Peter 🍀 Sodermans

Strengthening Space Security: Insights from the NATO Space Operations Commanders' Conference: NATO Allies from 23 nations and partners, Australia and Japan, convened for the second NATO Space Operations Commanders' Conference at Allied Air Command in Ramstein, Germany on June 12-13, 2024. The conference, focused on Space Security and Space Warfare, underscored the importance of space as an operational domain for NATO since 2019. General James Hecker, Commander of Allied Air Command and Combined Force Space Component stressed the need for ongoing collaboration, cooperation, and information exchange to enhance space security. The NATO Space Operations Centre, staffed with a multinational team, coordinates Allied Space activities, supporting NATO missions by sharing critical information about potential threats. Colonel John Patrick highlighted the rapid evolution of space capabilities and technology, presenting both risks and opportunities. The conference, with over 100 participants, provided a platform to discuss key issues such as the Space Threat Environment, Security, and Policy. The interconnectedness of NATO Space Operations and the Artemis Accords strengthens these efforts. The Artemis Accords, guiding principles for space exploration and cooperation, align with NATO’s goals of ensuring the safe and peaceful use of space. By adhering to these accords, NATO and its partners reaffirm their commitment to transparency, interoperability, and responsible space use, crucial for both exploration and defense purposes. This coordinated approach ensures NATO can rapidly respond to emerging threats, promoting regional security and stability while advancing global space governance. https://lnkd.in/exTsgH_x #NATO #Space #SpaceOperations #SpaceExploration #SpaceDefense #ArtemisAccords

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Many thanks to Carmela Tripaldi of ENAC and her team for hosting the Eurocontrol stakeholder outreach program for Italy at the premises in Rome yesterday where they were joined by their military colleagues as well as representatives from ENAV to discuss challenges facing European ATM systems in Europe and how Eurocontrol can support Italy 🇮🇹 The meeting confirmed the great cooperation between Italy and Eurocontrol and a number of reason including ✈️Network management and the preparation for summer 2024, ✈️Civil Military cooperation ✈️Sustainability ✈️innovation and business intelligence On innovation in particular there were also discussions on Italy’s plans for space operations 🚀and the development on test centres for new entrants and how Eurocontrol could play a major supportive role. #enac #eurocontrol #innovation #networkmanagement #sustainablity

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🚀 Eviden strengthens Europe's Space Situational Awareness (SSA) with EMISSARY Project Participation! Eviden is proud to be part of the EMISSARY consortium, which has been awarded with a €100-million contract by The European Defence Fund (EDF) in the "Initial operational capacity for Space Situational Awareness C2 and sensors" call. This initiative aligns perfectly with Eviden's commitment to foster data-driven solutions for a secure and sovereign Europe. Coordinated by Leonardo, EMISSARY unites 47 partners across 13 European countries. The project aims to significantly enhance Space Domain Awareness (SDA) by developing a next-generation sensor network and a military-grade Space Situational Awareness Command and Control (C2) system. Eviden brings extensive experience and expertise in Satellite monitoring and Satellite Tracking solutions to the #EMISSARY project and demonstrates our capabilities in developing technological innovations for maintaining national and European sovereignty in space, providing crucial data handling and dissemination tools to strengthen our defense capabilities against space-based threats. ✨ EMISSARY represents a significant milestone in Europe's journey towards self-reliance in space. Eviden is excited to play a major role in this crucial project, which is shaping a safer and more secure space environment for Europe. #SpaceSafety #SituationalAwareness #EDF

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🚀 Eviden strengthens Europe's Space Situational Awareness (SSA) with EMISSARY Project Participation! Eviden is proud to be part of the EMISSARY consortium, which has been awarded with a €100-million contract by The European Defence Fund (EDF) in the "Initial operational capacity for Space Situational Awareness C2 and sensors" call. This initiative aligns perfectly with Eviden's commitment to foster data-driven solutions for a secure and sovereign Europe. Coordinated by Leonardo, EMISSARY unites 47 partners across 13 European countries. The project aims to significantly enhance Space Domain Awareness (SDA) by developing a next-generation sensor network and a military-grade Space Situational Awareness Command and Control (C2) system. Eviden brings extensive experience and expertise in Satellite monitoring and Satellite Tracking solutions to the #EMISSARY project and demonstrates our capabilities in developing technological innovations for maintaining national and European sovereignty in space, providing crucial data handling and dissemination tools to strengthen our defense capabilities against space-based threats. ✨ EMISSARY represents a significant milestone in Europe's journey towards self-reliance in space. Eviden is excited to play a major role in this crucial project, which is shaping a safer and more secure space environment for Europe. #SpaceSafety #SituationalAwareness #EDF

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The Spanish army has recently acquired a small number of TARSIS ISTAR UAVs, in order to test and integrate them into its force employment doctrine. Indeed, the ISTAR UAV is a drone dedicated to target surveillance while awaiting a strike. However, the TARSIS ISTAR drone is not the only version of this small drone capable of flying for more than 12 hours. The TARSIS drone can carry a payload of 12kg, making it multi-purpose. Now presented in an armed version, the TARSIS-W is equipped with an A-Fox Micro air-to-ground missile, capable of striking targets up to 4km away. This missile is guided by a semi-active designation system and carries 500g of explosive, enabling a precise strike with little collateral damage. The complete system also includes a tarsis drone for communication, and a drone dedicated to laser designation. So the drone itself can replace expensive air forces to a certain extent. However, the drone's limited carrying capacity means that it cannot compete with the air force, but rather complement it.

