Forrester Reports: SpaceX Wishes to Modify Their Starlink Satellites Plans + Boeing’s Smallsat Strategy

In a posting by journalist Chris Forrester at the Advanced Television infosite, Elon Musk’s SpaceX, in an application filing to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is asking if it can dramatically modify its previously approved orbital plans.

Musk wants the SpaceX’s fleet of ‘Starlink’ satellites to triple the number of orbital planes, each at 550 kms. high. In essence, the plan is for 72 orbital rings circling the Earth instead of the approved 24. This will have, says SpaceX, the effect of achieving greater launch efficiency and an improved spread beam coverage.

The company said, “The proposed respacing would require fewer launches of satellites —– perhaps as few as half — to initiate service to the entire contiguous US. Globally, the modification would enable more rapid coverage of all longitudes to grow toward the Equator, as well as bolstering capacity over in areas of greater population density.”


Journalist
Chris Forrester.

SpaceX in May orbited one batch of 60 satellites — not all of which are working. Five are being deorbited, and the company now says that it expects to make “several more” launches this year. SpaceX has plans for four more launch flights this year according to the FCC filing, with the first probably later in October.

If approved, SpaceX will have just 22 satellites in each ring instead of the 66 per orbital ring initially envisioned. The scheme is then to have the system up and working in time for next year’s hurricane season over the U.S.

The FCC has approved SpaceX’s plans for almost 12,000 satellites, with 1,600 of them operating from 550 kms. high.  The other plans approved include 7,500 satellites to orbit at between 335 to 346 kms. and another 2,800 at heights of between 1,100 and 1,325 kms.

Additionally, Forrester is reporting that aerospace giant Boeing used the opening of the Euroconsult World Satellite Business Week in Paris to outline the company’s plans for a new range of satellites.

The new versions are Boeing 702X, a direct follow-on from its well-established Boeing 702 variants which have flowed out of its El Segundo facility since 1997. Boeing 702X is based on a range of seven satellites on order for SES subsidiary O3b, an MEO fleet that’s being readied for 2021 launch.

While the SES/O3b fleet weigh just 1,100 kgs. each, the new geostationary version will weigh some 1,900 kgs. (net, unfueled) and could be ready for launch in three years. The SES O3b versions will be launched, probably as a triple payload, by SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets.

Boeing’s VP/Global commercial sales, Eric Jensen, talking to reporters, said that the new satellites embrace reprogrammable software-defined solid-state payloads. The savings in on-board processing and cabling is dramatic, and include 3D printing techniques.

Smallsat Market to Experience Double Digit Growth, According to Market Forecast’s Report

With the increase in the capabilities of smallsats owing to various recent technological developments, coupled with better understating of their increasing strategic utility, countries around the world are taking renewed interest in expanding their smallsat development programs.

All this is pushing various space agencies into developing an exclusive new generation of smallsat launch vehicles. Realizing this, Amsterdam based Market Forecast has announced the release of their latest report entitled “Global Small Satellite – Market and Technology Forecast to 2027.” The report also focuses in on 50 of the most sought after smallsat companies in the world. The report is valuable for anyone who wants to understand The dynamics of the smallsat industry and the implementation of these spacecraft, as well as the adoption of smallsat services, are focuses within this report.

The global smallsat industry is emerging as one of the most lucrative, global markets and is valued at US $3.90 billion in 2019, with projected growth at a CAGR of 19.02 percent by 2027. Demand for smallsats is anticipated to be driven by the massive investment made by countries such as the U.S., China and the European Union in the development of next generation of smallsat technologies and the large-scale procurement of such systems by countries like Saudi Arabia, India, Qatar and China. The United States is the largest spender in the domain with China, European Union, Middle East anticipated accounting for the bulk of spending.
 
