A SFL Missions satellite platform built for HawkEye 360. Photo: SFL Missions

HawkEye 360 has ordered nine new spacecraft from SFL Missions, including spacecraft featuring upgraded antenna and radio systems. The satellites will be deployed in three clusters for HawkEye’s radio frequency (RF) detection and geolocation constellation. 

The contract includes Cluster 14, which is similar to a cluster HawkEye recently launched in late June. Clusters 15 and 16 will incorporate upgrades for advanced capabilities. 

These spacecraft will have upgrades from previous versions, with upgraded components for HawkEye’s payload. SFL Missions also explained Clusters 15 and 16 will support concurrent in-theater data collection and downlinking with upgraded antenna and radio systems. This will give HawkEye the ability to downlink RF signal data in real time to ground stations. 

SFL Missions, formerly known as Space Flight Laboratory, will provide spacecraft bus units and subsystems based on the 30 kilogram Defiant platform. HawkEye will then perform assembly, integration, and testing. HawkEye is a longtime customer of SFL, which has worked with the company since 2018 for its pathfinder cluster. 

HawkEye’s constellation collects signals intelligence that is used for defense applications like geospatial intelligence and electronic intelligence, as well as maritime situational awareness and spectrum mapping. 

“SFL Missions is pleased that HawkEye 360 continues to leverage our quality platforms to develop the small satellites that enable the core of its space-based RF signal detection constellation,” said SFL Missions Director Dr. Robert E. Zee. “We look forward to enhancing the operational capabilities of HawkEye 360’s spacecraft to meet the evolving needs of an expanding customer base.”