Portal Space Systems has raised $17.5 million in one of the largest seed rounds for a space startup in the past decade to develop its Supernova spacecraft. Supernova is designed for rapid transorbital travel, capable of reaching MEO in minutes, GEO in hours, and cislunar space in days from LEO. The company has completed the first print of its proprietary thermal propulsion system, which mimics nuclear performance without requiring a fission reactor. It also opened a new 8,000-square-foot headquarters and testing facility near Seattle. With a team of industry veterans, Portal aims for Supernova to surpass current space transport technologies. […]
Tag: Innovation
DARPA Selects 18 Firms for Next Phase of Quantum Computing Moonshot
DARPA has selected 18 companies to further develop their quantum computing concepts as part of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI). The program aims to identify scalable quantum technologies that can deliver computational advantages exceeding their cost by 2033. In the next phase, selected firms will undergo rigorous equipment testing and independent evaluations. Stage C participants will face full-scale verification of all components and algorithms essential to building fault-tolerant quantum computers. DARPA describes QBI as a “moonshot” effort to transform the quantum computing field over the next decade. Original news
Star Catcher Demonstrates Long-Distance Solar Power Beaming in Milestone Test
Star Catcher successfully tested its solar power beaming technology on Earth by transmitting energy over 100 meters, roughly the length of a football field. The demonstration used a solar energy collection system to power standard solar arrays, marking the startup’s longest-distance transfer to date. This test is a key step toward Star Catcher’s broader goal of creating a low Earth orbit (LEO) power grid to beam solar energy to spacecraft. Such a system could support power-hungry small satellites, extend satellite lifespans, and assist struggling spacecraft. The startup has already secured customers, including Space Florida and AFWERX, with more power purchasing […]
Ukraine Claims Operational Laser Air Defense System “Tryzub”
Ukraine has reportedly developed a laser anti-aircraft weapon named “Tryzub,” according to Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi. The system, allegedly used against Iranian-made Shahed drones, was first mentioned in December and confirmed operational in February. Although no images or independent verification have emerged, Ukrainian officials claim it is capable of striking aerial targets. Industry experts believe Tryzub may be an indigenous development, given Ukraine’s expanding military-industrial base. If confirmed, Ukraine would join a select group of nations deploying laser-based air defense technology. Original news
Saab Develops Counter-Drone System for Sweden in Record Time
Saab has collaborated with Sweden’s Defense Materiel Agency (FMV) to develop the Loke counter-drone system in just three months. Loke integrates Saab’s Giraffe 1X surveillance radar, a lightweight command-and-control system, and the Trackfire remote weapon system for rapid threat detection and engagement. The system is designed to counter evolving drone threats, enhancing Sweden’s air defense capabilities. Saab’s rapid development highlights the growing urgency for counter-UAV solutions amid increasing drone warfare. The company has not yet disclosed potential export opportunities for the Loke system. Original news
ESA Launches HydRON Optical Data Relay Network to Enhance Satellite Connectivity
The European Space Agency (ESA) has initiated the HydRON program, a multi-orbit optical data relay network designed to improve satellite connectivity between low Earth orbit (LEO), geostationary orbit (GEO), and terrestrial networks. Utilizing lasers capable of transmitting up to 100 gigabits per second, the project is expected to revolutionize data transmission for sectors like Earth observation and defense. Kepler Communications secured a €36 million contract to develop the first element of the network, while ESA has also contracted Thales Alenia Space to build the second component. This collaboration marks a major step forward in advancing optical satellite communications technology. Original […]
Clavister Wins $6.5M Cybersecurity Contract for CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles
Clavister has secured a SEK 68 million ($6.5 million) contract with BAE Systems Hägglunds to integrate CyberArmour cybersecurity solutions into CV90 infantry fighting vehicles for a Nordic country. The three-year agreement, with initial deliveries set for 2027, includes an option to expand the contract to SEK 96 million ($9.2 million). Clavister will provide its CyberArmour RSG-400 and RSW-400 models, offering AI-powered firewall protection for enhanced battlefield cybersecurity. BAE Systems Hägglunds, which designs the CV90, is upgrading the vehicle’s digital architecture, making cybersecurity a key priority. Clavister CEO John Vestberg highlighted the critical role of cyber defense in modern military operations, […]
Turkey’s Aselsan Successfully Tests GÖKBERK Laser Weapon Against Drones
Turkish defense company Aselsan has successfully tested its GÖKBERK mobile laser weapon system, designed to counter first-person-view (FPV) drones. The system autonomously tracked and destroyed drone threats, demonstrating its effectiveness for Türkiye’s Steel Dome national air defense system. Aselsan CEO Ahmet Akyol highlighted the system’s potential for both Turkey and allied nations, reinforcing its export prospects. The GÖKBERK laser is part of Turkey’s broader push to strengthen regional air defense capabilities. The Steel Dome project aims to enhance Türkiye’s defenses against evolving aerial threats. Original news
