Because direct-to-smartphone services are blurring the line between space and ground communication, hybrid constellations bring communications and imaging together in orbit. One of the most striking examples is Space42 from the United Arab Emirates, formed by the merger of the geostationary communications operations of Yahsat and the geospatial analytics business of Bayanat.
In partnership with Finnish synthetic aperture radar operator Iceye, Space42 has deployed its first SAR satellite in 2024 and recently expanded its low-orbit Foresight imaging constellation to five instruments. Two more SAR satellites from Iceye are planned to be attached to the u constellation 2027 year, which will improve Space42's ability to provide data intelligence services, which are not affected by cloudiness or darkness.
Space42's broader sensor roadmap also includes high-altitude platforms (HAPS) and future possibilities of combining optical and radar sensing, focused on a growing number of national security tasks and commercial applications. The goal is to turn satellite data into faster intelligence, reducing the delay between detection and response. Another promising opportunity, which the company is developing, there is support for autonomous vehicles, where, according to Space42 management, combining geofencing with connectivity can improve security and efficiency. However, these efforts are still at an early stage of development.
Japan's flagship satellite TV and broadband provider Sky Perfect JSAT is following a similar path. Last year, the operator concluded an agreement on 10 high-detail optical satellite images of Pelican from California-based Earth observation operator Planet. Their launch into low orbit is planned for 2027 year for the development of the intelligence business, which currently relies on third-party data. Sky Perfect JSAT also joins the overall initiative to use relay networks to speed up the transmission of satellite data to terrestrial services. Space Compass — Sky Perfect JSAT's joint venture with Japanese telecommunications giant NTT — signed a contract in March for its first commercial geostationary optical data relay satellite.
Source: https://spacenews.com