As satellite startup companies approach satellite launch time, many are rolling out partner programs to build relationships with resellers. Radio frequency scanner HawkEye 360 and space communications provider Audacy announced programs within the last 30 days.
HawkEye 360 launched its Strategic Partner Program to broaden access to its products, with Eagle Technology as its Strategic Partner for New Zealand. Eagle is an established provider to New Zealand’s local and national governments and will distribute and build on HawkEye 360 analytics for applications such as maritime domain awareness and spectral mapping. HawkEye will operate trios of nanosatellites to identify and geolocate radio signals, enabling the company to identity and track ships based on radio signals and precisely map active radio emissions for locating interfering signals and monitoring the use of spectrum.
Eagle Technology is the leading provider of GIS and geospatial services for New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands, making the partnership ideal for HawkEye 360 to start making progress into that area. At least three other companies are planning to enter the RF sensor sector, including Kleos Space, UnseenLabs, and Sky and Space Global. HawkEye’s trio of pathfinder satellites is scheduled for launch on the Spaceflight SSO-A rideshare to take place later this year.
Audacy has the potential to be the Internet for satellites, providing high-speed data relay services via a constellation of medium earth orbit (MEO) communications satellites. The Audacy Alliance is a multi-pronged partner program assembling a partner program of companies that will provide Audacy-related projects and services to their customers. Partner companies can earn incentives and discounted services in an Alliance referral program, become certified resellers of Audacity data capacity, and became Audacy Manufacturing Partners to develop their own Audacy-compatible hardware.
A trio of three satellites and a set of three ground stations will provide K-band and S-band networks capable of supporting over 1,000 simultaneous users (actively broadcasting satellites) at data rates ranging from 35 kbps to 22 Mbps. Small satellite companies will be able to use Audacy to move data directly between a satellite nearly anywhere in low earth orbit and a ground station, providing benefits for IoT and imaging companies needing to move data rapidly and without having to wait for a satellite to pass over a ground station to download its take.
