HawkEye 360 expands RF Data and Analytics reach with Maxar acquisition

HawkEye 360 expands RF Data and Analytics reach with Maxar acquisition
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 19, 2023

HawkEye 360 Inc., a leader in the field of space-based radio frequency (RF) data and analytics, has announced its acquisition of RF Solutions from Maxar Intelligence. RF Solutions, a division formed after Maxar Intelligence's acquisition of Aurora Insight in January 2023, specializes in secure, precise geospatial intelligence. This acquisition marks a significant step in expanding HawkEye 360's capabilities in the rapidly evolving domain of space-based RF technology.

HawkEye 360 President Rob Rainhart emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition. "The on-orbit assets and expertise of the RF Solutions group from Maxar Intelligence brings a complementary capability to HawkEye 360," Rainhart stated. He further elaborated on the technical synergies, noting, "Our existing satellites do very well at precise geolocation and characterization of signals. This technology from the former Aurora Insight team will allow HawkEye 360 to quickly scan gigahertz of bandwidth to efficiently map active frequencies at a regional level."

With the integration of RF Solutions, HawkEye 360 acquires two additional RF satellites, Charlie and Delta, along with extensive RF scanning intellectual property and a multi-year global database rich in RF collections. These collections span a broad frequency range from 1.4 GHz to 40 GHz. This acquisition notably extends HawkEye 360's frequency coverage to include the 26 to 40 GHz range, enhancing the company's ability to understand signal activity across different world regions.

Patrick Zeitouni, HawkEye 360's Chief Strategy Officer, underscored the business implications of the acquisition. "We see meaningful business potential for this wideband scanning mission to accelerate our discovery of new signals and expand our capacity to serve government intelligence users," Zeitouni explained. He also highlighted the potential for tapping into new market segments, including commercial telecommunication operators, as a direct result of this expanded capability.

The addition of Charlie and Delta satellites increases HawkEye 360's total constellation to 23 satellites. This expansion not only solidifies the company's leadership in detecting, characterizing, and geolocating a wide array of RF signals but also aligns with their strategic goal of addressing growing client demands for RF Intelligence. Looking forward, HawkEye 360 plans to further extend its constellation, with ambitions to launch a dozen more satellites in 2024.