Phantom Space Corporation, a space transportation technology development and manufacturing company, has signed an agreement with Ingenu, provider of one of the leading Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology platforms.

The agreement includes the production, manufacturing and launch of a 72 satellite constellation (AFNIO) that Ingenu will be utilizing to host their RPMA® IIoT payloads. This will allow Ingenu to offer full end-to-end solutions anywhere on earth. AFNIO will focus initially on end-to-end solutions for Smart Grid, Smart Factory, Smart Agriculture, Smart Cities, Oil & Gas, Mining, Asset Tracking and Logistics. Phantom will be responsible for developing the spacecraft buses, system integration and launch of all 72 spacecraft. The majority of the satellites are expected to launch on Phantom’s Daytona launch vehicle set to first launch in 2023.

Ingenu developed and owns a long-range, Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technology for the Internet of Things. Using its award-winning Random Phase Multiple Access (RPMA®) technology, it has been deployed in more than 50 terrestrial networks over the past ten years, on 5 continents. Ingenu will bring its technology and expertise to develop the world’s largest space IIoT network dedicated to connectivity for machines. Operating on universal unlicensed spectrum, the company’s RPMA® technology is a proven standard for connecting IIoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) sensors around the world and this project will allow RPMA® enabled end point sensors the ability to communicate directly with the satellites, also known as the Low Power-Satellite to Sensor (LP-S2S), anywhere in the world.

Ingenu’s AFNIO Network will act as the world’s first space-based public network designed exclusively for M2M communications. It is designed and optimized for deeper and wider coverage, network longevity, and full-featured value. Ingenu’s AFNIO Satellite Constellation will have further reach, global range and longer lasting battery life than any existing network. It’s robust, best-in-class technology is also future-proof – enabling technology solution providers to maximize their product’s efficiency and longevity, with unparalleled control and visibility. Furthermore, it was designed from the ground up to meet the 100% data transmission acknowledgment required for each sensor, necessary for serious IIoT machine connectivity and solutions.

“Ingenu prides themselves on turning disruptive innovation into practical application, and we’re excited to help them achieve this,” said Jim Cantrell, Co-Founder and CEO of Phantom Space. “We build satellites, launchers, and implement space technology applications because we want to lower the barriers to new commercial applications in space. By working with a company like Ingenu, we are partnering to deliver Ingenu’s value into a space platform where it can have a worldwide impact on their customers. This partnership brings both of us closer to our goal of providing the much-needed disruptive benefits of space technology directly to the consumer.”

“We are excited to partner with Phantom because their cutting-edge technology and manufacturing methods enable us to move full steam ahead on this front in a rapid and cost-effective manner. We’ll be able to build and operate a system of satellites that makes it possible for us to offer people full end-to-end solutions anywhere on earth and complement existing customers’ terrestrial networks. Nothing of the sort has ever been done up until now,” said Alvaro Gazzolo, CEO of Ingenu. “The AFNIO Satellite Constellation will be complemented by the new RPMA® communications module, a System on a Chip (SoC), which will cut in half the cost of the legacy RPMA® communications module. This will allow Ingenu and its partners to concentrate on solutions with minimal capital investment to customers and provide faster time to market, anywhere in the world.”

Phantom Space Phantom Space Corporation is a space technology and transportation company lowering space access barriers through mass manufacturing of launch vehicles, satellites, and space applications. Phantom’s vision is to become the “Henry Ford of Space Transportation” through the opportunity to mass manufacture or both rockets and satellites, aiming to launch 100s of rockets per year. A 100% US controlled and operated enterprise, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, with multiple launch operations centers. Founded by Jim Cantrell, Mike D’Angelo, and Michal Prywata. Learn more at https://www.phantomspace.com/.

Ingenu has developed the best IIoT connectivity platform in the market today. Operating on universal spectrum, the company’s RPMA® technology is a proven standard for connecting Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices across the globe. Ingenu’s technology uniquely achieves the connectivity cost for many billions of devices, providing valuable intelligence for businesses. Information about Ingenu can be found at www.ingenu.com, or contact William Schmidt at wschmidt@ingenu.com.

Space Forge is engaged in the clean industrial revolution by harnessing the power of space — along with partners, Space Forge is developing a world-first service that incorporates both launch and a returnable satellite – the ForgeStar – that can be deployed from conventional launchers to provide rapid, reliable and reusable in-space infrastructure.

Space Forge has been awarded a two-year contract, through the European Space Agency’s Boost! Commercial Space Transportation Services Program, worth 2 million euros – covering the preliminary and detailed design phases, as well as the launch, on-orbit operation and return of the first operational ForgeStar demonstration vehicle.

