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
# | Date | Title |
1 | December 4, 2024 | |
2 | December 4, 2024 | |
3 | December 5, 2024 | |
4 | December 9, 2024 | |
5 | December 11, 2024 | |
6 | December 17, 2024 | |
7 | December 18, 2024 | |
8 | December 19, 2024 | |
9 | December 29, 2024 |
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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