Stories about trends and tech in the space industry, sponsored by companies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Space communications must evolve to meet the new demands of modern connectivity
Seamless, flexible and mission ready.
As satellite missions expand in scope and complexity, traditional communication systems are struggling to keep pace.
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.
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 […]
Earth Observation (EO) missions generate vast datasets which traditionally rely on ground-based processing. Unfortunately this processing model comes with considerable challenges like high latency and limited bandwidth, making it difficult to retrieve the real time insights that Earth Observation missions require.
Through unrivaled infrastructure, reliable ground station services, and unwavering support, KSAT enables operators to scale seamlessly as constellations set the course for the next era of space.