The current market demand for microgravity as a service, which has the potential to decrease energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by manufacturing high-performance products impossible to produce on Earth, is in excess of half a billion per year – yet cannot be supported with current offerings. Having identified the key barriers to this market – namely: no dedicated platform, no soft return and a heavy reliance on the International Space Station – the solution developed by the consortium is a low-cost, independent, reusable space vehicle able to perform scalable in-orbit manufacturing.

Space Forge’s microgravity return vehicle, the ForgeStar Orbital Vehicle 1 (FSOV-1), is a flexible. modular. smallsat that consists of the orbital module and an interchangeable microgravity capsule, to enable reliable, safe and predictable return to Earth. The innovation in this smallsat is the ability to return from space using a non-ablative technology, thereby significantly reducing the landing impact and enabling vehicle refurbishment and re-launch.

In creating a reliable return, Space Forge will advance the expansion of the microgravity market for premium research and development applications by lowering the barriers to entry. The company is focused on R&D initiatives where dedicated return from the space environment can add a significant benefit, or overcome obstacles found terrestrially, to unlock new value and innovation. Identified markets with a history of in-space research for this purpose include the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries.

The ability to return from space has changed little since the 1960s, with the costs remaining extremely high and the opportunities to return few and far between. The ESA funding will significantly accelerate Space Forge’s development of a sustainable return from space. FSOV-1 is scheduled for launch in 2022, and will test multiple critical subsystems including return to earth technology and tracking software.

Space Forge are working with key partners from across the industry, drawing upon existing infrastructures and expertise to develop this comprehensive scalable solution. The consortium includes AAC Clyde Space, Goonhilly Earth Station, NORSS, Satellite Applications Catapult and STFC.

An introductory animation is available at this direct link…

Joshua Western, CEO and Co-founder of Space Forge, said, “We’re thrilled to receive this support for the ForgeStar platform. Sustainable return from space can unlock commercial opportunities not otherwise possible, and leverage Low Earth Orbit as a resource in a similar way to how reductions in launch prices have democratized access to space. “Space Forge is uniquely positioned to multiply the value of microgravity research coupled with dedicated return and we cannot wait to see the positive impact this will have on commercial space.”

Jorgen Bru, ESA’s Commercial Services Manager and Technical Officer for the contract, said, “Space Forge has raised private funding, identified niche markets and strengthened its core team and industrial organization to bring these novel reentry and recovery technologies to life. ESA is delighted to support Space Forge in its endeavor to prepare this service for the market.”

UK Space Agency Chief Executive, Dr. Paul Bate, added “This success for Space Forge shows how UK firms are at the forefront of the global space industry.”

“The substantial funding support we are delivering to our growing space sector, alongside our world-leading regulatory regime and strong international agreements, means the UK is well placed to benefit from the new commercial opportunities UK launch will bring to communities across the four nations,” Economy Minister for Wales, Vaughan Gething, said. “This world-first operation has the potential to revolutionise space capabilities which have remained unchanged for decades. Space Forge is a real Welsh success story and continues to develop ground-breaking new technologies grounded in sustainability. Its pioneering brilliance is warmly welcomed amid our efforts to deliver a greener Wales for the future, and I am delighted Space Forge has been able to access funding from the Welsh Government and the Development Bank for Wales.”

AAC Clyde Space has been selected to deliver the Sirius Command and Data Handling system to a new client.

AAC will provide a standardized system as qualification model in Q2 2022 in a contract valued at 320,000 euros.

The qualification unit will fully reflect all aspects of the flight model design and is used for complete functional and environmental qualification testing.

“Our Sirius range has become a standard product used in a wide range of space missions, appreciated for its high performance and reliability. The long heritage from space flight enables us to deliver standardized systems of the quality necessary to succeed in even the most advanced space missions,” said AAC Clyde Space CEO, Luis Gomes.

Aistech Space SL (Aistech) has signed a contract with Orbital Astronautics Ltd (OrbAstro) to fly the company’s first Guardian mission scheduled for launch in Q4 2021 onboard a SpaceX dedicated rideshare mission.

The OrbAstro ORB-6 satellite platform (6U-class) will host an Aistech multi-spectral imaging payload to commence commercial services addressing markets linked to environmental sustainability.

Aistech is planning to deploy a constellation of 20 thermal-enabled satellites. This will be one of the first commercial constellations able to collect high-resolution thermal infrared data on demand. Information captured by Aistech’s multi-spectral telescope will support decision-making in the public and private sector.