Key Topics Covered

 

  • Overview: Snapshot of the various Global Small Satellite market during 2019-2027, including highlights of the demand drivers, trends and challenges. It also provides a snapshot of the spending with respect to regions as well as segments. It also sheds light on the emergence on new technologies
  • Market Dynamics: Insights into the technological developments in this market and a detailed analysis of the changing preferences of governments around the world. It also analyzes changing industry structure trends and the challenges faced by the industry participants.
  • Segment Analysis: Insights into the various Systems market from a segment perspective and a detailed analysis of factors influencing the market for each segment.
  • Regional Review: Insights into modernization patterns and budgetary allocation for top countries within a region.

For all involved in the satellite and space industry and the various market segments that add value to these dynamic environments, the 2020 SmallSat Symposium is truly worth your consideration for attendance.

The 2020 SmallSat Symposium starts on February 3, 2020, with workshops, then the Conference runs February 4 to 6 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The SmallSat Symposium is hosted by Satnews Publishers which, since 1983, has been a provider of a satellite news, media and events. This information packed forum was created to enable you and your company to secure a larger portion of market share as well as to take part in the next stages of your company’s or organization’s growth.

The personal connections at the SmallSat Symposium enable attendees to network with established organizations, subject-matter experts as well as ‘New Space’ entrants.

The SmallSat Symposium will focus on new technologies and the business environment that is shaping the implementation of smallsat constellations, smallsat launchers, the challenges facing the smallsat developer and actors as well as the enormous benefits of these advanced technologies that will benefit our world.

This event assembles more than 100 diverse speakers, all of whom possess deep industry experience. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist to mingle and network with peers while enjoying exceptional, complimentary meals and refreshment breakfast.

Learn more at this direct link…

Canada’s Own Is Honored … Dan Goldberg, Telesat’s President and CEO is Ottawa’s “2019 CEO of the Year”


Dan Goldberg
President and CEO

Dan Goldberg, Telesat’s President and CEO joined Telesat as CEO in 2006 and, during his tenure, the company has grown to be one of the largest, most successful satellite operators in the world with a global fleet of 17 satellites in orbit. In recognition of these and other achievements the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Board of Trade awarded Goldberg 2019 CEO of the Year. This is an honor bestowed upon an outstanding corporate leader in the greater Ottawa business community.

Besides being one of the most successful satellite operators in the world with a global fleet of 17 satellites in orbit, Dan working closely with his colleagues, transformed Telesat from a regional to a global satellite operator, and significantly grew its revenue, more than doubling its operating cash flow. This financial achievement dramatically improved its operating margins, created significant equity value for its shareholders, and is poised to deploy a revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation that positions the company for strong growth in the future.

Dan Goldberg, Telesat’s President and CEO stated that he is humbled and honored to be named Ottawa’s ‘2019 CEO of the Year’ and pleased to accept this award on behalf of Telesat’s hundreds of employees in Ottawa, across Canada and around the world. Telesat is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and has been headquartered in Ottawa from day one. Ottawa is a tremendous place from which to be operating a global company, with a deep pool of talented and dedicated professionals, a world class business community, and a quality of life that is second to none. He thanked the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Board of Trade both for this award and for their important and significant contributions in making Ottawa such a vibrant business community. He added that he is fortunate and proud to call Ottawa home and excited about Telesat’s future in their nation’s capital.

 

Collaboration Underway by Hiber and Actility for LoRaWAN Global Connectivity

Actility and Hiber are collaborating to enable LoRaWAN connectivity in the remote and developing parts of the globe that until now haven’t had access to a network.

IoT (Internet of Things) service providers and enterprises operating in these areas will now be able to benefit from Hiber global smallsat connectivity via the Actility ThingPark Wireless and ThingPark Enterprise LoRaWAN management services.

The collaboration will enable IoT use cases in hard-to-reach places all over the world. The global logistics, remote agriculture, oil & gas, mining and scientific sectors are among many that can now deploy  IoT technology in areas such as the Antarctic, deserts or in the middle of Pacific Ocean. 