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With Defense Beacon clients be the first to Know !! The Czech Army has just launched a tender for the supply of Aimpoint AB's new FCS 14 fire control system. They will be acquiring 18 systems in total, making them the launch customer for this technology. From Defense Beacon team perspective, the intriguing aspect is determining which systems these FCS 14 units will be integrated into. The FCS 14, successor to the FCS13RE, boasts a future (prepared for) networking capability to automatically receive and transmit target data to other units via soldiers’ networks, such as the ATAK app. It is also equipped with LRF and a high-definition display, enhancing its versatility across various weapons platforms. The FCS 14 (weight of 1.5 kilograms (optics only) or around 2 kilograms (optics with thermal imaging channel) can be utilized with a range of weapons, such as M240, M2 machine gun, the Mk19 40mm automatic grenade launcher, 12.7mm machine gun, and 20mm automatic cannon. However, its primary use is for shoulder-launched rockets/missiles like the Saab Carl Gustaf M4 and Carl Gustaf M3, in service with the Czech Army, or the MBDA Deutschland Enforcer. MBDA’s head of sales and business development campaigns and international business, Michael Reider, revealed (November 2023) that the company had successfully executed a customer demonstration of the Enforcer integrated with the FCS14. Later on in Feb 2024 MBDA Deutschland reported on first Enforcer export contract. We believe the Czech Army's acquisition of the FCS 14 aims to enhance their Carl Gustaf M3 anti-tank recoilless weapons, part of the 601st Special Forces Group and the 43rd Airborne Regiment (acquired in 2005) unless it is for a small quantity of the M4 version/ Enforcer that was secretly acquired. What do you think?  📹 Check out the first comment for a video featuring Aimpoint's marketing director presenting the FCS 14. #FCS14, #FCS, #Firecontrol, #FCS13RE, #target, #weapons, #ATAK, #Enforcer, #CarlGustaf, #antitank, #ATGM, #rocket, #Launcher, #missile, #sight, #telescop, #Czech, #LRF

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Ukraine is systematically dismantling Russia's military and the Kremlin's ability to threaten both its neighbors and global stability. Renewed military aid from the free nations of the world helps strengthen the capabilities of Ukraine's brave defenders. The Kremlin can end this war today by withdrawing its troops from Ukraine's sovereign territory. Their continued failure to do so guarantees that Ukraine will continue to systematically annihilate russia's military.

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The power of the Joint Commercial Operations (JCO)… we were mentioned again as a success story in how to create a joint, multinational community ensuring the safety of space! The recent Prague Space Security Conference highlighted the exceptional progress made in transatlantic cooperation. One standout example is the realigned and renamed Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) cell at US Space Command. This initiative, praised by European space leaders exemplifies successful joint operations, seamlessly integrating commercial, civilian and military partners to enhance space domain awareness. Maj. Gen. Michael Traut, head of German Space Command, emphasized, "The JCO run by Barbara Golf and her team is a great success story, allowing many partners to contribute valuable space domain awareness information." Lt. Gen. Tommy James, deputy head of SPACECOM, added, "The JCO is a huge example of success in the military for both innovation and commercial integration." The JCO's efforts go beyond theory. For instance, in October 2023, commercial partners alerted SPACECOM about the Russian Cosmos 2570 satellite's complex structure, showcasing the JCO's vital role in real-time space surveillance. As Lt. Gen. James stated, "Space is absolutely a team sport and we are stronger together." Read Further: https://lnkd.in/ekvNwy9H #Space #SpaceSecurity #JointOperations #SpaceCollaboration #SpaceAwareness #GlobalPartnerships #InnovationInSpace #SpaceDomain

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MASS has launched THURBON CEMA, a new centralized cyber electromagnetic activity (CEMA) database management system that brings CEMA data together in one place to improve battlespace spectrum management. THURBON CEMA is the first system of its kind, enabling users to manage CEMA data in land, air, and maritime domains operating in multi-threat environments. This force multiplier will support the synchronization and coordination of offensive, defensive, informative, and enabling activities, across the electromagnetic environment and cyberspace. https://lnkd.in/dd7U_h6T