OrbAstro is highly vertically integrated, having built all subsystems and satellite platforms from the ground up. This has allowed the company to compress costs and lead-times substantially. Their ORB-class platforms specifically designed to address the constellation markets, are state-of-the-art, with Ultrascale+ and LPDDR4 based onboard computing, electric propulsion, full attitude determination and control system with dual star-trackers, S-band transceiver, and optical communications terminal as standard.

“Aistech is targeting a wide-open market and we are excited to see what they achieve. To meet surging demand from companies like Aistech Space, aspiring towards large constellations to provide their services, we at OrbAstro are scaling up our satellite production throughput,” said Dr. Ash Dove-Jay, CEO of OrbAstro. “Beyond this, the orbital data relay service we are building will add value to the Aistech constellation as it grows, by greatly reducing latency of the downlink of their imaging data.”

“Our mission is to work with organizations around the world to tackle critical threats to people and the environment, and build a better, more sustainable future for the next generation,” said Guillermo Valenzuela, CEO and Co-Founder of Aistech Space. “Our Guardian satellites will provide organizations with critical information for mitigating large-scale threats, such as forest fires, water waste, pollution, and illegal activity.”

Satellogic is creating a live catalog of Earth and delivering daily updates to create a complete picture of the planet for decision makers in order for them to tackle some of the biggest challenges of these times. Satellogic uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) to scale their live Earth catalog, enhance customer experiences, decrease data processing times, and optimize costs.

“High-quality satellite data is critical to confronting some of the world’s most crucial issues, such as resource utilization and distribution,” said Matt Tirman, president of Satellogic North America. “For large-scale agriculture, our data can help answer questions about crop health, environmental impact, invasive pest lifecycles, drought, or flood risks. AWS is an accelerator and enables Satellogic to deliver insights and updates like these to customers sooner so they can prepare for and respond to change more effectively.”

Customers who rely on satellite data frequently have to make a trade-off decision: choose data that is current but not high-resolution, or opt for high-resolution imagery that is not as current. Traditional means of acquiring satellite data are expensive. This causes customers to make another difficult trade-off decision and prioritize either sticking to budgets or acquiring data critical to missions such as change monitoring on borders, assessing natural disaster damage, and updating marine and aviation applications.

Satellogic is focused on solving global challenges by making EO data more accessible and more affordable. Its vertically integrated business model, owning the design, manufacturing, and operation of its satellites, is what makes that mission possible. Satellogic’s lightweight, EO smallsats can be produced at scale with unrivaled unit economics. Satellogic now has 17 commercial satellites in LEO and plans to use AWS as they expand their constellation to more than 300 satellites by 2025.

Satellogic’s current constellation can collect more than 5 million square kilometers of multispectral and hyperspectral imagery per day (that’s more than 4.8 billion hectares, or about the surface area of Russia). High-resolution multispectral data gives customers the ability to see vivid details like row crops, roads, buildings, and objects like ships, trucks, and aircraft. Hyperspectral imagery goes a step further and reveals spectral signatures of materials like metals and polymers—it can even identify vegetation species and detect moisture to assess crop health.

Each Satellogic satellite is now equipped to capture full-motion videos (FMV) up to 60 seconds in length and up to two minutes in the near future. This capability gives customers new opportunities to observe and archive short-term activity from the vantage point of space.

To help customers monitor change and respond rapidly to events, Satellogic provides as many as four daily revisits of any point of interest on Earth’s surface. Revisit rate is an essential capability for critical infrastructure monitoring and rapid response to any emerging event, be it a natural disaster or humanitarian crisis. It delivers a dynamic perspective of changing ground conditions which can be used to guide first responders as well as for recovery efforts.

To make the most of acquired EO data, the Satellogic Advanced Data Layers team leverages artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to help customers convert images into data layers via easy-to-use data services made available on the company’s online platform. Examples include object identification, classification, and semantic change detection as well as predictive models for a broad range of industries.

All of this generates massive volumes of data with each satellite generating an average of 50GB of data daily. For context, with a single 50 GB data plan, you can browse the internet for around 1,200 hours, stream 20,000 songs, or watch 200 hours of SD video. With a constellation roadmap that includes launching more than 300 satellites into orbit by 2025, Satellogic required a solution that could scale storage, processing, and delivery capabilities apace with each launch.

Satellogic uses Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) and AWS global cloud infrastructure to enable customers to securely access petabytes of data on demand, paying only for the capacity they actually use. Satellogic leverages the multiple storage classes provided by AmazonS3 to optimize costs while making sure there is adequate availability and durability of the data. Processing the imagery requires vast amounts of compute power, for which Satellogic relies on AWS compute services such as Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Services (Amazon EKS) and AWS Lambda.

