2025.

The Company’s fourth contracted Pioneer spacecraft for Varda is currently undergoing final assembly at Rocket Lab’s Spacecraft Production Complex and Headquarters in Long Beach, California.

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has successfully launched their second mission for Japanese customer, the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS).

‘The Lightning God Reigns’ mission lifted-off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, at 1:00 p.m. NZDT (00:00 UTC) on March 15, 2025, to successfully deploy iQPS’ QPS-SAR-9 spacecraft to a 575 km circular Earth orbit.

The mission follows Rocket Lab’s first launch for the company in December of 2023, when Electron deployed another QPS-SAR satellite as part of iQPS’ newly established radar imaging constellation.

“The Lightning God Reigns” is the first of eight new launches for iQPS that are scheduled to launch throughout 2025 and 2026 as part of one of the largest Electron launch agreements to date. Five more launches are expected to take place in 2025, with the remaining two scheduled for 2026. Rocket Lab’s next mission for iQPS is scheduled to launch no earlier than May 2025.

Each mission has been commissioned to build out iQPS’ planned constellation of up to 36 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. The constellation is capable of imaging the Earth day and night and through any weather, to provide near real-time observation data for almost any location in the world.

Rocket Lab’s next mission is scheduled to launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in just three days on March 18, 2025, NZDT.