LoRaWAN is the de-facto standard for the industrial IoT and is being used across a variety of  service providers and enterprises are currently deploying or using it for smart city deployments, utilities and Industry 4.0 technology. However, 90 percent of the world currently lacks a network which can transmit data produced by IoT technology, making LoRaWAN infrastructure deployment impossible. Hiberband, Hiber’s nano-satellite powered remote area IoT network is solving this problem by providing coverage anywhere on the globe.

Hiber has developed an interface which connects Hiberband with Actility LoRaWAN connectivity and management solutions. This means that critical data collected by IoT sensors can be encapsulated into LoRaWAN packets and transmitted around the world by the Hiberband network. End users and service providers can then see, manage and operate remote LoRaWAN-powered devices in the Actility ThingPark interfaces.

Olivier Hersent, CEO and co-founder of Actility, said that the company is excited to collaborate with Hiber and to offer the firm’s clients and partners the capability to deploy use cases that require global coverage. In particular, oil & gas and continent-to-continent logistics organisations operating in remote industrial areas will greatly benefit from this collaboration.

Laurens Groenendijk, Managing Director Commercial and Co-Founder at Hiber, added this is a really exciting time for Hiber. After launching the company’s first two nano-satellites into the Earth’s orbit at the close of last year, the company is now about to see the firm’s first customers go live with this first-of-its-kind network. It’s fantastic that Hiber is able to work with Actility to provide critical LoRaWAN connectivity to the company’s customers.


For all involved in the satellite and space industry and the various market segments that add value to these dynamic environments, the 2020 SmallSat Symposium is truly worth your consideration for attendance.

The 2020 SmallSat Symposium starts on February 3, 2020, with workshops, then the Conference runs February 4 to 6 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The SmallSat Symposium is hosted by Satnews Publishers which, since 1983, has been a provider of a satellite news, media and events. This information packed forum was created to enable you and your company to secure a larger portion of market share as well as to take part in the next stages of your company’s or organization’s growth.

The personal connections at the SmallSat Symposium enable attendees to network with established organizations, subject-matter experts as well as ‘New Space’ entrants.

The SmallSat Symposium will focus on new technologies and the business environment that is shaping the implementation of smallsat constellations, smallsat launchers, the challenges facing the smallsat developer and actors as well as the enormous benefits of these advanced technologies that will benefit our world.

This event assembles more than 100 diverse speakers, all of whom possess deep industry experience. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist to mingle and network with peers while enjoying exceptional, complimentary meals and refreshment breakfast.

Learn more at this direct link…

Spectacular Image and Video Capture of Earth Managed by Raspberry PI Camera Aboard SSTL’s DoT-1 Satellite

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) has released an image and video of the Earth captured from LEO by a commercial grade Raspberry Pi camera and computer on board a Demonstration of Technology satellite called DoT-1 that was launched to orbit via a Soyuz rocket in July of 2019.  


Image of the Mediterranean acquired by commercial grade Raspberry Pi camera on board SSTL’s DoT-1 satellite on August 19, 2019.

Image is courtesy of SSTL.

The image is of the Mediterranean Sea, targeted over the islands of Corsica and Sardinia, and is believed to be the first acquired in LEO by a commercial, off-the-shelf, Raspberry Pi camera. Coincidentally, the image is remarkably similar in location to SSTL’s first image from space, acquired by the UoSAT-1 satellite in 1981.  The video (available at youtu.be/SzmKks0nqTU) captures an area of Europe that includes the coasts of France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany with Denmark visible to the right and the UK obscured by heavy cloud cover to the left. 

While the primary objective of the 17.5 kg., self-funded, DoT-1 satellite is to demonstrate SSTL’s new Core Data Handling System (Core-DHS) — accommodation was made available for some additional experimental payloads including the Raspberry Pi camera experiment, which was designed and implemented in conjunction with the Surrey Space Centre.


Image of Corsica and Sardinia acquired by SSTL’s first satellite, UoSAT-1 in 1981.

