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Enhancing Situational Awareness with Space-Based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) (Webinar)

Access Hub – Space, Defence, & Security and Space MarketPlace are happy to present the webinar “Enhancing Situational Awareness with Space-Based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).” This session brings together industry experts to discuss how space-based technologies are transforming intelligence gathering, satellite communications, and global security. The moderator of the webinar was Omkaar K NIKAM, Founder of Access Hub – Space, Defence, & Security.

The global space industry is evolving rapidly, with new players and innovative technologies reshaping how we approach Earth Observation (EO), satellite communications, and space infrastructure. In this webinar, industry leaders share insights into their companies’ contributions to these advancements. From leveraging EO for maritime surveillance to streamlining ground station operations, the discussions highlight the growing role of space technologies across various sectors.

This article summarizes key presentations from four distinguished speakers:

  • Juan Peña, CEO of Orbital EOS, on using satellite intelligence for maritime domain awareness.
  • Shaju Stefan, Chairman of Adya Space, on accelerating space system development.
  • Blain Curcio, Founder of Orbital Gateway Consulting, on the evolution of China’s commercial space sector.
  • Peter Lindberg, Co-founder of Remos Space Systems, on simplifying satellite ground segment operations.

Each speaker provided a deep dive into their company’s mission, technological innovations, and market impact, offering a comprehensive look at emerging trends in space applications.

The webinar begins with an introduction of Juan, CEO of Orbital EOS, a company specializing in Earth Observation (EO) for Maritime Domain Awareness. Juan shares his background as a former Spanish Coast Guard officer, highlighting his experience in maritime surveillance and emergency response.

He explains how Orbital EOS leverages satellite-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) for maritime applications, addressing challenges like search and rescue, oil spill monitoring, and illegal activities at sea. The company provides four key services:

  1. Proactive Monitoring – Regular satellite-based surveillance.
  2. Emergency Monitoring – Real-time analysis during maritime emergencies.
  3. Historical Analysis – Reviewing past satellite data for trend analysis.
  4. Forensic Studies – Reconstructing maritime incidents for investigations.

Juan presents three case studies:

  1. Oil tanker capsizing near Oman (2024) – Monitoring the ship’s drift and potential oil spill.
  2. Container ship fire in the Red Sea – Locating and tracking floating cargo for salvage operations.
  3. Maritime domain awareness – Identifying “dark vessels” involved in illicit activities.

Orbital EOS collaborates with governments, oil companies, and maritime agencies, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, European Maritime Safety Agency, and Aramco.

The Q&A session explores future plans, specifically whether Orbital EOS will launch its own satellite constellation. Juan confirms that while this is not in the short-term roadmap, it is a long-term ambition to optimize EO capabilities for maritime applications.

The discussion concludes with appreciation for the insights shared, especially in the evolving EO and satellite communication (SatCom) industry.

The webinar continues with Shaju Stefan, Chairman of the Board and MD at Adya Space. He introduces Adya Space as a space technology company specializing in fast-tracking the design-to-launch process of space systems. With operations in India and the US, the company leverages India’s 60-year space heritage and the global expertise of its team to tackle the shortage of space-qualified suppliers and experienced engineering talent.

Company Overview & Vision

Shaju highlights Adya Space’s role in accelerating space technology development by designing, building, and testing space systems faster, better, and at scale. The company operates across three key locations: Bangalore (India), Abu Dhabi (UAE), and Colorado (US), with plans for space-grade assembly, integration, and test facilities in these regions. Adya Space also aims to establish space mission control rooms in India and the US.

Core Engineering Capabilities & Services

Adya Space focuses on six core engineering disciplines with expertise in three key technology vectors:

  1. Motion Control
  2. Computer Vision
  3. Communications

The company specializes in autopilot systems for launch vehicles, satellites, and spacecraft, including:

  • Thrust vector control systems for solid/hybrid engines
  • Flow control and electrical power systems
  • GNC avionics for launch vehicles and satellites
  • AI/ML-driven autonomous mission control for satellites
  • Lunar landers and lunar rovers
  • Satellite-to-satellite and lunar surface wireless charging via laser beams

Global Collaborations & Customers

Adya Space is actively working with customers worldwide, including:

  • Launch vehicle partnerships: Skyroot (India), Hyperspace (France), Gilmour (Australia), and Latitude (France).
  • Satellite projects: Clients from Singapore, Austria, France, Spain, and Australia.
  • Lunar missions: Collaborating with Orbit Beyond (US) and Space Power for remote charging solutions.
  • Government projects: Building a 12-satellite constellation for an African government, with nine communication satellites and three EO satellites featuring submeter optical, hyperspectral, multispectral, and thermal payloads.
  • Fire detection constellation: Developing an early-warning satellite network with an Israeli company, capable of detecting single-tree fires, with a full 30-satellite deployment by 2029.

The webinar continues with Blain Curcio, Founder of Orbital Gateway Consulting, Senior Affiliate Consultant at Novaspace. He presented the evolution and growth of China’s Space Sector. Blain specializes in the Chinese space industry through Orbital Gateway Consulting, a Hong Kong-based firm. Brian writes the “China Space Monitor” on Substack.

