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CesiumAstro has entered into a contract with the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) to deliver software-defined radio (SDR) space communications payloads and ground user terminals for Taiwan’s first LEO communications satellite constellation.

This contract marks a major milestone in Taiwan’s effort to build sovereign LEO communications infrastructure and accelerate the deployment of its indigenous satellite communications network. The Beyond 5G LEO Satellite (B5G) program will receive both space- and ground-based active phased array systems from CesiumAstro, including its Vireo Ka space payload and Skylark user terminal.

The B5G satellites are a critical step in establishing Taiwan’s capacity to design, manufacture, and operate LEO communications satellites. CesiumAstro’s contributions will include a complete space payload leveraging its Vireo Ka active phased array technology, with support for multiple independently steerable beams, real-time reconfigurability, and high-throughput performance.

Complementing the space segment, CesiumAstro will also deliver Skylark ground terminals, designed to support resilient user-side connectivity across a range of mission profiles.

The B5G program is led by the Taiwan Space Agency and forms part of Taiwan’s National Space Technology Long-Term Development Plan which prioritizes domestic resilience and global competitiveness in emerging technologies, including space-based communications.

We are honored to support TASA’s vision for next-generation communications,” said Shey Sabripour, Founder and CEO of CesiumAstro. “Our modular, flight-proven payload technologies align with TASA’s goals for performance, flexibility, and future scalability, and we look forward to delivering systems that support their ambitions for 5G and beyond.”

As Taiwan invests in secure, sovereign communications infrastructure, CesiumAstro is proud to contribute best-in-class technology and a commitment to mission success,” said Trey Pappas, Chief Revenue Officer at CesiumAstro. “This contract reflects the growing international demand for proven, reconfigurable space communications systems.”

About CesiumAstro
CesiumAstro, headquartered in Austin, Texas, is a leader in advanced connectivity solutions for ground, air, and space. With additional facilities in Colorado, California, the United Kingdom, and Germany, the company delivers end-to-end solutions encompassing satellites, high-performance communications payloads, and advanced computing systems. The company’s full-stack, multi-mission hardware and software serve diverse commercial, government, and defense applications. CesiumAstro maintains complete vertical integration with in-house design, manufacturing, and testing capabilities certified to AS9100D/ISO 9001:2015 standards.

About TASA
The Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) oversees Taiwan’s space affairs. Established in 1991, it became an administrative corporation under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) in 2023. TASA has developed independent satellite capabilities, leading programs like FORMOSAT-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and Triton for scientific research, optical remote sensing, and meteorology. Looking ahead, TASA is advancing Taiwan’s space industry through initiatives such as FORMOSA-8 satellites, FORMOSA-9 satellites, experimental Beyond 5G (B5G) communication satellites, optical laser communication technology, a small launch vehicle program, and a national launch site.

Umbra has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).

Under this CRADA, Umbra gains access to NGA’s research insights to better align its capabilities with mission requirements, while NGA can leverage Umbra’s advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and RF data products and satellite technology to expand its research and operational capabilities.

This partnership supports NGA’s broader Commercial GEOINT strategy, which aims to deepen collaboration with private sector GEOINT innovators. Through this CRADA, Umbra will aid NGA in enhancing operational resiliency, readiness, and the development of new data collection modes.

Established in 2015, Umbra has become a trusted, U.S. government partner, consistently delivering the highest volume of high-quality data at low latency. This CRADA builds upon Umbra’s enduring collaboration with national security agencies, including contracts with the NRO, SDA, NASA, DARPA, and AFRL.

The collaboration will focus on exploring novel applications of SAR and RF technologies, including rapid prototyping, iterative improvements to baseline products, and testing unique collection modes to adapt to dynamic mission needs. Umbra’s rapid pace of system development and data processing will allow NGA to explore new approaches in near real-time, adapting to changing requirements with speed and precision.

