AEROSPACE
PRnewswire | April 12, 2023
Raytheon Technologies' BBN division and SpiderOak announced a strategic partnership to develop and field a new generation of zero-trust security systems for satellite communications in proliferated low-Earth orbit, or pLEO.
SpiderOak's OrbitSecure solution will be combined with Raytheon BBN's Distributed, Disrupted, Disconnected and Denied (D4) secure cloud solution to ensure resilience of mesh networks in contested environments
"This partnership is paving the way toward secure, on-demand, Geostationary Equatorial Orbit network-like pLEO communications," said Raytheon BBN President Jason Redi. "Raytheon's networking technology ensures that the satellite constellation provides the best routing solution during normal operation, while also dynamically supporting autonomous cross-link routing during disrupted environments. SpiderOak's technology allows us to maintain distributed secure operations with high efficiency, particularly when the constellation is reconfiguring and paths are not preplanned."
"This cooperative effort reflects a common vision for a disruption-tolerant space networking future, which will be important for all mesh networks, and absolutely vital for the future of battle management command and control," said Charles Beames, SpiderOak executive chairman.
The combined solution can be applied across multi-vendor constellations despite orbital or malicious dynamics and will provide maximum resilience and efficiency in difficult or hostile operating environments. This includes cyber and kinetic threats that require on-orbit network and network function redundancy and flexibility.
During this one-year effort, Raytheon, Raytheon BBN, SEAKR Engineering, and SpiderOak will integrate the capability developed during phase one into space-qualified hardware with the goal of making it flight-ready.
About SpiderOak
SpiderOak is a 100% U.S.-owned and operated software company that delivers end-to-end cybersecurity solutions for civil, military, and commercial space operations. Our commercially available products are built upon a foundation of zero-trust encryption and distributed ledger, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your most sensitive data in the space domain.
About Raytheon BBN
Founded in 1948, Raytheon BBN provides advanced technology research and development with a focus on national security priorities. From the ARPANET, to the first email, to the first stereo digital mammography system, through the first metro network protected by quantum cryptography, Raytheon BBN has consistently transitioned advanced research to produce innovative solutions for its customers. Today, Raytheon BBN's innovations allow for leading-edge maritime systems, networking solutions, speech understanding in any language or format, and lifesaving shooter detection systems. Raytheon BBN scientists and engineers continue to take risks and challenge conventions to create new and fundamentally better solutions in analytics & machine intelligence, networks and sensors, intelligent software and systems, and physical sciences. BBN is a subsidiary of Raytheon Intelligence & Space, a business of Raytheon Technologies
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DEFENSE AND SPACE
PRnewswire | April 04, 2023
BlueHalo, a leading provider of critical capabilities and technologies across Space, Air, and Cyber domains, today announced it has acquired Verus Technology Group, Inc. ("Verus" or the "Company").
Founded in 2014, Verus designs, develops, and integrates counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems ("c-UAS") products utilizing industry-leading radio frequency ("RF") and digital signal processing ("DSP") technologies. Verus's flagship product, SkyView, provides category-leading passive RF-based detection, identification, tracking and telemetry extraction of small unmanned aircraft systems ("sUAS"). Available in both fixed-site and mobile configurations, SkyView allows for a wide variety of use cases from military applications to defending critical commercial infrastructure. Verus's reputation for superior performance and ease-of-use has enabled the Company to deliver its critical solutions across a broad portfolio of demanding customers throughout the Department of Defense ("DoD") and Intelligence Community ("IC") including two Programs of Record with the United States Marine Corps ("USMC") and Special Operations Command ("SOCOM"), as well as civilian, commercial, and international markets.
The acquisition of Verus directly complements BlueHalo's AI/ML enabled, RF-based Titan c-UAS solution as well as the company's Locust directed energy c-UAS solution and ARGUS Perimeter Security solution. Verus's proprietary platform and software coupled with BlueHalo's existing technology will allow the combined enterprise to deliver a superior suite of products to support the warfighter in the ever-evolving next generation battlefield and protect critical infrastructure against adversarial threats.
"Verus has consistently demonstrated their ability to deliver critical, innovative c-UAS solutions to the most demanding customers across the DoD, IC and civilian markets. Combining SkyView and the team's proven ability to innovate at mission speed alongside BlueHalo's Titan system positions BlueHalo as the #1 c-UAS provider in the market," said Jonathan Moneymaker, Chief Executive Officer of BlueHalo. "We are incredibly excited to bring Verus into BlueHalo and provide an integrated, superior set of solutions offering a protective ring around our customers as we seek to neutralize the ongoing c-UAS threat."
David Wodlinger, a Managing Partner at Arlington Capital Partners, said "Drone technology continues to proliferate, allowing bad actors to acquire greater capability at a lower cost. The U.S., and the world more broadly, are not yet adequately prepared for the threat that drones pose to our critical infrastructure and national security. Within BlueHalo, we plan to invest an increasing amount of resources into bringing to market the best c-UAS solutions to address these emerging threats."
John Abbey, CEO and Founder of Verus, shared "We are incredibly excited to partner with BlueHalo as we continue to deliver innovative solutions to our customers. Joining BlueHalo will allow us to deliver an expanded set of capabilities and resources to both new and existing customers as we focus on achieving an even greater mission impact. We're thrilled to continue to push boundaries and deliver critical technology and capabilities to the warfighter with BlueHalo."
Henry Albers, a Vice President at Arlington Capital Partners, said "We have tracked Verus for many years as the Company has developed into the clear leader for passive RF detect solutions in the c-UAS market. With access to BlueHalo's extensive corporate infrastructure and resources, we believe the Company is well positioned to continue its impressive growth trajectory."
