This Week In Space Industry (17/02/2024)

Greetings Detectives

Welcome to Rocket Roundup, Your favorite space newsletter! This week's in-depth exploration takes us into the dynamic realm of space startups. Our spotlight feature is on ICEYE - Revolutionizing Earth Observation with Cutting-Edge SAR Satellites, Read it here.

Let's embark on this cosmic journey together! In This Issue:

• BlueHalo Acquires Eqlipse for Advanced Defense Applications

• Global satellite capacity prices tumble in Starlink’s wake

• LeoLabs Raises $29M in Financing

BlueHalo Acquires Eqlipse for Advanced Defense Applications

BlueHalo has acquired Eqlipse Technologies, a company specializing in cyber, intelligence, and advanced research and development (R&D) for defense applications. BlueHalo, a young defense prime focusing on rapid adoption of new technological advancements, aims to quickly adapt to the military's operational needs. Its business spans various defense sectors, including space, autonomous systems, and cyber/electronic warfare. The acquisition of Eqlipse enhances BlueHalo's capabilities in electronic warfare, counter-drone business, and strengthens its position in the cyber and signals intelligence domain. The combined entity is expected to generate nearly $1 billion in annual revenue and have approximately 2,400 employees. (Read More)

Starlink's Impact: Global Satellite Capacity Prices Plummet 77% in Five Years

Satellite bandwidth prices for data services have plummeted by 77% over five years due to SpaceX's Starlink, according to Euroconsult. In 2023, satellite operators received an average revenue per user (ARPU) of $260 per month for every megabit per second of capacity. Starlink, with over 5,400 satellites in orbit, added 25-26 terabits per second of capacity in 2023. The oversupply, along with high throughput satellites, has led to a shift in the industry toward managed solutions and vertical integration. While costs have declined, Euroconsult anticipates stabilization over the next few years. (Read More)

White House confirms intelligence on Russia’s anti-satellite weapon, but claims no immediate threat

The White House confirmed that Russia is developing an anti-satellite weapon capability, describing it as a serious threat. However, it insists that the weapon is not yet operational and does not pose an imminent danger. The confirmation follows House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner urging President Biden to declassify the information so its implications could be discussed openly in Congress and with U.S. allies. The intelligence community has “serious concerns” about fully declassifying details at this stage. (Read More)

LeoLabs Raises $29M in Financing

Space situational awareness (SSA) company LeoLabs has raised an additional $29 million in funding to scale up its insight delivery, invest in advanced end-user applications, and further integrate its space domain expertise for government operators. The financing round was led by GP Bullhound, with participation from new investors including 1941 and Dolby Family Ventures, as well as existing investors Insight Partners, Velvet Sea Ventures, Space Capital, MDSV Capital, and others. LeoLabs uses artificial intelligence to process measurements into insights for monitoring low Earth orbit space traffic and prioritizing space safety and sustainability. (Read More)

Heliux Raises $2M in Funding

Heliux, a San Francisco-based startup, has emerged from stealth mode with $2 million in funding. The company is developing an AI-powered enterprise operating system that aims to streamline business operations for companies in various industries, including space, defense, robotics, and clean energy. Heliux's platform is designed to be an all-in-one solution that can manage various aspects, from supply chain to quality control to finance. The startup differentiates itself by handling its own distribution and deployment, offering an integrated platform, and leveraging AI to automate tasks. Heliux's goal is to reduce the cost and time associated with implementing such systems for early-stage companies.(Read More)

K2 Space Raises $50M in Funding

Los Angeles-based startup K2 Space has secured $50 million in funding to develop Mega class satellites designed to fit in "heavy" and "super heavy" rockets, such as SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets or United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan. The company's Mega satellite, priced at $15 million each, is capable of supporting up to one ton of payload mass. K2 plans to launch its first satellite on a demonstration mission later this year. The latest funding round was led by Altimeter Capital and joined by Alpine Space Ventures, adding to the $8.5 million in seed funding previously raised. (Read More)

Skylo Technologies Raises $37M

Skylo Technologies, a Silicon Valley startup, has raised $37 million in a funding round led by Intel Capital and Innovation Endeavors. BMW i Ventures, Next47, Samsung Catalyst Fund, and Seraphim Space also participated in the equity round. Skylo focuses on the "direct-to-device" (D2D) satellite communications market, aiming to connect devices, including low-bandwidth Internet of Things (IoT) hardware and high-bandwidth smartphones, via existing satellites without additional hardware. The company plans to use the funds to scale its business operations and support various devices, including smartphones, wearables, IoT devices, and mobile network operators.(Read More)

Orienspace Raises ¥600M Series B

Chinese launch startup Orienspace has secured $83.5 million in a series B funding round, following its successful debut launch. Investors include Liangxi Science and Technology Innovation Industry Fund of Funds, Hongtai Fund, Xin Ding Capital, CMBC International Holdings, Shanhang Capital, and Shenyin & Wanguo Investment. The funds will be used for the research and development of Orienspace's first liquid propellant rocket, the Gravity-2, which is planned to be reusable and is expected to have a payload capacity of 25.6 tons to low Earth orbit (LEO). The first launch of the Gravity-2 is scheduled for 2025 or 2026. (Read More)

• SpaceX to deorbit 100 older Starlink satellites

• UK Space Agency has allocated $9.3M to eight different missions that will explore our solar system.

• BAE Systems received regulatory approval to close the $5.5B acquisition of Ball Aerospace.

• Google is joining a private mission to monitor methane emissions

• Uruguay signs Artemis Accords

• Falcon 9 launches first Intuitive Machines lunar lander

DISCLAIMER: (Rocket Roundup is an independent publication and is not affiliated with any government agency or space organization)