Last year, Umbra released the first commercial bistatic SAR imagery from its tandem satellite formation. Operating satellites in tightly coordinated clusters enables unique capabilities like multistatic collection and resilience, underscoring Umbra’s dedication to advancing U.S. GEOINT capabilities. Under this CRADA, Umbra innovations can now provide NGA with a testing ground for cutting-edge commercial technologies, enhancing the agency’s ability to leverage commercial assets for future mission success.

We’re honored to collaborate with NGA to explore new frontiers in remote sensing,” said David Langan, CEO and co-founder of Umbra. “The CRADA allows us to combine our expertise with NGA’s mission insight, accelerating the development of resilient, operationally ready GEOINT solutions for the U.S. government. We look forward to demonstrating the impact of commercial SAR and RF in advancing national security.”

About Umbra
Umbra is a vertically integrated space technology company providing satellite technology solutions and intelligence data as a service to commercial and government customers. Our cutting-edge products help customers solve complex business, environmental, and security challenges. Umbra is founded, funded, built, and operated in the United States with facilities in Santa Barbara, CA, and Arlington, Virgina.

Exolaunch has signed a Launch Services Agreement (LSA) with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to support the deployment of cubesats as part of CUBICS (CubeSats Initiative in Canada for STEM), a program designed to advance space science and technology while training Canada’s future space leaders.

The agreement enables the launch of nine 3U CubeSats, developed by Canadian universities, with options for additional missions through mid-2028. These satellites will be deployed via a rideshare mission no earlier than mid-2026, with integration taking place at CSA’s facilities in Quebec.

Through this agreement, Exolaunch will provide its industry-leading mission integration, testing, and satellite deployment services. The satellites will be deployed using EXOpod Nova, Exolaunch’s next-generation CubeSat separation system, which provides enhanced flexibility, scalability and reliability for high-performance missions.

With this contract, Exolaunch grows its activities in Canada, reinforcing its commitment to enabling cost-effective, reliable access to space for government agencies, research institutions, and commercial satellite operators worldwide.

The cubesats supported under CSA’s CUBICS program are developed by nine Canadian universities, each contributing cutting-edge research and technology demonstrations across a range of scientific disciplines, including Earth observation, space weather monitoring, and communications technology.

In the coming months, CSA will host technical meetings, where Exolaunch will engage with the participating universities, review student presentations, and gather mission requirements to optimize the integration and deployment process.

We are thrilled to expand Exolaunch’s global presence into Canada by working with one of the country’s most distinguished government agencies,” said Robert W. Sproles, chief executive officer at Exolaunch. “CSA’s CUBICS program is an incredible initiative that not only encourages CubeSat innovation, but also empowers ambitious students to gain real-world spaceflight experience. At Exolaunch, we are deeply committed to making space more accessible, and we are honored to provide our flight-proven EXOpod Nova deployers to ensure these CubeSats reach orbit safely and successfully. We look forward to supporting CSA and the brilliant teams behind these projects.”

About Exolaunch
Exolaunch (Germany, USA) is a global leader in launch mission integration and deployment technologies for small satellites. With a decade of flight heritage and over 520 satellites launched across 34 missions to date, Exolaunch leverages industry insight to tailor turnkey solutions that meet customer needs and respond to market trends. Exolaunch fulfills launch contracts for industry leaders, the world’s most innovative startups, research institutions, government organizations, and international space agencies. The company develops and manufactures its own flight-proven and industry-leading small satellite separation systems, with the fastest-growing heritage on the market. Exolaunch promotes safe, sustainable, and responsible use of space and is committed to making space accessible for all.

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.

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.

“Message in a Booster” mission will launch Lockheed Martin’s technology demonstration spacecraft to low Earth orbit

Following a successful rocket static fire test, Firefly Aerospace, Inc. has announced the company’s Alpha Flight 6 (FLTA006) mission, called Message in a Booster, is scheduled to launch Lockheed Martin’s LM 400 spacecraft no earlier than March 15th—the 52-minute launch window will open at 6:25 am PST.

