editorial

Southern Launch has closed out a significant funding round that will propel the company forward to build out its spaceports and scale its service offerings. The funding round was led by a syndicate of prominent Australian infrastructure investors who recognize the unique capabilities that Southern Launch has to offer the global space and high-tech industries.

As a part of the funding round, leading space industry figure Jeremy Hallett has been appointed Chair to the Southern Launch board. He has 20 years’ experience as a Space and Defence executive with global expertise and networks in Space, Defence and Private Capital. Jeremy was previously CEO at Clearbox Systems and is currently Chairman at the Space Industry Association of Australia, Executive Director of Brindabella & Company and CEO of Atto Devices.

Southern Launch is focused on providing world-class services including orbital launch, sub orbital missions including hypersonic flight, orbital re-entries, and range services that support the testing of advanced technologies. Since securing final approvals for the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex south of Port Lincoln, Southern Launch has received ever increasing interest from the global market for the services the company provides.

Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp said, ‘We are seeing strong interest from around the world for the globally unique test ranges Southern Launch brings to the market. At our ranges we provide four distinct services that are highly sought after by domestic and international customers. We are excited that this funding round will build out our infrastructure as we increase our cadence of activities at our ranges, and highlight Australia as a global space and high-tech industry development hub. Securing Jeremy to the board will help accelerate our growth and be the leading provider of test ranges and associated services.’

The transaction was participated in and managed by Brindabella & Company, Australia’s specialist Defence Industry Merchant Bank. Investment from this funding round will be used to build out Southern Launch’s unique service offering and continue to mature infrastructure at the company’s two spaceports, the Koonibba Test Range which is the world’s largest commercial overland test range, and the overwater Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex surrounded by low trafficked open ocean.

Southern Launch conducted the first commercial launch from Australian soil in 2020. Since then, the company has gone on to achieve many other firsts for the nation, including operating the first licensed space launch facilities in 2021, securing the first approvals to fly rockets into space in 2021, in 2024 the first high-powered rocket launch and most recently, in February 2025 the first ever commercial spacecraft re-entry and successful recovery to Australia.

About Southern Launch
Southern Launch provides bespoke mission services for orbital launch, sub-orbital missions including hypersonic flight, orbital re-entries and range services for the global space industry. Southern Launch provides an end-to-end service for missions including sourcing regulatory approval, managing logistics, coordinating range management and leading recovery operations. The company is headquartered in Adelaide and operates two world-class spaceports the Koonibba Test Range and Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex. The Koonibba Test Range is the largest commercial rocket and air vehicle testing facility in the world. The range is used to launch sub-orbital missions including hypersonics, flight test drones and other long duration air vehicles, and is the leading global landing site for orbital re-entries for spacecraft.

WISeKey International Holding (NASDAQ: WKEY; SIX: WIHN) and the firm’s subsidiary, WISeSat.Space (“WISeSat”) have engaged in a strategic partnership with Skyroot Aerospace, India’s leading private space launch company. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing secure and efficient satellite deployment, leveraging India’s rapidly growing space ecosystem.

WISeSat’s objective is to diversify the launch locations of its WISeSat next-generation satellites to accelerate the establishment of the installation. India is a strategic location due to the ongoing projects to establish an OSAT in India by SEALSQ.

Under this partnership, WISeSat will launch its latest generation of secure satellites aboard Skyroot’s Vikram series launch vehicles, ensuring reliable, cost-effective, and innovative access to space. By working with Skyroot, WISeSat strengthens its commitment to delivering quantum-resistant, secure IoT connectivity solutions globally.

Skyroot Aerospace provides flexible and affordable launch solutions tailored to the needs of satellite operators like WISeSat. The partnership will enable efficient satellite deployment, supporting applications in critical sectors such as cybersecurity, IoT, environmental monitoring, and secure communications.

This announcement comes at a time when the European market for satellite connectivity is experiencing rapid expansion, with growing demand for European alternatives in the sector. The partnership between WISeSat and Skyroot underscores the importance of international collaboration in fostering secure and sustainable space technology.

The first joint launch in 2025 marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration between WISeSat and Skyroot Aerospace. The companies will continue to explore further opportunities for cooperation in space-based cybersecurity, AI-driven satellite applications, and beyond.

Partnering with Skyroot represents a major step forward in expanding WISeSat’s capabilities in secure satellite communications,” said Carlos Moreira, Founder and CEO of WISeKey. “India has emerged as a key player in the global space industry, and Skyroot’s cutting-edge technology aligns perfectly with our vision of providing highly secure and resilient connectivity solutions.”

“With WISeSat, we are excited to contribute to the future of secure satellite communications,” said Pawan Chandana, CEO at Skyroot Aerospace. “Our collaboration reinforces India’s potential as a global hub for satellite launches and strengthens technological synergies between our two organizations.”

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY​) earlier this month announced the company’s on-time and early deliveries for the Space Development Agency‘s (SDA) proliferated constellation with the delivery of the 100th large format focal plane module, counting deliveries from the Tranche 0, Tranche 1, and now Tranche 2 tracking layers.