Image is courtesy of SSTL.

After image capture using the camera, the data was stored on the Raspberry Pi computer and then downlinked to SSTL’s ground station in Guildford via the Core-DHS.  The new Core-DHS is designed to provide the same level of functionality as SSTL’s heritage equivalent avionics stack, but with a significantly reduced mass and volume, and it consolidates the S-Band Transmitter and Receiver, Global Positioning System, Attitude & Orbit Control System, Interface Module and Bridge and On Board Computer into one module.

In designing the new Core-DHS, emphasis was placed on ensuring the module is fast to manufacture, test and integrate and, through the architecture and choice of devices, there is also a reduction in power consumption versus the individual equivalent units. The use of the Core-DHS throughout SSTL’s platform range will ensure continuity in software architecture and operations and it is intended that this key building block will be supporting missions beyond LEO orbit and into GEO and Lunar orbits. 


The DoT-1 satellite, launched July 2019.

Photo is courtesy of SSTL/Kathryn Graham.

The DoT-1 satellite is an SSTL-Micro platform and is also flying further experimental payloads as part of SSTL’s ongoing R&D program.  Further details of these experiments will be released in due course. 

Sarah Parker, Managing Director of SSTL said the company is delighted with the success of the new, Core-DHS-based avionics which will give the firm’s customers the benefits of SSTL’s heritage avionics stack, but in a lower form factor to deliver improved power consumption and lower launch costs.  The success of the Raspberry Pi camera experiment is an added bonus that can now be evaluated for future missions where it could be used for spacecraft “selfies” to check the operation of key equipment as well as for outreach activities.


For all involved in the satellite and space industry and the various market segments that add value to these dynamic environments, the 2020 SmallSat Symposium is truly worth your consideration for attendance.

The 2020 SmallSat Symposium starts on February 3, 2020, with workshops, then the Conference runs February 4 to 6 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The SmallSat Symposium is hosted by Satnews Publishers which, since 1983, has been a provider of a satellite news, media and events. This information packed forum was created to enable you and your company to secure a larger portion of market share as well as to take part in the next stages of your company’s or organization’s growth.

The personal connections at the SmallSat Symposium enable attendees to network with established organizations, subject-matter experts as well as ‘New Space’ entrants.

The SmallSat Symposium will focus on new technologies and the business environment that is shaping the implementation of smallsat constellations, smallsat launchers, the challenges facing the smallsat developer and actors as well as the enormous benefits of these advanced technologies that will benefit our world.

This event assembles more than 100 diverse speakers, all of whom possess deep industry experience. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist to mingle and network with peers while enjoying exceptional, complimentary meals and refreshment breakfast.

Learn more at this direct link…

SEAKR® Engineering Selected by Northrop Grumman for Advanced Space Signal Processors for GEOStar Satellites

SEAKR® Engineering, Inc. (SEAKR) has been selected by Northrop Grumman to provide an advanced space signal processor on two new GEOStar satellites that are scheduled to launch in 2022.

This is SEAKR’s second major customer using the Wolverine processor, a new RF reconfigurable processor which can flexibly process 10 GHz of bandwidth for a variety of applications.


SEAKR’s Wolverine advanced space signal processor.

Photo is courtesy of the company.

SEAKR’s RF processor leverages four generations of architectural capability supporting the full spectrum of payload processing performance requirements, with a high level of on-orbit reconfigurable processing capability. Pulling from its established heritage capabilities, strength in RF communications, along with the continuous product and architectural advancement, SEAKR continues to define leading edge, state-of-practice processing systems in partnership with Government, Civil and Commercial entities.

SEAKR’s previous study and prototype advancements have successfully contributed to our customer’s ability to solve complex challenges imperative in advancing capability to meet today’s most daunting mission objectives.


Artistic rendition of a Northrop Grumman GEOstar satellite.

Image is courtesy of the company.

