Millions of Dollars to Help Accelerate Novel Approaches to Geomagnetic Data Collection for the World Magnetic Model

SPRINGFIELD, Va., September 28, 2021 (HeroX PR) — The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) just launched the Demonstration Phase (Phase 4a) of its MagQuest Challenge to develop novel data collection approaches for the World Magnetic Model.

The WMM ultimately ensures the accuracy of navigation because it corrects for differences in magnetic forces at a user’s location. The model is used by thousands of systems for mobile navigation apps and is critical for military and commercial uses around the world.

Industry-leading Companies Launching Mission to Demonstrate Blockchain Technology Computation Possibilities in Space

VIENNA, Va. (Spire Global PR) – Spire Global, Inc.. (NYSE: SPIR) (“Spire” or “the Company”), a leading global provider of space-based data, analytics, and space services announced today a new partnership with SpaceChain, a global space-as-a-service solutions provider developing the world’s first decentralized satellite infrastructure (DSI). Together, Spire and SpaceChain are launching a mission to demonstrate the feasibility of blockchain technology computation in space and resolve land-based centralized infrastructure issues.

Many in the blockchain industry have been working to reduce points of risk whereby a centralized administrator or authority can tamper with, or in the worst case, steal funds and data. One potential solution is to decentralize access by distributing data across multiple centers, countries, and continents. By deploying a solution in space, Spire and SpaceChain aim to maximize data security and increase the resiliency of computing operations.

Myriota selected for its secure, private and home-grown technology that will improve military logistics management, situational awareness and battlefield effectiveness

ADELAIDE, Australia, 29 September 2021 (Myriota PR) – Myriota, the world leader in secure, low-cost and long-battery-life satellite connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT), today announced it has secured a $5.48 million [US $3.97 million] contract with the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) Innovation Hub to expand its Internet of Military Things (IoMT) solution.

With the federal government last year announcing that it would invest $7 billion [US $5.7 billion] on sovereign controlled space assets over the next ten years, the investment by the ADF is an important contract that will leverage Myriota’s cutting edge technology to improve military logistics management, situational awareness, training and battlefield effectiveness.

HERNDON, Va. (HySpecIQ PR) — HySpecIQ, a satellite-powered hyperspectral analytics company, today announced the closing of Series B funding by venture capitalist Peter Thiel. The investment accelerates the development of a twelve satellite constellation to deliver hyperspectral imagery with unprecedented resolution and global reach. HySpecIQ’s analytics platform is specifically designed to transform hyperspectral imaging data into actionable insights to help address some of the world’s most critical and complex problems.

A new satellite will build on five decades of Earth observations

Landsat 9 is a partnership between NASA and USGS. The satellite will continue the Landsat program’s mission to capture repeat snapshots of Earth to monitor, understand and manage natural resources.  

RESTON, Va. (U.S. Geological Survey PR) — It’s 7 o’clock on a Tuesday morning. As you decide what kind of cereal to have, you accidentally splash a bit of almond milk onto your cotton pajama top. The last thing on your mind is a pair of satellites orbiting Earth over 400 miles away. 

And yet, those satellites are a part of your morning routine. They tell farmers how much water their almond trees need to thrive and reveal how soil once used for cotton is now used for fruit.  

Kent, Wash., September 28, 2021 (Starfish Space PR) – Starfish Space, a satellite servicing company founded by former Blue Origin engineers, announced today that it has raised a $7M funding round co-led by NFX and MaC Venture Capital, with participation from PSL Ventures, Boost VC, Liquid2 Ventures, and Hypothesis.

ZHUHAI, China (CNSA PR) — On September 27, 2021, a closed-door seminar on the International Lunar Research Station jointly sponsored by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and Roscosmos was held in Zhuhai. Experts from France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, ESA, and the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization conducted special seminars on the declaration of the International Lunar Research Station. In March […]

MOJAVE, Calif. (Masten Space Systems PR) — Landing on the Moon (and staying on the Moon) is no easy task. The lunar surface has limited sunlight, extremely cold temperatures, and lots and lots of dust (a.k.a. lunar regolith). But the good news is, Masten is up for the challenge!

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (SEKR Engineering PR) — Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held SEAKR Engineering, Inc., a leading supplier of advanced space electronics. Closure of the acquisition is subject to the completion of customary conditions and regulatory approvals. SEAKR Engineering will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies and will report into Raytheon Intelligence & Space upon closing.

“Our investment strategy accelerates our agility in meeting a higher standard of performance ― the space standard ― and expands our core space business with new applications that are shaping our world,” said Roy Azevedo, president of Raytheon Intelligence & Space. “With SEAKR Engineering, we are enhancing our capability to provide qualified systems faster. SEAKR’s culture of forward-thinking innovation will complement our ability to solve our space customers’ hardest problems.”

SPRINGFIELD, Virginia (NGA) – The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency will begin offering its analysts non-traditional data and services related to commercial radio frequency data to address a wide range of key intelligence topics.

The services are provided by HawkEye 360 through the Radio Frequency Emitter Data contract, which was awarded in July for a total of up to $10 million. The services will augment collection by national assets and provide NGA with a means to produce and deliver global datasets that utilize automated techniques to detect, characterize and geolocate emitters of radio frequency energy. This energy output is typically associated with communication and navigation equipment. The resulting datasets will support NGA’s research and analysis of national intelligence issues and address a wide range of key intelligence topics such as military, non-state and transnational criminal activity.

PARIS (ESA PR) — A new round-trip commercial space transportation service from 2022, backed by ESA, will enable companies to manufacture in space very pure and more capable materials, discover new pharmaceutical drugs and bring them back for use on Earth.

Space Forge, based in the UK, is working with partners to develop ForgeStar – a reusable suitcase-sized vehicle that can be lofted to space and which will return to Earth after an extended stay in low Earth orbit.

• Talon-A airframe nears completion and begins systems installation
• Roc carrier aircraft to complete additional flights this year
• Hypersonic flights on track to test next year

MOJAVE, Calif., September 27, 2021 (Stratolaunch PR) – Stratolaunch is pleased to announce an important milestone for its Talon-A hypersonic test vehicles. The company successfully completed its Critical Design Review (“CDR”), a multidisciplinary technical review that ensure systems meet specified performance requirements.