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Forrester’s Digest: China outlines Beidou constellation

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China already has a total of 44 GPS satellites on-orbit (at the end of 2023), known as the Beidou constellation. The country’s China Satellite Navigation System Management Office (CNSO) has explained how this existing system will be augmented.

According to Xinhua News Agency, CNSO says that by the end of 2025 it will have completed a design update and plans to launch three test satellites during 2027 into LEO to ensure all is working well.

The new Beidou fleet will start launching in 2029 and be completed by 2035. These ‘next-gen’ craft “will provide highly accurate navigation, positioning and timing in real time, with accuracy levels ranging from meters to decimeters.”

Beidou’s deputy chief designer Xie Jun told Global Times that its existing constellation would serve as the core for the upgraded system featuring new LEO satellites. Beidou products are currently exported to more than 140 countries and regions.

The new technology is intended to be an improvement on China’s existing GPS satellites.

Exolaunch set to deploy 22 customer satellites during the Bandwagon-2 mission with SpaceX

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Exolaunch personnel preparing the CarboNIX microsat separation rings for the upcoming launch and deployment. Image: © Exolaunch

Exolaunch is ready for its next major launch: the Bandwagon-2 Rideshare mission with SpaceX — this launch will build upon the success of the inaugural Bandwagon mission that occurred earlier this year, and Exolaunch will once again integrate and deploy satellites into orbit for a diverse range of international customers. The Bandwagon-2 mission is scheduled to lift off no earlier than December of 2024 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Bandwagon-2 is a unique, mid-inclination rideshare mission, offering a rare orbital opportunity for diverse satellite deployments. As part of this mission, the launch campaign at Vandenberg Space Force Base is currently underway for Exolaunch’s roster of 22 customer satellites, including 15 cubesats and 7 microsatellites. Exolaunch’s customers represent a broad spectrum of space exploration, with missions originating from countries including Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Djibouti, Finland, Mongolia, and the United States.

This is Exolaunch’s seventh mission in 2024, after successfully deploying 83 satellites into orbit across the Bandwagon-1, Transporter-10, and Transporter-11 Rideshare missions with SpaceX, two dedicated missions with Rocket Lab, and ESA’s Ariane 6 maiden flight.

Exolaunch’s flight-proven satellite separation hardware will play a critical role in this mission. The CarboNIX microsatellite separation rings and EXOpod Nova deployers will ensure the safe and reliable deployment of over 700 kg of customer payloads into orbit. Additionally, Exolaunch will fly its versatile EXOport adapter, enabling the accommodation and deployment of multiple customer satellites on a single launch.

Known for their lightweight yet robust designs, these systems offer unmatched precision and safety during satellite deployments, minimizing shock and vibration to ensure payload integrity. These systems are engineered to perform in the most demanding space environments, renowned for their reliability and effectiveness across numerous missions. Exolaunch’s continuous innovation in satellite separation technology solidifies its leadership in the smallsat launch segment, delivering trusted solutions to customers worldwide.

Integration of the EXOport multi-satellite adapter carrying customer satellites via EXOpod Nova deployers on Transporter-7 with the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Image: © SpaceX

Exolaunch provides comprehensive launch procurement and top-tier mission management expertise, ensuring seamless operations from start to finish. From the initial contract to final deployment, Exolaunch guides customers through the complexities of their launch planning, global shipping and logistics for sensitive space hardware, managing regulatory compliance, integration, and more. With a decade of experience in managing high-stakes satellite missions, Exolaunch is a trusted partner in navigating the technical, logistical, and legal challenges of getting payloads into space. This all-inclusive service guarantees that customer satellites are delivered safely and on time, ready for integration and launch.

“We’re honored to work with SpaceX on the mid-inclination Bandwagon-2 mission. Our long-standing relationship has been instrumental in Exolaunch’s growth, and this mission demonstrates our commitment to pushing the boundaries of global access to space,” said Robert W. Sproles, chief executive officer at Exolaunch. “With each mission, we continue to raise the bar for satellite integration and deployment, and we’re proud to support the innovative and impactful work of our new and existing customers flying on Bandwagon-2.”