Mission Sensors: The global tracking layer relies on infrared payloads to analyze threats from orbit. Teledyne’s configurable manufacturing line delivers radiation-hardened, high-sensitivity sensors to meet threat detection requirements. These multi-megapixel resolution arrays significantly improve threat detection accuracy, and form part of the fire control countermeasures system against hypersonic weapons.

Proven Expertise: Teledyne’s track record includes delivering space-grade focal plane arrays for prestigious instruments such as the James Webb Space Telescope, The European Space Agency’s Euclid dark matter telescope, and the Nancy Grace Roman space telescope. Defense related deliveries, though often classified, encompass over a dozen successful missions. In addition to focal plane arrays, Teledyne will supply electronics and other components for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) campaign.

Meeting space imaging needs across the spectrum: Counting infrared as well as visible CMOS and CCD sensors sourced from Teledyne’s DALSA and e2v businesses, the corporation has supported more than 260 total space missions, while close coordination across the global enterprise enables Teledyne to service emerging space imaging needs worldwide.

A new paradigm for the space focal plane industry: “Five years ago, no one thought the focal plane technology could keep up with SDA’s aggressive schedule, but our team innovated ways to meet the new paradigm,” said Megan Tremer, President of the Space Imaging business. “As more proliferated constellations enter the planning and acquisition phases, Teledyne remains focused on scaling operations to maximize capacity, yield, and performance. Our proven track record and dedication to performance position us as the ideal partner for these critical missions.”

About Teledyne Technologies
Teledyne Technologies is a leading provider of sophisticated digital imaging products and software, instrumentation, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems. Teledyne Technologies’ operations are primarily located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Western and Northern Europe.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG’) has entered the space industry as a satellite operator and service provider after the company launched their first microsatellite from California. The satellite, named ARVAKER 1 N3X, was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California as part of the SpaceX Transporter 13 launch service.

In 2024, KONGSBERG was awarded a contract from the Norwegian Armed Forces on behalf of the Norwegian government to provide maritime surveillance data to cover Norwegian Areas of Interest. As part of the five-year contract, KONGSBERG will launch three satellites.

The data will be used by the Norwegian Armed Forces, as well as other Norwegian government institutions involved in maritime security such as the Coastal Administration, the Directorate of Fisheries, and the Norwegian Customs.

The MP42H satellites are produced by Kongsberg NanoAvionics and equipped with Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers and detector systems, delivered by Kongsberg Discovery. It includes a navigation radar detector developed by the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI). Kongsberg NanoAvionics has manufactured and launched 40 satellites to date.

The satellites are operated by Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), which will use their international network of downloading stations to provide high frequency and low latency surveillance data for both the Norwegian Government as well as international customers.

“KONGSBERG has been active in the space segment for decades, delivering high-end technology and solutions, but this successful launch marks a milestone for us as we will own and operate the satellites for the first time,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

KONGSBERG companies and subsidiaries cover the full value chain to offer next-generation satellite services, from delivering our own micro satellites and ground stations to market-leading data processing and analytics. KONGSBERG is uniquely positioned tcmplete system solutions combing space segment with the ground systems to enhance data delivery and reduce latency.  A central part of KONGSBERG’s capability is the ability to assemble, integrate and test satellites with sensitive and national controlled payloads in our facilities.

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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Alba Orbital integrated five PocketQube satellites from three different countries for their flight on-board SpaceX’s Transporter-13 Rideshare mission.

The satellites were integrated into Alba Orbital’s PocketQube Deployer, AlbaPod, at their new facilities in Hillington Industrial Estate, Glasgow, the world’s first PocketQube factory. After integration, the cluster of pocket-sized satellites were shipped out to SpaceX and then hitched their ride to LEO.

PocketQubes are highly miniaturized satellites, typically 5 cm cubed per unit (‘P’), that can be launched to orbit for as little as 25K euros via Alba Orbital’s rideshare services. PocketQubes are cost-effective, quicker to build, and provide versatile options for a variety of missions that range from educational projects to advanced technological demonstrations.

Payloads aboard this mission…

HADES-ICM – HYDRA SPACE / IC MERCURY / SMART IR

HYDRA-W – HYDRA SPACE

Returning customer Hydra Space is developing an IoT network using their 1.5p PocketQube platform. Hydra-W will add to this growing constellation. This PocketQube Includes an on-orbit experiment from UC3M – Universidad Carlos III (Spain) implemented by Terahertz Research group and IoT connectivity experiment by Hydra Space

UNICORN-2O, 2P & 2Q – ALBA ORBITAL

Three 3p PocketQubes imaging satellites for Alba night time earth observation constellation to image earth in daytime and night time. These are the 15th, 16th and 17th Unicorn-2 satellites to launch into orbit.

About Alba Orbital
Alba Orbital (UK, USA, Germany) is the world’s leading PocketQube company that has delivered 53 pico-satellites on-orbit to date. Alba is a vertically integrated NewSpace company ‘democratizing access to space’, providing turnkey solutions from advanced pico-satellite platforms, low-cost launch opportunities, and ground station services. Alba has worked with more than er 40 customers across four continents, including clients such as Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University and TU Delft.

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