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP served as legal counsel to BlueHalo. Citizens Capital Markets acted as sole financial adviser and Cooley LLP served as legal counsel to Verus Technology Group.
About BlueHalo
BlueHalo is purpose-built to provide industry-leading capabilities in the domains of Space, c-UAS, Autonomous Systems, and Cyber. BlueHalo focuses on inspired engineering to develop, transition, and field next-generation capabilities to solve the most complex challenges of our customers' critical missions and reestablish our national security posture in the near-peer contested arena.
About Arlington Capital Partners
Arlington Capital Partners is a Washington, DC-based private equity firm that has managed approximately $7 billion in capital commitments. Arlington is focused on middle market investment opportunities in growth industries including aerospace & defense, government services and technology, healthcare, and business services and software. The firm's professionals and network have a unique combination of operating and private equity experience that enable Arlington to be a value-added investor. Arlington invests in companies in partnership with high quality management teams that are motivated to establish and/or advance their company's position as leading competitors in their field.
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AEROSPACE
PRnewswire | March 29, 2023
Satellite launch service company Isar Aerospace today announced the closing of its USD 165m (EUR 155m) Series C round. To date in 2023, this is the largest SpaceTech financing round globally and one of the largest European DeepTech fundraises. The round is backed by 7-Industries Holding, Bayern Kapital via its Scale Up Fund Bavaria, Earlybird Venture Capital, HV Capital, Lakestar, Lombard Odier Investment Managers, Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Porsche SE), UVC Partners, and Vsquared Ventures. Investors Porsche SE and HV Capital will join Isar Aerospace's Advisory Board together with 7-Industries Holding joining in an observer capacity. Part of the funds provided by the private investors is backed by the European Union and regional programs managed by the European Investment Fund, such as InvestEU and the German Future Fund.
The funding enables Isar Aerospace to continue its journey towards the inaugural flight and ramp-up the cadence of its Spectrum launch vehicle. It will also enable the scaling of its proven production capabilities to serve the company's strong order book for launches of small and medium-sized satellites as global demand rises. At the same time, the Series C will allow the company to keep investing in developments for new initiatives and products, and to continue building on its vertical integration, especially its automated production capabilities that significantly lower the cost of building rockets.
Daniel Metzler, Co-Founder and CEO of Isar Aerospace explains: "The strong interest and commitment from our international investors signals their confidence in our vision and technological capabilities. Today, and even more so tomorrow, space technologies are key to enabling innovation, technology and security. Isar Aerospace offers the access to space that is urgently needed for commercial, institutional and government customers. This financing round marks another important step on our journey to orbit."
David Kownator, Chief Financial Officer of Isar Aerospace, adds: "We are thrilled to have concluded this round of financing in a difficult global market environment, building on strong investor demand and the company's steady progress, at an increased valuation compared to our Series B in July 2021."
The record round underlines Isar Aerospace's leading position in the commercial space industry. At the same time, it highlights the company's role in strengthening Europe's capabilities for consistent, flexible, and cost-efficient access to space for commercial and institutional customers worldwide. With a total financing amount raised of more than USD 330m (EUR 310m), Isar Aerospace is the most capitalized independent New Space company in the European Union.
Bulent Altan, Chairman of the Advisory Board and seed investor in Isar Aerospace, says: "The undeniably most common building block of any space application is reliable and affordable access to orbit. Isar Aerospace is a catalyst for the tremendous growth of the sector. With a crisp and fast execution, focus on quality, and establishing capabilities for future volume production, Isar Aerospace is emerging as a strong leader in the space economy. I am extremely pleased to have been a part of the journey from day one and look forward to the upcoming first launches."
Full vertical integration, solid customer pipeline
Since its creation in 2018, Isar Aerospace has established itself as a technological leader, having developed proprietary know-how through full vertical integration, owning design, production, and testing operations entirely in-house. Its manufacturing facility, established in Munich, provides maximum reliability, cost-efficiency, and flexibility. The high degree of automation allows for future scalability to serve increasing market demand. Isar Aerospace has signed firm contracts with customers globally, including major commercial players, New Space companies, and government institutions. The company's flight manifest is already fully booked for its first years of operations, demonstrating its strong positioning as a provider of cost-efficient access to specific orbits for the deployment of constellations and targeted use cases.
Targeting the inaugural flight in the second half of 2023
Isar Aerospace started the production of the maiden flight vehicle while entering the qualification stages for its vehicle systems. The entirely in-house developed and manufactured Aquila engine is undergoing engine testing and qualification. At the same time, the company is finalizing the build-up of its launch infrastructure at the launch site in Andøya, Norway, from where the inaugural flight of its launch vehicle Spectrum, which is planned for the second half of 2023, will take place.
Strengthening Europe's capabilities to access orbit
Access to space is key to unlocking the innovation potential for technologies urgently needed to address climate change, ensure secure and efficient connectivity, and improve critical infrastructure globally. With 2022 serving as a wake-up call for Europe's geopolitical role, decision-makers have prioritized the advancement of European sovereign access to space, as the continent aims to ensure its global competitiveness. Isar Aerospace will significantly contribute to materializing independent capabilities for accessing space. By developing and building launch vehicles that will transport small and medium-sized satellites and constellations into Earth's orbit, companies, institutions, and governments globally will be empowered to improve their capabilities and services in Earth observation, telecommunications, agriculture, disaster management, transportation, environmental monitoring and protection, scientific research, and defense applications.
About Isar Aerospace
Isar Aerospace, based in Ottobrunn/Munich, develops and builds launch vehicles for transporting small and medium-sized satellites as well as satellite constellations into Earth's orbit. The company was founded in 2018 as a spin-off of Technical University Munich. Since then, it has grown to more than 300 employees from more than 40 nations with many years of hands-on rocket know-how and experience within other high-tech industries.
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