Eseye + Sateliot join forces for global IoT via seamless satellite-terrestrial integration

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Eseye has partnered with Sateliot to deliver reliable and global 5G from space IoT solutions using advanced LPWAN satellite technology. 

The partnership aims to enable seamless and ubiquitous global connectivity in locations where there is no cellular coverage from a Mobile Operator. It uses the new 3GPP Release 17 (Rel.17) standard to achieve multi-RAT connectivity to non-terrestrial networks (NTN) from a single SIM solution.

Sateliot is the first company to operate a LEO 5G / NB-IoT satellite constellation that functions to provide a seamless extension of existing cellular networks using the advanced Rel.17 protocol to cover 100% of the planet.

The technology provides seamless connectivity, allowing cellular-enabled IoT devices to connect directly to its satellite network when terrestrial cellular coverage is unavailable. This process functions as standard roaming, providing a smooth and reliable user experience. This ensures customer devices can enjoy uninterrupted and reliable IoT connectivity across both terrestrial and satellite infrastructures, providing ultra-high-quality connectivity in the remotest environments. 

Positioned in polar orbits, the satellites provide:

  • Complete global coverage by
    geographic coordinate 
  • Reaching even the most remote and underserved areas of the planet.
  • Paving the way for IoT use case
    innovation and global adoption.

Sateliot’s partnership with Eseye will provide comprehensive IoT connectivity solutions that cater to a wide range of applications and industries, driving innovation and operational excellence worldwide. 

With the advancements of Eseye’s multi-RAT flexibility to use Sateliot’s satellite-based connectivity, urban and industrial IoT deployments will be able to access secure global coverage as well as reliability in remote and underserved areas where zero cellular coverage from any operator is available. 

Release 17 standardizes using satellites with cellular modems and antennas, enabling connections to geostationary satellites and LEO constellations. Even in areas with poor terrestrial coverage, devices can switch to satellite networks, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity on highways, in forests, or in remote locations.

Leveraging partnerships with more than 700 operators in 190 countries, Eseye already ensures broad and reliable network access for IoT deployments.  With its multi-RAT capabilities, Eseye supports various radio access technologies (e.g., LTE, eMTC) to enhance connectivity resilience and flexibility. With a focus on Urban and Industrial IoT, Eseye solutions are ideal for applications in smart grids, EV charging, manufacturing, and smart cities where robust terrestrial networks are essential.

Offering scalable global connectivity, Sateliot ensures IoT devices remain operational regardless of geographical challenges. While targeting applications and industries operating in remote or globally dispersed locations, its solutions are specifically designed to support agriculture, logistics, and environmental monitoring.

Employing satellite-based LPWAN and NTN NB-IoT technologies to extend IoT connectivity, Sateliot goes beyond traditional terrestrial limits by delivering cutting-edge satellite-based IoT connectivity and thus extending coverage to remote and underserved areas where terrestrial networks are limited or unavailable.

Gianluca Redolfi, Sateliot’s CCO, said, “Our strength comes from being ahead in operations, sales, and regulatory compliance. While many competitors face challenges like landing rights or sales, Sateliot stands out because we started working on the standard early, were the first to support it, and have gained strong backing from the industry.”

Adam Hayes, COO at Eseye, said, “Customers want their devices to connect and by working with Sateliot we can extend coverage beyond the current cellular offer. Together, we are paving the way for seamless, global connectivity that takes Eseye’s already highly resilient network to new heights to enable the interconnected world of tomorrow.”

Spire Global selected by LatConnect60 to improve sustainable agriculture practices  

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Spire Global (NYSE: SPIR) has been selected by LatConnect60 to provide Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry (GNSS-R) data and Soil Moisture Insights.   

The World Bank reports that investments in climate-resilient agriculture can yield returns of three to eight times the costs, making accurate environmental data essential for today’s farmers. LatConnect60 will integrate Spire’s Soil Moisture Insights and GNSS-R data into its web-based platforms, delivering actionable intelligence for water management, usage efficiency, and crop stress levels. These insights are crucial for farmers, resource managers, and policymakers.