Alpha FLTA006 is the second mission Firefly is launching for Lockheed Martin and the first of Firefly’s multi-launch agreement with the company that includes up to 25 missions over the next five years. Capable of lifting more than 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit, Firefly’s Alpha rocket will launch Lockheed Martin’s LM 400 spacecraft from Firefly’s Space Launch Complex 2 at the Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Once deployed, Lockheed Martin’s self-funded LM 400 technology demonstration will prove out the company’s risk-reduction and pathfinding efforts. As a platform, LM 400 is Lockheed Martin’s most flexible satellite bus, capable of serving military, commercial, or civil customers. It can be customized to host a variety of missions—including remote sensing, communications, imaging and radar—and operate in LEO, MEO and GEO. 

“The Firefly team is proud to launch another Lockheed Martin mission as we continue to push the limits in achieving a more responsive and resilient future in space,” said Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. “Our Alpha rocket provides the optimal performance and rapid operations to deliver small and mid-size satellites, like LM 400, when and where our customers need them to immediately begin their on-orbit mission.”

For more details on the Alpha FLTA006 Message in a Booster mission and livestream, visit this direct infolink…

First-ever achievement for Spire enhances data transmission security and efficiency, setting a new standard for global satellite communications. The Company will launch additional satellites with optical inter-satellite link technology on the
SpaceX Transporter-13 Rideshare Mission

Spire Global, Inc. (NYSE: SPIR) has successfully established a two-way optical link between two satellites in orbit. This achievement marks a major step toward enhancing the speed, reliability, and security of data transmissions for future missions.

The satellites, which launched in June of 2023, are equipped with optical inter-satellite link (OISL) payloads. The payloads create lasers that send information back and forth between satellites, securely and almost instantaneously, while up to 5,000 kilometers apart.

This technology has the ability to enhance applications such as weather forecasting, global communications and remote sensing for navigation and environmental monitoring by increasing data speeds, enhancing security and reducing data latency.

The development of the OISL technology was supported by a European Space Agency (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunications Services (ARTES) Pioneer Partnership Project, within ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate, with funding from the UK Space Agency (UKSA).

Following the successful demonstration, Spire will launch three additional LEMUR satellites with OISL technology in 2025, two of which are set to launch via Exolaunch on the Transporter 13 rideshare mission with SpaceX.

During the mission, Spire will also launch four additional LEMUR satellites to replenish its fully deployed constellation and enable missions for its Space Services customers. The launch is scheduled for no earlier than March of 2025.

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.

Marlink will upgrade the hybrid network onboard the fleet of Alpha Adriatic, including cutting edge cyber security tools.

Alpha Adriatic will benefit from Sealink NextGen’s combination of VSAT and LEO internet, together with robust back-up and Marlink’s Advanced Threat Detection, Unified Threat Management and Endpoint Detection cyber tools.

Marlink will once again leverage its experience as a managed services provider to upgrade the hybrid network solution onboard, integrating Starlink to enhance options available for business applications and improving connectivity available to crews.

The solution provides Alpha Adriatic with several benefits, including:

• High bandwidth, low latency communications via Sealink NextGen to support smarter, digitalised fleet operations
• Enhanced cyber security to provide compliance with industry certification standards and reflect tighter regulation for vessel operators
• Hybrid solution offers improved uptime and reliability with secure communications and data transfer

Headquartered in Pula, Croatia, and listed on the Zagreb Stock Exchange, Alpha Adriatic operates in the dry bulk and tanker sectors, offering full ship management services to third parties. The Group holds ownership interests in one oil/chemical tanker and three bulk carriers, while also providing third-party ship management services for an additional bulk carrier and three oil/chemical tankers.

Alpha Adriatic is committed to being a modern and innovative company, focused on the high-quality growth of its fleet and the enhancement of services provided to our partners and clients. We rely on the extensive knowledge, experience, and adaptability of our teams both onboard and ashore to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable operations.Vojko Braut, Technical Director at Alpha Adriatic. 