Key technologies being deployed and leveraged include: Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) and Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) Technologies, FPGA-based Processing Technologies, and ASIC-Based Processing Technologies.

Amer Khouri, VP of Commercial Satellites, said the company’s Wolverine technology is highly flexible with on-orbit reprogrammable capabilities. These are key features that the firm’s new satellite customers are seeking.
 


For all involved in the satellite and space industry and the various market segments that add value to these dynamic environments, the 2020 SmallSat Symposium is truly worth your consideration for attendance.

The 2020 SmallSat Symposium starts on February 3, 2020, with workshops, then the Conference runs February 4 to 6 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The SmallSat Symposium is hosted by Satnews Publishers which, since 1983, has been a provider of a satellite news, media and events. This information packed forum was created to enable you and your company to secure a larger portion of market share as well as to take part in the next stages of your company’s or organization’s growth.

The personal connections at the SmallSat Symposium enable attendees to network with established organizations, subject-matter experts as well as ‘New Space’ entrants.

The SmallSat Symposium will focus on new technologies and the business environment that is shaping the implementation of smallsat constellations, smallsat launchers, the challenges facing the smallsat developer and actors as well as the enormous benefits of these advanced technologies that will benefit our world.

This event assembles more than 100 diverse speakers, all of whom possess deep industry experience. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist to mingle and network with peers while enjoying exceptional, complimentary meals and refreshment breakfast.

Learn more at this direct link…

The Lightweight Solution … Satcube and Newtec Together Expand Broadcast and Service Provider Opportunities

Satcube and Newtec are combining their technologies so that the Satcube Ku terminal can be delivered with the Newtec MDM2510 modem fully integrated.  

This Newtec and Satcube collaboration brings together new modem and hub technology and improved portable hardware that enables high-performance broadband connectivity and offers additional bandwidth.                                                                                                                   

Satcube, a disruptive development company in the satellite communications arena manufactures lightweight terminals enabling high-speed broadband access, and  Newtec provides equipment and technologies for global satellite communications. Satcube will exhibit at IBC Expo, RAI Convention Center, Satcube booth Hall 1, 1-E04. Live demonstrations of Satcube Ku connectivity will be featured during the show.  

Bart Van Poucke, VP Product Management at Newtec commented that together with Satcube Newtec is providing an expanded business opportunity for service providers. They have added a unique new proposition complementary to their existing customer offering.

Robert Mellberg, Sales Director at Satcube added that the Satcube Ku integration with leading Newtec technology is an exciting and strategic boost for them in targeting broadcasting media companies.  

With portability comparable to a large laptop, the lightweight Satcube Ku terminal provides users with the ease of using an iPhone and enables access to seamless broadband connectivity in less than a minute.

Satcube Ku is described as ‘a new generation product ideal for media organizations, furnishing high-capacity broadband, on-the-go, for broadcasting live events, including HD video, any-time. The unique solution can provide a critical tool and bandwidth for supplementing IP infrastructures lacking connectivity where limited or no 3G/4G access is available.’

 

 

HawkEye 360 Names New Chief Operating Officer

HawkEye 360 Inc. has announced that Robert Rainhart has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer.

Rainhart brings more than 20 years of experience in engineering complex systems and leading teams developing software, firmware, and hardware. Before the promotion, Rainhart served as Executive Vice President of Engineering, where he led development of the first satellites and products from visionary concept to live capabilities.


Robert Rainhart.

As COO of HawkEye 360, Rainhart will oversee technology development, product creation, and corporate operations. The next priority is growing the constellation to improve on-orbit capacity and revisit rates while delivering higher levels of service to customers.

Prior to HawkEye 360, Rainhart held various engineering and technical leadership roles with RT Logic and Harris Corporation. He holds an MS in Systems Engineering from Penn State and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Colorado State University.