Soil moisture in New South Wales, Australia, shown from
6 km to 500 m down to 100 m. Image courtesy of Spire Global.

LatConnect60 will combine data from its satellite fleet—which includes optical imagery and shortwave infrared technology—with Spire’s GNSS-R data to deliver a detailed view of environmental conditions and resource needs. Through this, its customers across Southeast Asia and Australia will have access to dynamic maps and detailed dashboards, allowing them to monitor specific areas, track water use, assess crop health, access daily updates and integrate multispectral satellite data for more informed decision-making. 

Spire’s Soil Moisture Insights leverages its GNSS-R satellite constellation to deliver high-resolution, daily soil moisture insights at 500-meter and six-kilometer resolutions, covering any location worldwide. Designed for diverse sectors this product helps optimize crop yield, manage environmental risks, and assess ground stability. Accessible via API, the product integrates seamlessly into existing systems, providing precise, actionable insights for applications such as drought and flood forecasting, irrigation planning, commodity price forecasting, hydrological modeling and more.

“LatConnect 60 looks forward to working closely with Spire to make this combined capability easily accessible to our end users across the Southeast Asian and Australian continents,” said Venkat Pillay, CEO and Founder of LatConnect60. “We envisage tremendous demand for the insights that will be made available, particularly in agricultural or forestry areas that are not easily accessible for manual data collection, while leveraging the ability for the GNSS-R data to enable daily soil moisture readings even in heavy cloud cover and dense canopy environments.”  

“Predicting biomass growth and understanding soil moisture conditions are essential for building climate resilience,” said Michael Eilts, general manager of Weather and Climate, Spire. “By combining our GNSS-R technology with LatConnect60’s analytical platforms, we are setting new benchmarks for accuracy in soil moisture data and comprehensive environmental monitoring in any corner of the globe.”  

  Learn more about Spire’s advanced Soil Moisture Insights at this direct link…  

LKD Aerospace announces partnership with Scanway

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LKD Aerospace and Scanway have announced their firms have entered into a new strategic partnership — this collaboration aims to enhance Earth Observation (EO) capabilities through advanced imaging systems and innovative satellite solutions.

Scanway specializes in providing optical payloads for EO)and other remote sensing applications designed for a range of small satellites, including nano and micro configurations. Their innovative camera systems feature multifunctional modules that enable self-diagnostics and self-inspection, allowing for real-time monitoring of space infrastructure.

This capability is crucial for detecting degradation levels, faults, and anomalies in space equipment, thereby optimizing mission success and longevity. In addition, they can be used in such applications as space situational awareness, docking missions, space exploration, etc.

The partnership leverages Scanway’s extensive expertise in customizable and athermal telescope systems, designed to meet diverse mission requirements. These advanced systems support critical applications in object classification and military operations and also play a vital role in monitoring natural disasters, climate change, and supporting agricultural and urban development initiatives.

Scanway’s innovative approach to optical payload design allows for scalability and integration across various platforms, ensuring that clients can tailor their solutions to fit specific mission goals. This flexibility is a significant advantage in an ever-evolving aerospace landscape.

As both companies continue to innovate and collaborate, they are committed to providing innovative solutions that not only enhance satellite performance but also contribute to global sustainability efforts. Thanks to Star Linker who supports Scanway in business development activities in the U.S., an agreement has been signed between LKD and Scanway, paving the way for a strengthened partnership focused on these shared goals.

“We are thrilled to partner with Scanway, whose commitment to modularity and adaptability aligns perfectly with LKD Aerospace’s vision for the future of satellite technology,” said Len McNally, VP Sales / PGM at LKD Aerospace. “Together, we aim to push the boundaries of Earth observation capabilities, providing our clients with unparalleled insights into our planet’s dynamics.”

“We’re confident that this partnership will transform how we observe and engage with our planet,” said Mikołaj Podgórski, Chief Operating Officer at Scanway. “By merging our cutting-edge imaging technologies with LKD Aerospace’s extensive partnerships and network, we aim to create solutions for some of the most urgent challenges our world faces today.”