Palantir Delivers First TITAN AI Ground Systems to U.S. Army
Palantir Technologies has delivered the first two Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) systems to the U.S. Army, enhancing battlefield data integration and targeting capabilities. The delivery follows a $178 million contract awarded in March 2024 for 10 next-generation AI-driven ground systems. TITAN is designed to strengthen the link between data-gathering sensors, weapons, and decision-makers, improving long-range targeting accuracy and speed. The system leverages AI and real-time data processing to enhance military situational awareness. The deployment marks a major step in the Army’s modernization efforts, aiming to improve battlefield intelligence and decision-making. Original news
HD Hyundai Advances AI-Driven Shipyard Automation with Palantir
HD Hyundai Executive Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun reaffirmed the company’s commitment to building an AI-powered automated shipyard with minimal human intervention. The Future of Shipyard (FOS) project, launched in 2021 and set for completion by 2030, aims to increase productivity by 30% and cut shipbuilding time by 30% through AI, robotics, and digital twins. Palantir Technologies highlighted Hyundai’s digital transformation efforts in a video released on Wednesday. Chung emphasized the importance of marine mobility innovations, focusing on electrification and eco-friendly solutions. The initiative positions HD Hyundai as a leader in next-generation smart shipbuilding. Original news
AI-Driven Underwater Drones to Strengthen Critical Infrastructure Defense
Advancements in artificial intelligence are transforming the security of underwater infrastructure, especially after incidents like the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage. AI-powered underwater drones are being deployed to enhance surveillance and protection of critical undersea assets. Defense companies such as BAE Systems, Boeing, Anduril, and Northrop Grumman are leading efforts in developing these autonomous systems. The technology aims to improve real-time monitoring and threat detection in vulnerable maritime regions. As AI integration advances, underwater drones are expected to play a crucial role in securing global energy and communication networks. Original news
The rudimentary drone-planes threatening Russian territory
Ukrainian forces are increasingly using modified light aircraft, such as the E-300 SkyRanger, to carry out strikes deep into Russian territory. These drones, capable of carrying significant payloads, were recently deployed in a major attack on Russia’s Novozybkov oil pumping station, highlighting Ukraine’s growing reliance on drone warfare. With limited long-range missile capabilities, Ukraine is focusing on disrupting Russian infrastructure, though analysts question the overall effectiveness of these strikes against Russia’s economic and military resilience. On January 14, Ukraine launched its largest attack yet, using six British Storm Shadow missiles, U.S.-made ATACMS, and 146 drones to strike targets nearly 700 […]
U.S. Military Pushes AI Upgrades for Space Surveillance Amid Rising Threats
U.S. military officials are working to modernize space object tracking as threats from rival powers and satellite congestion increase. The Space Surveillance Network (SSN) struggles with manual data management, particularly in geosynchronous orbit (GEO). Experts advocate for AI and machine learning to automate tracking and improve response times. The Space Force is testing new systems like the Advanced Tracking and Launch Analysis System (ATLAS) to enhance monitoring. Officials are also exploring commercial partnerships and next-generation surveillance architectures to address the growing challenges in space security. Original news
U.K. Repurposes Retired Tornado Parts for 3D-Printed Tempest Fighter Components
The U.K. has achieved a world first by recycling components from retired Eurofighter Tornado jets into 3D-printable materials for the upcoming sixth-generation Tempest fighter. As part of the Tornado 2 Tempest project, titanium, aluminum, and steel were ground into powdered metal for additive manufacturing. Rolls-Royce successfully 3D-printed new components, including a nose cone and compressor blades, from repurposed Tornado titanium for its Orpheus test engine. The nose cone passed safety and performance tests, proving the viability of this recycling approach for Tempest aircraft production. Led by Additive Manufacturing Solutions Limited, the initiative aims to cut costs, enhance sustainability, and reduce […]
AST SpaceMobile Secures $7 Billion Spectrum Deal with Ligado Networks
AST SpaceMobile has finalized a $7 billion agreement with Ligado Networks, gaining access to 40 MHz of L-band Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) spectrum in the U.S. and Canada, plus an additional 5 MHz in the U.S. The deal includes a $550 million upfront payment and an $80 million annual fee for 80 years, amounting to roughly $2 million per MHz per year. This move comes as the MSS sector evolves, with companies like Globalstar and Echostar forming partnerships to expand direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity. Meanwhile, SpaceX continues to push for regulatory changes to support its D2D services despite having its […]