China, United States
Radio silence from operators on solar storm damage to observation satellites

United States
New Space intelligence troubles worry Pentagon agencies

Difficulties facing the US's flagship New Space GEOINT actors illustrate the persistent fragility of the ecosystem, on which the Pentagon has at last just released a report.

United States
Behind competition with China, SilentBarker spy satellite reveals rivalries between US agencies

The US agency responsible for satellite observation, the NRO, was uncharacteristically vocal about the recent launch of its first SilentBarker geostationary space surveillance system. Its communication campaign pits it against China and Russia... but also its partners at Space Force.

Europe, United States
Private players wrestle for contracts in burgeoning market for thermal imagery

Thermal infrared (TIR) satellite images are now an essential tool for monitoring activity on strategic sites, and private geospatial intelligence firms are in increasingly fierce competition to nab a share of that growing market.

United States
Operators break silence on observation satellite wipe outs

Operators are starting to have to publicly address the damaging impact of solar flair activity on their observation satellites, an issue that Intelligence Online revealed in June. A financial headache is set to follow that flurry of solar storms.

Europe, Finland, United States
Finland takes lead in European strategic space industry

Having abandoned its neutrality in the face of Russia's war on Ukraine, Finland is making its mark in intelligence and space technology. After the rise to prominence of ICEYE, a second Finnish geospatial intelligence company, Kuva Space, is entering orbit.

Europe
NATO seeks imagery for its Aquila virtual constellation project

To make up for its satellite intelligence shortfall and acquire stronger data-sharing and fusion capacities, NATO is launching the virtual constellation Aquila. Discussions are underway with European and US companies.

Russia
Russia's small New Space industry enlisted to bolster offensive in Ukraine

In the context of the upcoming launch of the SAR Kondor FKA-1 satellite, Russia's New Space industry is mobilising to fill the GEOINT data gaps of Moscow's armed forces engaged in the war in Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia, United States
Saudi Space Commission weaves web in Washington with Edelman's help

As Saudi Arabia continues to build its Earth observation programmes, the Saudi Space Commission has laid the foundations for working with the US space industry, thanks in part to lobbying by Edelman.

China
Spacety plans launch of more SAR satellites for Chinese intelligence

The principal Chinese supplier of synthetic aperture radar imagery, recently blacklisted in the US for its close links with Chinese intelligence, is poised to expand its capacities.

The Tech Times
Startup Wyvern hires GEOINT vets, Meta engages privacy lobbyists, Braccioli takes DigitalPlatforms to UAE, NATO's OSINT platform tender

Whether in SIGINT, GEOINT, OSINT or cyber, we report each week on developments great and small in the world of technical intelligence providers.

Edmonton Canada's Wyvern appoints two US vice-presidents

Washington Meta hires specialist lobbyists for crusade against OSINT

Dubai Former Area VP Braccioli takes DigitalPlatforms to UAE

Brussels NATO issues tender for OSINT early warning platform