Amazon EKS enables Satellogic to run and manage Kubernetes applications in the cloud, benefiting from the flexibility of scaling clusters based on the load of their imagery processing pipelines. Satellogic uses Amazon EKS to reduce data processing times by an average of 20 to s30 percent. The processed data is made accessible to Satellogic customers through a serving layer built on top of Amazon CloudFront and Amazon API Gateway.

Amazon CloudFront brings the content closer to customer locations securely, which results in higher throughputs and lower latencies that are essential for the distribution of information at this scale. Amazon API Gateway makes it easy for Satellogic to create, publish, maintain and secure APIs to access the imagery products’ catalog, and the service scales to keep up with increases on demand.

“The collaboration between Satellogic and AWS can help increase sustainability across multiple industries, develop advanced applications, and improve emergency response at scale,” added Tirman. “By using AWS to store, process, and deliver data captured by its constellation of satellites, Satellogic enables customers to access daily global coverage of the Earth’s surface, a critical source of information for use cases such as emergency response, food security, global logistics, remote asset monitoring, among many others.”

Myriota has announced the launch of their Myriota Mouse; a plug and play external antenna that is custom-built for satellite IoT applications.

IoT enables businesses to understand exactly where their assets are located, an essential requirement for industries such as transport and logistics, agriculture, environment, defense and utilities. Satellite connectivity is integral to enabling the successful communication of IoT devices, with many of these industry assets located in – or moving through – areas where traditional connectivity is intermittent or non-existent.

The Myriota Mouse provides high performance on the Myriota Network, and is manufactured to meet ingress protection (IP-65) and accelerated weathering (ASTM-G154) standards. The device has been developed in consultation with a panel of 25 Myriota customers that included Future Fleet and Ping Monitor, who are manufacturing Myriota-enabled products to connect critical industries, such as transport and logistics, utilities, environment and agriculture.

Myriota created the Myriota Mouse to help the firm’s diverse range of OEM Partners address their markets more quickly and to meet rising end-user demand, with 75 billion devices predicted to be connected to the internet globally by 2025. With the Myriota Mouse, developers can easily integrate with the secure, ultra energy-efficient Myriota Module, and enable communication between on-ground assets and Myriota’s constellation of LEO smallsats.

Myriota CTO and co-founder, Dr. David Haley, said that the Myriota Mouse used the design thinking methodology; a human-centered, iterative process used by designers to tackle problems, leading to a strong end result that provides customers with a fast and accurate design cycle. “Until now, antennas were not designed to meet the needs of direct-to-orbit IoT applications, which is why Myriota, working closely with our OEM partners, has developed the Myriota Mouse. The Myriota Mouse is a custom-built antenna for IoT that takes the guesswork out of design and quickly takes customers from idea to Myriota Network connectivity,” he said. “The device design and function has been validated by our valued Myriota Partners, with everything from product design to functionality and product testing being trialed.”

The launch of the Myriota Mouse comes after the business announced its partnership with Spire to expand their global satellite constellation and achieve near real-time connectivity by the close of 2022.

CesiumAstro, Inc. successfully launched and deployed the first of their two satellites that feature their communications payloads aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V-401 rocket.

Dubbed Cesium Mission 1 (CM1), the duo of satellites will provide an on-orbit testbed for next generation wireless communications and sensing technologies.

The CesiumAstro team is conducting operations to complete direct ground-to-spacecraft communications over the company’s telemetry and control link. Initial system checkout and on-orbit commissioning will take up to one month to complete, after which payload operations will commence.

The satellites will run a multitude of experiments over the next several months, with CesiumAstro offering demonstration partnership opportunities to both commercial and government organizations interested in on-orbit evaluation of new algorithms, approaches and operational models using CesiumAstro’s communications payloads and onboard edge processing.

To follow Cesium Mission 1’s journey, please visit: www.cesiumastro.com/cesium-mission-01.

“We will see major advancements over the course of the next decade, which will revolutionize a highly-anticipated era of connected mobility,” said Shey Sabripour, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CesiumAstro. “Our suite of core technologies is fully elevated through consistent and frequent testing as we initiate our first fleet deployments. Collaborating closely with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Mission Manifest Office (MMO), among an alliance of distinguished launch partners, CesiumAstro is one step closer to transforming in-orbit and aircraft connectivity.”

“Our team did an incredible job moving from concept to orbit in under two years,” said Scott Carnahan, Cesium Mission 1 Manager. “We’re looking forward to building upon CM1 development and operations as we design and launch more advanced payloads.” T