HawkEye 360 has launched its first cluster of three,
formation-flying small satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9
rocket.
The Radio Frequency (RF) data analytics company said in a release
that the Pathfinder satellites will deliver a unique source of
radio frequency (RF) data that HawkEye 360 will use to create
first-of-its-kind RF-based analytics.
"The successful launch of our Pathfinder satellites is the
biggest moment in our company's young history," said John
Serafini, CEO, HawkEye 360. "I am extremely proud of what our
30-person team has accomplished over the past three years. We
combined our varied expertise in small satellites, signals
processing and data analytics to bring a new source of RF
information to the market. This is the first time a commercial
company has utilized formation-flying satellites for RF
detection."
Now that the Pathfinder satellites have reached orbit, the
company will initiate system checkout and begin to maneuver the
satellites into position over the next several weeks. The
satellites will be able to identify and precisely geolocate a
broad set of RF signals from emitters such as VHS push-to-talk
radios, maritime radar systems, AIS beacons, VSAT terminals,
emergency beacons and more.
"The core of our business is RF analytics, which is dependent
upon high-quality, geolocated RF data," said Chris DeMay, CTO and
founder, HawkEye 360. "Each of these small satellites is equipped
with a software-defined radio that can tune to different
frequencies and pick up different RF signals. When we see the
same signal from all three satellites, we triangulate it and
figure out where the signal is coming from. We'll continue
growing our constellation to improve revisit rates with our next
set of satellites already under development for launch later in
2019."
HawkEye 360 processes and analyzes signals using proprietary
algorithms and machine-learning tools to deliver actionable
insights. The company is developing foundational products that
build global awareness of spectrum deployment, creating an RF
data layer for the planet.
The resulting analytical products will help customers assess
suspicious vessel activity and risk, survey how frequencies are
used, detect communication interference, evaluate communication
outages during disasters and help rescuers search for people in
distress.
'HawkEye' on Suspicious Ships
Tuesday, December 04, 2018
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