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From Earth to Beyond: Mission Control Systems procurement for Space Missions 🛰️ Our ground segment team is currently at the forefront for procuring, testing and validating Mission Control Systems (MCS) for the following ESA space missions: * ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter * BepiColombo * Solar Orbiter * JUICE (JUpiter ICy moons Explorer) * HERA * ERcoDS The MCS is a critical component for satellite monitoring, control, and security. It interfaces with other vital elements of a Satellite System, such as Mission Planning and Flight Dynamic Systems. Each mission comes with unique operational set of requirements, necessitating a tailored approach to ensure mission success.  We are proud to contribute to launch, LEOPs and satellite operations by coordinating software support Teams. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting missions! Image credit: European Space Agency - ESA #IMSSpaceConsultancy #MissionControlSystems #MCS #satellites #BepiColombo #ExoMars #SolarOrbiter #JuiceMission #HERAmission #ERcoDS

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🛰️ ICEYE Secures $93M In Growth Funding To Expand SAR Satellite Operations This initiative, spearheaded by Finnish sovereign wealth fund Solidium Oy, also features contributions from Move Capital, Blackwells Capital, Christo Georgiev, and other existing backers. The funding was notably oversubscribed, emphasizing strong investor confidence. Key Highlights: 🔹Enhanced Satellite Constellation: The investment will expand ICEYE’s SAR satellite operations, further enhancing its data and subscription services. 🔹Robust Financial Performance: ICEYE’s solid performance in 2023 led to revenues surpassing $100 million. Strategic Growth Areas: 🔹International Expansion: Increasing engagement from allied governments for both defense and civil uses. 🔹Innovative Data Products: Development of new solutions for precise Earth surface monitoring, functioning seamlessly across all weather conditions and times of day. 🔹Focused Solutions Growth: Special emphasis on Flood and Wildfire Insights products to better serve governmental and commercial needs. 🗣️ Susan Repo, CFO of ICEYE, projects a path toward free cash flow breakeven in the near future, thanks to these strategic initiatives. 🗣️ Reima Rytsölä, CEO of Solidium, lauded ICEYE’s alignment with their investment objectives, foreseeing its pivotal role in advancing space technology and its potential ascent as a nationally significant listed entity. With Citigroup as the exclusive private placement agent, ICEYE is set to soar to new heights in Earth Observation capabilities. https://lnkd.in/eF5KnhEp #SpaceTechnology #EarthObservation #Investment #SARsatellites #ICEYE

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This is a very serious development and a sign of how the possibility of a global nuclear confrontation has become more critical.

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The median approval in the selected European NATO members is 2-to-1 favorable. But the results show intriguing diversity in the outliers. France, which pulled away from a full NATO commitment under the influence of Gaullism, but then renewed it, is quite similar to Spain. Both are fairly close to a split on the question. Poland is strongly unified in support of NATO, with strong belief in its importance, but is not very supportive of Zelensky. This may reflect not just trade tensions (the Ukrainian currency having crashed against Poland's, making Ukrainian food imports to Poland more competitive.) It could also have something to do with how Zelensky is soft on Ukraine's hard right. In the regions where this political tendency is strong, many sites are being renamed for Stepan Bandera, who was culpable for massacres of Poles as a Nazi collaborator during WW II. Poland, Turkey, Hungary, and Greece show near unanimity on NATO, regardless of how people feel about the party in power, but NATO support is a little weak in Turkey, much weaker in Greece. Poland has been teetering on the edge of "illiberal democracy" for a long time, recently leaning slightly more away from it. Hungary and Turkey are clearly over the edge into it, however, while Greece may be headed in that direction. Greece has the widest partisan split on NATO -- slightly wider than the split in America. As nations tilt rightward, the pattern may be a quickening of movement either toward NATO membership or away from it.

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Years of perfecting #SAR procedures, skills development, access to essential resources - #GEXTRECS consortium needed such partner as I.S.A.R. Germany in the fold 💪 #crisismanagement #publicadministration #HorizonEU #EUSpace #sattech #satcom #GOVSATCOM #telecommunications #satelliteimagery #GNSS

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This is a Ukrainian drone. It is a medium-distance, Sky Ranger Nynja light-aircraft that has been fitted with its usual FAB-100 M54 aircraft bomb. Despite its ad hoc appearance, this is the standard Ukrainian design.   The Sky Ranger Nynja is a UK-manufactured aircraft that the Ukrainians have modified to be uncrewed. Note the advanced cameras/sensors under the nose of the aircraft, which suggests that it was remotely piloted, rather than having a pre-set flight path programmed into it.   It is highly likely that the aircraft will have had a large explosive charge put in the cockpit (note the absence of seats). The explosive charge appears to have fallen out during the crash.   If you look closely at the unfuzed nose of the bomb, you will see what looks like a short length of detonating cord emerging from it. This implies that the main charge in the aircraft was connected to the bomb using detonating cord but the impact of the bomb with the ground has severed this connection.   The standard range of the Sky Ranger Nynja is 400 nm (741 km) with a full fuel tank, which gives it a maximum load of 296kg (652 lbs). The FAB-100 M54 bomb gives some extra drag, slightly shortening the range and accounting for 100 kg of the maximum load.   https://lnkd.in/gDtU9c-N   #ukrainewar #osint #EOD #drones

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