Marlink added to its cyber capabilities in 2024 with the acquisition of Croatia’s Diverto and then Port-IT, to enhance the breadth of cyber solutions available to remote maritime users. By combining this expertise with a hybrid network solution we can deliver smarter vessel operations to Alpha Adriatic.Tore Morten Olsen, President, Maritime, Marlink.

About Marlink
For companies operating in the world’s most challenging environments – from merchant vessels to offshore and onshore energy operations, from humanitarian organisations to cruise ships and superyachts – Marlink creates and delivers possibilities, anywhere. Marlink is a managed service provider and global leader in remote ICT solutions with annual revenues surpassing $800 million and 1,500 employees operating in more than 30 countries. Wherever our customers are in the world, we deliver them possibilities to work smarter and to operate more effectively, more safely, more sustainably – without the limitations of technology. With our possibility platform, we enable a comprehensive suite of end-to-end managed solutions (Connectivity, Network, Cyber Security, Cloud & IT, IoT & Apps), supported by professional services, unmatched global operations and delivery capabilities and local support teams.

NanoAvionics will also supply an additional two MP42 microsatellite platforms for Satlantis’s new generation
sub-meter resolution Earth Observation satellites.

SuperSharp, part of the Satlantis group, has selected Kongsberg NanoAvionics’s (NanoAvionics) MP42 microsatellite platform for a first-of-its-kind, Thermal InfraRed (TIR) mission called Blue Moon.

The mission will embark SuperSharp’s flagship instrument HIBISCUS, an 80 kg payload, onboard NanoAvionics’ flight-proven MP42 satellite bus. The launch is scheduled for the second half of 2026 onboard a SpaceX’s Transporter rideshare service.

The capabilities of Blue Moon will extend beyond that of conventional EO satellites as the instrument is designed to acquire images day and night.

The disruption of SuperSharps‘ innovation, however, lies in its proprietary unfolding payload technology, capable of delivering 4x higher resolution per unit cost. 

HIBISCUS can capture Long-Wave InfraRed (LWIR) imagery at a spatial resolution of three meters. The data generated by this category-defining satellite will support applications in the field of climate resilience, such as urban heat monitoring, as well as those in the domain of national security. It aims also to enable new applications in these fields. 

In parallel to this agreement, NanoAvionics will also supply an additional two MP42 microsatellite platforms to Satlantis for its new generation of sub-meter resolution Earth Observation satellites.

Powered by a team of more than 30 engineers SuperSharp is a University of Cambridge spin-out founded in 2017 and part of the Satlantis group since 2023. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of very high-resolution Thermal InfraRed (TIR) imaging satellites. 

The company’s first satellite mission will be carried out in partnership with small satellite manufacturer NanoAvionics, subsidiary of the Kongsberg group.

Marco Gomez-Jenkins, co-founder and CEO of SuperSharp, said, “We are delighted to partner with NanoAvionics on this mission to unlock the value of ultra-high resolution thermal imaging from space. The combination of our HIBISCUS telescope and their MP42 satellite platform will enable new applications in this domain, from climate change mitigation to security and defence. This mission would not be possible without the ongoing support of institutional actors, in particular the UK Space Agency.”

Atle Wøllo, CEO of Kongsberg NanoAvionics, said, “Satlantis has been one of our earliest commercial Earth observation customers, and we’re excited to build on the legacy of the first three nanosatellites we launched with them. These three new missions highlight how NanoAvionics evolves alongside our customers and their growing needs. By helping SuperSharp and Satlantis deliver industry-leading 3-meter thermal imaging and submeter visible to near-infrared capabilities, we’re setting a new benchmark for our standard MP42 microsatellite platform, supporting larger, more advanced payloads than ever before.” 

Juan Tomas Hernani, co-founder and CEO of Satlantis, said, “The race to space is more and more about partnerships. The breakthrough offered by SuperSharp with its 3 m resolution in TIR in a joint mission with NanoAvionics makes us very proud to lead the global strategy for this. It also gives us an opportunity to fuse TIR as an extended channel into our next missions.”