Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) confirmed that HawkEye 360 Cluster 11 has been successfully launched and deployed in orbit. The three-satellite Cluster is the fourth integrated by HawkEye 360 at its Virginia facility under the SFL Flex Production Program.
Cluster 11 launched into a sun-synchronous orbit on December 21, 2024, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, aboard the SpaceX Bandwagon-2 mission. Ground control has established communications with the three satellites. The launch brings to 33 the total number of satellites developed for HawkEye 360 by SFL.
HawkEye 360, headquartered in Herndon, VA., selected SFL to develop its radio frequency (RF) detection Clusters due to the importance of attitude control and formation flying by multiple spacecraft for accurate RF signal geolocation. Since launching the Pathfinder (Cluster 1) satellites in 2018, HawkEye 360 has cemented its position as the global leader in space-based RF data and analytics for GEOINT and Electronic Intelligence (ELINT).
SFL introduced the Flex Production program to support the ambitious business models of NewSpace companies. It gives customers the option of contracting SFL to develop the first satellite, or cluster, at its Toronto facility. SFL can then assist the customer in setting up subsequent mass production at their own, or third-party, site. However, development can shift back to SFL when a new spacecraft design or technology update is requested.
“Flex Production enables NewSpace companies the opportunity to leverage SFL’s Microspace expertise while satisfying the aggressive financial requirements of their business models,” said SFL Director Dr. Robert E. Zee.
For HawkEye 360 Pathfinder, Clusters 2-6 and 9, SFL handled the entire development process including integration and testing at its Toronto facility. SFL is currently developing Cluster 12 with technology updates in Canada as well. HawkEye 360 conducted integration of the RF signal detection payload with the 30-kg SFL DEFIANT bus for Clusters 7, 8, 10, and 11 at its Virginia plant with technical guidance from SFL. Cluster 13 is now undergoing integration in Virginia.
Established in 1998, SFL has developed 82 operationally successful smaller satellite missions totaling more than 350 cumulative years in orbit. Another 27 missions are now under development by SFL, which offers a complete suite of nano-, micro- and small satellites – including high-performance, low-cost CubeSats – that satisfy the needs of a broad range of mission types from 3 to 500 kilograms.