John Serafini, CEO, HawkEye 360, said that Rob’s steady hand has successfully guided the firm’s engineering effort from the earliest days. Through this expanded role, he’ll bring these proven leadership skills to other facets of the company as HawkEye 360 grows the organization to better support customer demand.

Robert Rainhart added that this team is passionate and invested in this company. Together, the transition to commercial operations will be completed and will make a positive difference through the firm’s RF analytics.


For all involved in the satellite and space industry and the various market segments that add value to these dynamic environments, the 2020 SmallSat Symposium is truly worth your consideration for attendance.

The 2020 SmallSat Symposium starts on February 3, 2020, with workshops, then the Conference runs February 4 to 6 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The SmallSat Symposium is hosted by Satnews Publishers which, since 1983, has been a provider of a satellite news, media and events. This information packed forum was created to enable you and your company to secure a larger portion of market share as well as to take part in the next stages of your company’s or organization’s growth.

The personal connections at the SmallSat Symposium enable attendees to network with established organizations, subject-matter experts as well as ‘New Space’ entrants.

The SmallSat Symposium will focus on new technologies and the business environment that is shaping the implementation of smallsat constellations, smallsat launchers, the challenges facing the smallsat developer and actors as well as the enormous benefits of these advanced technologies that will benefit our world.

This event assembles more than 100 diverse speakers, all of whom possess deep industry experience. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist to mingle and network with peers while enjoying exceptional, complimentary meals and refreshment breakfast.

Learn more at this direct link…

Partnership Between Hyperion Technologies and the Indian Technology Congress Association to Launch 75 Smallsats

On September 4, 2019, the Indian Technology Congress Association (ITCA) and Hyperion Technologies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on an Indian student satellite program.

ITCA’s national initiative is backed by India’s vision for the year 2022, when the country completes 75 years of Independence. The resulting “Engineer Your Satellite” Program (EYS) is designed to build and launch 75 student satellites, integrating global best practices with frugal innovations, with the goal of achieving safe, reliable, and cost-effective access to and from LEO.


From left to right: Akanksha Sharma, Senior Policy Officer at the Consulate General of the Kingdom of The Netherlands Bengaluru, Alexandra Sokolowski, Business Development Manager at Hyperion Technologies, Bert Monna, CEO, Hyperion Technologies, and Prof R. M. Vasagam, Former Director and Eminent Scientist, ISRO during the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between ITCA and Hyperion.

Thanks to the partnership between ITCA and Hyperion, students will gain better access to technical enhancements to develop a small satellite network constellation. In addition, they will receive expert support, mentoring and consultancy from the two parties. The collaboration will extend into the design and development of collaborative research projects related to the space industry, as well as into the organisation of relevant international events, workshops and competitions.

The signing ceremony occurred on September 4, 2019, at the Indian Technology Congress in Bangalore, India, in the presence of Ms. Akanksha Sharma, Senior Policy Officer at the Consulate General of the Kingdom of The Netherlands Bengaluru, and Mrs. Pramitha Ramaprakash, Chief Technology, ITCA.

Mr. Shanmugam, Chief Policy, ITCA, said the organization is happy to welcome Hyperion Technologies as a strategic partner and stakeholder. Their high performance ADCS solution is the perfect complement to the Engineer Your Satellite program and their expertise and knowledge in designing products primarily for small spacecraft aligns perfectly with the ITCA mission. Hyperion’s digital social workplace innovation fills the organization’s small satellite ecosystem need for solutions that make students more productive.

Bert Monna, CEO of Hyperion Technologies, added that the company is honored to be part of this ambitious program in the light of India’s Independence anniversary. Working with India’s high-tech universities will bring the company forward to test new technologies and to be on the cutting-edge.


For all involved in the satellite and space industry and the various market segments that add value to these dynamic environments, the 2020 SmallSat Symposium is truly worth your consideration for attendance.