About LKD Aerospace
LKD Aerospace ‘s mission is to help OEM’s and customers successfully connect, and expand these possibilities through technical product sales experience, aggressive promotion, and over 40 years of experience of forging connections both throughout the US and across the world.

About Scanway
Scanway is a leader in optical payload technology, providing high-resolution imaging systems for Earth Observation satellites. With a focus on modularity and adaptability, Scanway develops customizable solutions that meet the diverse needs of the aerospace industry.

ICEYE to lead industry consortium to deliver advanced space technologies and analytics

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ICEYE will be the consortium lead in an industrial participation program for the Finnish Ministry of Defense F-35 program — this consortium will develop advanced space and joint intelligence technologies, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for military users such as the Finnish Defense Forces.

The consortium, comprised of ICEYE, and prominent Finnish industry players Insta, Huld, DA-Group, and the Finnish Meteorological Institute as a supplier, will work together with Lockheed Martin on advancing technological development. This will include the progression of disruptive capabilities such as analytics with AI, and encompass mobile ISR cell development, advanced analytics, and high-performance SAR imaging for all weather and light conditions, making it especially suitable for the demanding Arctic weather and light conditions of NATO’s Northern Flank. Space-based intelligence remains a vital tool to support military operations across the land, sea, and air, and the program demonstrates Finnish willingness to develop and adopt advanced dual-use technologies that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness on the modern battlefield. 

The partnership between leading innovators within the defense and aerospace industry aims to support the Finnish Defense Forces with the goal to enhance the security of supply and strengthen Finland’s position as a leader in cutting-edge aerospace technology. The advanced capabilities will also present opportunities for further expansion and collaboration with NATO Allies and other friendly nations, paving the way for export growth for the members of the consortium.

Lockheed Martin Space will contribute its next-generation sensor processing framework and AI-enabled Global Automated Target Recognition (GATR) system. The cloud-based GATR software automates satellite image analysis by using deep learning algorithms and open-source libraries to quickly identify and classify objects in large areas across the world.

Image resultant of Lockheed Martin’s GATR system, courtesy of the company.

Through strategic partnership with the Finnish Defense Forces and previous fighter jet acquisitions, technology company Insta has decades of experience in demanding defense solutions. Insta has a strong focus on developing state-of-the-art command and control (C2) systems and modern solutions using data and AI that help execute successful multi-domain operations.

“ICEYE’s role in leading the industry consortium marks a significant milestone. This partnership aligns with our ambition to strengthen information capabilities and develop advanced technologies, ensuring that the Finnish Defense Forces and Allies can be equipped with the vital knowledge and capabilities required to maintain the strategic advantage,” said Pekka Laurila, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-founder of ICEYE.

“Lockheed Martin’s advanced mission solutions will provide the Finnish Defense Forces with enhanced situational awareness and reliable decision support for multi-domain operations,” said Rod Drury, Lockheed Martin Space’s vice president for Global Business. “This international technology collaboration demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s commitment to advancing the 21st Century Security capabilities of our NATO allies and mission partners.” 

“The most important prerequisite for multi-domain operations is a real-time situational picture. We want to engage in a unique collaboration with top domestic and international experts, thereby ensuring the continuous development of situational awareness security and performance in an increasingly networked world. We bring to the project our deep understanding and world-class expertise in how different sensor data can be processed and integrated into the C2 systems, and possibly further into the corresponding systems of NATO Allies,” said Petri Reiman, Senior Vice President from Insta.

Huld has more than 35 years of expertise in the space domain, along with extensive experience in national security and defense. “Huld is proud to see this important initiative start, as we have been planning this inspiring project with partners for a long time. We foresee utilizing our best experience in both digital systems and product design to develop this capability with our partners, and to contribute to Finland’s national defense and the safety of our society,” said Matti Anttila, Director, Defence & Space, Huld.

“Security innovations are DA-Group’s driving force. In this consortium, we will bring our
innovations for the common good and be better with our partners. We have proven before that we can do big things. DA-Group is now waiting to start working and gain results within the time frame,” said Pekka Airola, Chief Executive Officer of DA-Group.

