Sponsored Content
Stories about trends and tech in the space industry, sponsored by companies.
Demonstrators Are No Longer Optional — They’re How Programs Stay on Track
For decades, aerospace and defense programs followed a familiar pattern: define requirements, finalize designs, then validate at the end of the process. That model assumed time was available to manage surprises.
Viasat’s HaloNet: Building the Bridge to a More Connected Orbit
In today’s rapidly proliferating orbital environment, spacecraft are only as capable as their ability to stay connected. Traditional communications architectures—built around scheduled ground passes and line-of-sight links—can’t keep pace with the speed and complexity of modern missions.Viasat’s HaloNet hybrid terminal aims to change that by unifying multiple communications pathways into one adaptive system, designed to keep satellites in constant contact—from launch, through orbit.
Viasat’s HaloNet: Eliminating Launch Telemetry Blackouts
For decades, space launch providers have faced the same persistent challenge: intermittent loss of telemetry data when rockets travel out of range of ground stations. These “blackouts” can last for minutes—leaving long and critical periods when vehicle health, performance, and safety information go dark. Viasat’s HaloNet Launch Telemetry Data Relay Service (DRS)aims to change that, by providing continuous, global coverage from ascent through early orbit.
Space Missions Are Getting More Complex – Ops Software Must Keep Up
As space missions evolve beyond single-satellite deployments to multi-vehicle constellations, in-space servicing, and lunar exploration, the operational burden placed on engineering teams has grown exponentially. With that shift comes a new imperative: Mission operations software must be as advanced and agile as the hardware it supports.
Common Sense: Avoiding Single-Source Dependency in Government Contracts
Today, as the U.S. Department of War increasingly relies on critical space assets—from satellite communications to reconnaissance platforms—officials should heed Paine’s timeless advice: apply common sense. Entrusting national security capabilities to a single commercial provider contradicts that wisdom, creating vulnerabilities where strategic stability depends on private agendas or individual personalities. Avoiding single-source dependency is not just a strategic choice—it’s a national security imperative.
A Couple Key Considerations for Venture Capital Investments in Federal Government Contractors
Preserving small business status and understanding foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) disclosure obligations and associated requirements and restrictions are two common early challenges for venture-backed companies. This article outlines these key considerations and risks to keep top of mind for VC investments in early-stage companies that are seeking or have been awarded federal contracts or grants.
AI is in our DNA
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how industries operate across the globe, and the space-based intelligence sector is no exception. Many space and intelligence companies are integrating AI into their operations. At BlackSky, AI has powered us from the start.
Proven and Ready: Kepler’s Optical Network Nears Activation
Kepler Communications has proven that optical technology works across multiple domains, including space-to-space, space-to-ground, and now, space-to-air. The new era of space communications is imminent.
Viasat’s HaloNet: Continuous Near-Earth Communications for Space Ops
As LEO satellite numbers grow into the tens of thousands, maintaining reliable connectivity is a significant challenge for the space industry. Ground coverage gaps, spectrum bottlenecks, and NASA’s planned Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) retirement create both a communications cliff and an opportunity. Viasat, a global communications company, aims to fill this gap with HaloNet, its holistic space relay network, offering secure multi-band, multi-path connectivity and data transport solutions.
Regenerative 5G NTN for Direct Device Communications
Space communications must evolve to meet the new demands of modern connectivity
Software-Defined RF Processing for Flexible Space Communications
Seamless, flexible and mission ready.
As satellite missions expand in scope and complexity, traditional communication systems are struggling to keep pace.
Orion: The Spaceship That Will Carry Astronauts Back to the Moon
When four astronauts climb into NASA’s Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II mission, they will be doing something no one has done in more than half a century: leaving Earth for a journey to the Moon. Behind this historic flight is a spacecraft designed and built with one unmistakable priority—safeguarding its crew every step of the way.
Complete Remote Sensing Solution: Storage, Compute, and RF with NuPod
Remote sensing missions produce vast amounts of data which need to be processed and transmitted safely and at speed. Unfortunately the limited bandwidth and system complexity of traditional ground-based processing systems make this level of efficiency extremely difficult to achieve. A new approach is required. One that enhances data processing and transmits mission insights in…