The 2020 SmallSat Symposium starts on February 3, 2020, with workshops, then the Conference runs February 4 to 6 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The SmallSat Symposium is hosted by Satnews Publishers which, since 1983, has been a provider of a satellite news, media and events. This information packed forum was created to enable you and your company to secure a larger portion of market share as well as to take part in the next stages of your company’s or organization’s growth.

The personal connections at the SmallSat Symposium enable attendees to network with established organizations, subject-matter experts as well as ‘New Space’ entrants.

The SmallSat Symposium will focus on new technologies and the business environment that is shaping the implementation of smallsat constellations, smallsat launchers, the challenges facing the smallsat developer and actors as well as the enormous benefits of these advanced technologies that will benefit our world.

This event assembles more than 100 diverse speakers, all of whom possess deep industry experience. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist to mingle and network with peers while enjoying exceptional, complimentary meals and refreshment breakfast.

Learn more at this direct link…

Capella Space to Partner with SpaceNet to Develop Geospatial AI Apps

Capella Space is partnering with SpaceNet®, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating open source, artificial intelligence (AI) applied research for geospatial applications.

Capella joins the collaborative SpaceNet partnership alongside In-Q-Tel’s (IQT) CosmiQ Works, Maxar Technologies, Intel AI and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Capella’s addition to the partnership presents an exciting opportunity to expand SpaceNet’s existing geospatial open source research to a new data type, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). Opening access to this data will help broaden the use of high-quality SAR in a variety of geospatial analytic applications.

There is tremendous potential in applying machine learning to SAR data for a range of applications, from natural disaster response to monitoring global supply chain activity, but the industry still faces significant barriers to adoption. Developers and data scientists lack open data and software tools. Capella seeks to help overcome these obstacles through its partnership with SpaceNet and the development of a new SAR user community.

The Capella User Community will broaden the adoption of high-resolution SAR data to solve a range of global issues. Data scientists and software engineers will have access to free and open Capella data along with tools and techniques to work more easily with SAR data. The company invites academics, non-government organizations (NGOs), governments, and companies to join Capella’s User Community at this direct link…

Ryan Lewis, SVP at IQT and GM of SpaceNet, stated that SAR promises substantial value for a wide variety of geospatial applications because, unlike satellite imagery, it is not limited by weather or lighting conditions. Furthermore, SAR phase data can offer additional insights into a particular location such as land subsidence. Capella’s contribution of an open-source, high-resolution SAR data set is an important next step for SpaceNet, and the organization is excited to see how participants use this data for machine learning models in an upcoming challenge.

Andrew Ulmer, VP of Business Development at Capella Space, added that, traditionally, this type of high-resolution SAR data has only been used by governments for defense applications and has not been easy to access. By opening access to this type of data and lowering barriers to adoption, the company aims to foster broad and rapid advances in commerce, conservation and well-being across many industries. Capella Space encourages industry leaders, academics and NGOs to experiment with the data, as it’s collective imagination that will unlock the most value and transform how all live.


For all involved in the satellite and space industry and the various market segments that add value to these dynamic environments, the 2020 SmallSat Symposium is truly worth your consideration for attendance.

The 2020 SmallSat Symposium starts on February 3, 2020, with workshops, then the Conference runs February 4 to 6 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The SmallSat Symposium is hosted by Satnews Publishers which, since 1983, has been a provider of a satellite news, media and events. This information packed forum was created to enable you and your company to secure a larger portion of market share as well as to take part in the next stages of your company’s or organization’s growth.

The personal connections at the SmallSat Symposium enable attendees to network with established organizations, subject-matter experts as well as ‘New Space’ entrants.

The SmallSat Symposium will focus on new technologies and the business environment that is shaping the implementation of smallsat constellations, smallsat launchers, the challenges facing the smallsat developer and actors as well as the enormous benefits of these advanced technologies that will benefit our world.

This event assembles more than 100 diverse speakers, all of whom possess deep industry experience. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist to mingle and network with peers while enjoying exceptional, complimentary meals and refreshment breakfast.

Learn more at this direct link…