“The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) is the main national public organization in the field of space-related services and research in Finland. This partnership on advanced satellite information with key Finnish industrial players, and Lockheed Martin further strengthens FMI’s role as a satellite data and data products provider,“ says Jyri Heilimo, Head of FMI Arctic Space Centre.

Lockheed Martin’s LM 400 tech demo is set to launch in 2025

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Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) has announced continued investment in its technology demonstrations with the upcoming launch of the LM 400, a new, mid-sized, common, multi-mission space vehicle.

The LM 400 has completed testing and is currently preparing to embark on its journey on a Firefly Aerospace Alpha rocket in the first half of 2025.

The LM 400 was digitally designed and developed for:

  • Any Mission: LM 400 is a common satellite bus design that provides significant customer cost savings. Missions could include remote sensing, communications, imaging and radar.  
  • Any Orbit: LM 400 was designed with greater propulsion and better low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geosynchronous equatorial orbit (GEO) operability compared to others in its class. 
  • Any Launch Configuration: LM 400 is compatible with a wide range of launch vehicles as a single, ride-share or multi-launch system.
  • Mission Flexibility: LM 400 includes SmartSat™, the company’s software-defined architecture that gives customers even greater mission flexibility and the ability to perform on-board data processing.
Artistic rendition of Lockheed Martin’s SmartSat™ on-orbit, image courtesy of the company.
  • Support to CJADC2: LM 400 can conform to a Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), and interoperate with other platforms across the military services to support the Department of Defense’s vision for Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) operations.

This mission will join Lockheed Martin’s growing self-funded technology demonstration portfolio, including the Electronically Steerable Antenna  and Pony Express 2 (artistic rendition below). These launches are centered on innovation and designed to deliver proven capabilities with greater speed and agility, which means customers gain access to advanced manufacturing and digital engineering that has already been tested on-orbit to address emerging threats.

Artistic rendition of Lockheed Martin’s ESA in use on-orbit, image courtesy of the company.
Artistic rendition of Lockheed Martin’s Pony Express 2 on-orbit, image courtesy of the company.

“The LM 400 is Lockheed Martin’s most capable space vehicle, and is able to serve any mission in any orbit,” said Jeff Schrader, vice president, strategy and business development at Lockheed Martin Space. “This mid-sized, common bus is a game changer, because it can support any type of customer, including military, civil and commercial users – and can be customized to each individual mission.”

A Lockheed Martin technician inspects the LM 400 tech demo.

To learn more about Lockheed Martin’s technology demonstrations, access this direct link…

IEC Telecom to unveil flexible Starlink solutions for yacht owners

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IEC Telecom will showcase its cutting-edge maritime connectivity solutions at Metstrade 2024, highlighting the transformative impact that LEO services, such as Starlink will have on the sector.

Maritime communication has been transformed, with Starlink disrupting traditional connectivity norms. In the Future of Maritime Connectivity Report 2024, to which IEC Telecom had a chance to contribute, Valour Consultancy estimates that, by 2033, more than 12,800 vessels will adopt the service. This growth surpasses the deployment of GEO VSAT systems, reflecting a shift toward more accessible and cost-effective LEO solutions. The appeal is clear: lower equipment costs, ease of installation, and a significant reduction in cellular data expenses—some service providers have seen an 80% decrease in costs since Starlink Maritime’s launch.

In response to shifting market dynamics, IEC Telecom has developed a versatile solution designed to provide yacht owners with maximum flexibility, particularly as Starlink is expected to restructure its offerings to two packages, 50 and 500 GB, starting in February of 2025. IEC Telecom’s network management ecosystem enables vessels to benefit from customized airtime packages tailored to their specific requirements.

Beyond flexible pricing, IEC Telecom’s advanced systems provide real-time visibility over traffic consumption and optimize each MB performance with features such as credit rollover. Automated notifications alert customers to unusual usage patterns, preventing unauthorized connections and potential losses. IEC Telecom’s 360 Starlink portfolio includes L-band backup and a suite of value-added services, known as OneGate Value-adds, ensuring business continuity and high-quality service even when primary connections are unavailable.