Overview of China’s Space Sector

  • Historically state-controlled, primarily dominated by large state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
  • Major SOEs include:
    • CASC (China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation) – Rockets and satellites.
    • CASIC (China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation) – Missile and defense-focused, increasingly active in space.
    • China Satellite Network Group – Developing China’s version of Starlink (Guowang/SatNet).
  • The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) plays a significant role in space research, component manufacturing, and spinning off commercial enterprises.
  • Over the last decade, a growing commercial sector has emerged, with many startups forming near SOEs to tap into talent and infrastructure.

Structural Evolution of the Industry

  • Traditionally, China’s space industry followed a top-down, quota-driven model.
  • SOEs focused on national missions (e.g., BeiDou Navigation, China’s Space Station) rather than commercial expansion.
  • Since 2014, commercial companies have formed clusters near major SOEs (e.g., Beijing for launch companies, northwest Beijing for satellite manufacturers).
  • Talent migration from SOEs to commercial firms has caused tensions; legal disputes arose when commercial firms offered higher salaries to SOE engineers.

Commercial Growth and Market Expansion

  • Increase in Satellite Launches:
    • 2014: ~30 spacecraft
    • 2024: ~275 spacecraft (10x increase)
    • Share of commercial satellites grew from 0% (2014) to ~50% (2024).
  • Funding Surge:
    • 2014: ~$5 million in private investment.
    • 2024: ~$2.5 billion in private investment.
    • Shift from early focus on Earth Observation (EO) to increasing emphasis on satellite communications (SatCom).
  • Chinese Starlink Equivalents:
    • SpaceTY (Thousand Satellites Constellation): A commercial initiative backed by Shanghai’s government and CAS, aiming for 648 satellites.
    • Guowang (SatNet): A state-led project moving at a slower pace but heavily funded.
    • Expected commercial availability: Late 2025 – Early 2027.

Challenges and Trends

  • Tech Transfer:
    • Many leading commercial companies emerged from CAS institutes (e.g., CGST from CAS’ optics institute for Earth observation, Airat for SAR technology).
  • Over-Supply and Global Expansion:
    • The Chinese space sector may produce more satellites and components than the domestic market can absorb, leading to an increasing focus on exports.
    • Chinese companies already export space components like solar cells and reaction wheels, despite geopolitical restrictions.
    • Future export markets are expected to grow as commercial firms seek sustainability beyond state subsidies.

The last speaker was Peter Lindberg, co-founder of Remos Space Systems, based in Northern Sweden near the Arctic Circle. The company specializes in ground communication solutions for new space satellite missions.

Problem Statement:

  • Current ground segment operations require multiple software and hardware solutions, leading to complexity and high costs.
  • Universities and new space companies struggle with integration and automation due to the fragmented ground station infrastructure.

Solution by Remos Space Systems:

  • Provides an all-in-one software solution to control satellite missions.
  • Offers a unified API for simplified integration and operation.
  • Eliminates vendor lock-in by supporting multiple satellite transponders and modems (e.g., Allen Space, IC Space, Oset Space, CCST modems).
  • Deployed in 20 installations across 10 countries, including four space agencies and two customers in the UAE.

Technical Features:

  1. Modem Component:
    • Supports various modulation schemes, line codes, and frame formats for small satellite missions.
    • Currently handles up to 1 Mbps, with plans to expand up to 500 Mbps for DVBS2 and CCSDS protocols.
  2. Tracking System:
    • Plug-and-play integration with industry antennas.
    • Users input ground station coordinates, search for satellites, and schedule passes via API or software.
  3. Sequencer & Diagnostics:
    • Hardware control for antenna systems via software.
    • Built-in spectrum analyzer for signal diagnostics.
    • TMT&C simulator for loopback testing and RF measurements.
    • Mission logs provide metadata for analytics and situational awareness.
  4. API & Data Handling:
    • Uses TCP/IP sockets for real-time telemetry and telecommand transmission.
    • Restful API for software settings control.
    • Supports raw IQ data recording and external data feeds.

Business Model & Offerings:

  • Perpetual Modem License:
    • Provides a 4U server with built-in digitizer and pre-installed software.
  • Ground Station + Software:
    • Supports multiple frequency bands (VHF, UHF, S, X, Ka bands).
    • Offers a turnkey solution with full integration.
  • Software-Only License:
    • Designed for ground station service providers with existing infrastructure.
    • Runs entirely on CPU, enabling cloud deployment on AWS, Azure, or even on a laptop for lower data rates.

NewSpace Offerings:

  • Turnkey ground station solutions available for UHF/VHF/S-band and high-end SX/Ka-band.
  • Upcoming high data rate capabilities for DVBS2 reception.
  • Site availability for third-party ground station hosting.
  • Web application for easy operation and network management.

Conclusion:

The webinar showcased how diverse space technologies are driving innovation across multiple industries. From monitoring maritime activities with EO data to optimizing satellite communication infrastructure, these advancements are enabling faster, smarter, and more efficient space operations.

As commercial space activity accelerates, companies like Orbital EOS, Adya Space, Remos Space Systems, and emerging players in China’s space sector are shaping the future of the industry. Whether through enhanced EO applications, streamlined satellite operations, or advanced propulsion and communication systems, these developments mark a significant step toward making space more accessible and commercially viable.

The insights shared during the webinar reinforce the growing importance of collaboration between governments, private enterprises, and international partners. With space technologies increasingly impacting sectors like defense, environmental monitoring, and global communications, the future holds immense opportunities for innovation and expansion.