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[Global News] December 2024 [Satellite Remote Sensing]

Writer's picture: Kazushi MotomuraKazushi Motomura

Updated: Jan 10

Here are some selected global satellite remote sensing-related news from December 2024.

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Summary

  • China launched a marine surveillance SAR satellite.

  • Umbra extended its contract with the NRO, and Muon Space secured a contract to evaluate the military use of weather data.

  • DLR partnered with ConstellR, and Maxar strengthened its virtual constellation strategy by teaming up with Satellogic.

  • The NRO now operates over 100 LEO satellites, while the Pentagon remains cautious about China's space development progress. Maxar also secured an intelligence contract in the Asia-Pacific region.

  • ICEYE successfully raised funds to expand its SAR satellite constellation and ISR platform.


News

News Highlights

  • China launched the remote sensing satellite "Haishao-1“

  • Launched using CASIC's rocket “Kuaizhou-1A”

    • Governmental X-band SAR satellite for ocean monitoring

    • Altitude 350 km (relatively low orbit)

    • Spatial resolution: less than 1 meter

    • Inclined orbit (43 degrees)


  • Financial terms of the contract were not disclose

  • Collaborating since 2022 under the NRO's Strategic Commercial Enhancements initiative

  • NRO entered study contracts with several SAR companies (e.g., Capella) in 2022


  • Muon Space

    • Space startup based in Mountain View, California

    • Founded in 2021, launched its first satellite "MuSat-1" in June 2023

    • Muon Space plans to deploy a constellation of "FireSat" satellites in low Earth orbit in partnership with Earth Fire Alliance

  • アメリカ宇宙Muon secured a $2.9 million contract from the Space Force

    • The contract is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 2 program

    • Aims to evaluate the applicability of Muon Space's satellite technology for military purposes


  • Constellr

    • A German startup specializing in thermal infrared data provision

    • Develops high-precision thermal infrared imaging satellites

    • Raised 17 million euros in 2023 and plans to launch the High-precision Versatile Ecosphere (HiVE) constellation starting in 2025

  • Constellr has secured a multiyear contract with DLR to supply thermal infrared imagery with a native resolution of 30m

    • The contract value has not been disclosed

    • The data is expected to be utilized by researchers in Germany for applications such as agricultural monitoring, urban planning, and climate change research用


  • Maxar has entered into an exclusive partnership with Satellogic

    • Maxar has acquired the rights to task, collect, and distribute imagery from Satellogic's satellite constellation

  • Maxar's "virtual constellation" strategy

    • Maxar's virtual constellation strategy integrates satellites and ground segment systems from multiple partners to deliver comprehensive and adaptable imaging solutions

    • Satellogic joins the virtual constellation alongside Umbra, a radar satellite imaging company


  • On December 17, 2024, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the NROL-149 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California

    • This marks the sixth launch in the NRO's new Proliferated Warfighting Space Architecture (PWSA) program and the final mission for 2024

    • With this launch, the NRO's number of satellites in low Earth orbit has surpassed 100, marking a historic milestone

    • The NRO is transitioning from traditional large satellites to a proliferated architecture deploying numerous small satellites, and plans to continue expanding the constellation through 2028

    • This aims to enhance resilience and coverage while reducing vulnerability to anti-satellite weapons


  • On December 18, 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense released its annual report on China's military and security developments, highlighting the acceleration of China's military modernization

    • According to the report, China has adopted a "multi-domain precision warfare" strategy that integrates artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and space technologies, enhancing its ability to counter U.S. and allied military forces

    • China's space capabilities have expanded rapidly, with the number of satellites increasing from 36 in 2010 to over 1,000 in 2024, more than 360 of which are dedicated to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions

    • Adopts "multi-domain precision warfare" strategy, integrating AI, big data, and space technologies for highly coordinated military operations


  • Maxar has secured contracts worth $35 million to provide satellite imagery and analytics services to two undisclosed Asia-Pacific govern

    • These governments will have access to high-resolution Earth observation imagery from Maxar's newly deployed WorldView Legion satellites, as well as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from partner company Umbra

    • The contracts are part of Maxar's 'direct access program, which enables customers to directly control satellite tasking through their own ground stations

    • Customers can request image captures just 15 minutes before an imaging event and receive data in real-time


  • On December 18, 2024, ICEYE announced an addition of $65 million to its Series E round initiated in April, completing a total funding of $158 million

    • This brings the total funds raised to $503 million

    • The funds will be allocated to expanding the SAR satellite constellation and enhancing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms

    • On December 21, two new SAR satellites were launched to enhance observation capabilities in mid-latitude regions


Thoughts

  • China continues to maintain a significant number of Earth observation satellites and, like the U.S., places a strong emphasis on AI integration.

  • The activities surrounding Umbra and Maxar warrant close attention.

  • Maxar's virtual constellation strategy, bolstered by the participation of Umbra and Satellogic, is becoming a dominant force.

  • Maxar's contract win in the Asia-Pacific region demonstrates an unprecedented presence in the area.

  • There seems to be an impending surge in the launch of infrared sensors.

  • It's surprising that even a company at ICEYE's level still requires additional funding.。

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