IEC Telecom’s network management solutions elevate the onboard leisure experience, offering everything from live concert streaming to individual VoIP calls. The Starlink portfolio provides yacht owners with seamless, home-like connectivity, whether cruising or anchored and allows for easy network adjustments via IEC Telecom’s proprietary OptiView portal. Designed for ultimate flexibility, these solutions come with an advanced guest voucher system that enables on-demand connectivity, with vouchers generated directly on board.

“IEC Telecom’s philosophy centers on customer-centric solutions,” said Gwenaël Lohéac, President Europe and Africa at IEC Telecom. “With over 400 yachts equipped with our Starlink-based solutions, IEC Telecom gains first-hand insight into the latest market developments. As the yachting industry booms with rising demand for luxury marine tourism and increased spending by high-net-worth individuals, we’ve introduced flexible connectivity packages that meet diverse needs—from small leisure boats to superyachts. In addition, we have expanded a range of our value-added services to ensure business continuity and advanced network management on board. We’re excited to introduce our comprehensive portfolio at Metstrade.”

Forrester’s Digest: Rivada loses SpaceX launches

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Rivada Spec Networks, already suffering much negative press about missed financial deadlines, is now reported to have lost 12 dedicated launch slots on SpaceX. It is not said whether Rivada has paid ‘deposits’ on the launches when the contracts were signed. If deposits were paid then it is said that they will have been forfeited. Meanwhile, SpaceX can re-sell the reserved launches.

The lost launches follow on from Rivada losing its Liechtenstein issued priority spectrum filings because of non-payment of its annual 5 million Swiss Francs performance bond. Reports suggest that then Liechtenstein regulator was extremely patient in urging Rivada to pay up. Vaterland, the national newspaper of Liechtenstein, reported that the regulator was “deeply shaken” by Rivada’s failure to pay its annual bond. “The office has concerns about the financing of the project and has now lost confidence in Rivada”.

Meanwhile, Rivada on November 15th started an online marketing and awareness campaign featuring images of dozens of its staffers (its Rivada Space Academy), and stated, “We’ll let you in on a secret: it is our people and culture development platform, our (Rivada) place to get to know each other, to learn and share experiences, to translate our values into behaviors needed to achieve our goals. Do you want to work in a place where everyone, from C-suite to last month’s new joiner is an internal trainer, your trainer? Be fast, reach out to us […] and join the team.”

Meanwhile, a critic of Rivada, Pierre Lionnet (Research & MD at Eurospace) followed up the news by saying that he had heard directly from Rivada’s CEO Declan Ganley saying “multiple times that funding was secured? I’ve seen shady operations in the ‘newspace’ but Rivada Space tops them all.”

Impulse Space secures three SpaceX Falcon 9 missions

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The launches are currently planned to begin in 2026 and will support
the deployment of the Helios vehicle, among other payloads

Impulse Space has signed a contract with SpaceX for three, Falcon 9 rocket launches that will support the ongoing development and deployment of Impulse’s vehicles Helios and Mira.

The first of these missions will be the inaugural launch of Helios and is targeted for mid-2026. Prior to launch, Helios will be fueled with up to 14 tons of liquid methane and liquid oxygen while integrated into Falcon 9 in Florida. Falcon 9’s second stage will deploy Helios and its payloads in LEO, and Helios will transport those payloads to both Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO).

This mission will deliver a Mira vehicle to GTO as part of the VICTUS SURGO mission. The subsequent launches will also feature Helios, with payloads to be determined at a later date.

“Securing these launches allows us to showcase the full potential of Helios,” said Eric Romo, President and COO of Impulse Space. “Delivering spacecraft to high energy orbits rapidly and economically changes the equation for commercial communication operators and national security missions like VICTUS SURGO.”

“We’re honored Impulse Space selected Falcon 9 to launch these exciting missions,” said SpaceX Vice President of Commercial Sales, Stephanie Bednarek. “We share Impulse’s goal of making space more accessible for those looking for a ride to orbit, and we look forward to working with their team once again.”