Company attributes
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HawkEye 360 is a Radio Frequency (RF) data analytics company that operates a commercial satellite constellation to identify, process, and geolocate a broad set of RF signals. HawkEye 360 uses satellite imagery, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), geospatial data, and forms partnerships with 3rd party database providers to develop its analytics solutions, including maritime domain awareness and spectrum mapping and monitoring. HawkEye's customers comprise a range of commercial, government, and international entities.
HawkEye 360 claims to be the first commercial company to use formation flying satellites to create a new class of RF data and analytics. The company's first cluster of Pathfinder satellites was launched in December 2018. These proof-of-concept satellites demonstrated that HawkEye could carry out geolocation from space.
Cluster 2 satellite
Cluster 2 satellites can simultaneously collect multiple signals over the same region. The collected data regarding what is happening in an environment can be used for behavior detection, indications, and warnings for a particular area or problem.
Cluster 2 satellites were launched on January 24 as part of a SpaceX mission. The satellites fly in a triangular formation in low Earth orbit to gain better geometric and Doppler diversity on ground signals, allowing them to geolocate RF signals anywhere across the globe. A video of the Cluster 2 launch aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 is shown below.
Mission Space is a platform for RF geospatial intelligence that integrates radio frequency data and analytics into a web-based platform. The platform enables users to visualize, interact with, and gain RF data and analytics-based insights.
HawkEye's solutions operate in a cloud environment to support processing requirements and manage big data production. The company provides an Application Programming Interface (API) to simplify ordering and delivery of RF analytics directly into customer systems.
RF Data Explorer is an add-in for ArcGIS Pro that uses HawkEye 360’s RF data and analytics and integrates with ArcGIS Pro projects to provide information regarding global activity.
RFGeo is an RF signal mapping product. This commercial RF sensing platform offers global coverage and independent geolocation of emitters across a broad range of RF signals, from VHF up to Ku-band.
SEAker is used in the identification of vessels engaged in illicit activities such as smuggling, piracy, illegal fishing, and human trafficking, supporting vessel interdiction. HawkEye 360 can validate vessel positions by geolocating a diverse set of RF signals emitted by ships, such as X-band radars and VHF radios. This dataset enables SEAker to locate vessels even when they attempt to hide.
Governments and maritime insurers rely on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) for monitoring maritime activity, but ships can circumvent AIS localization by deactivating or spoofing their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceiver. Alternative options for monitoring, such as coast guard patrol vessels or airplanes, are resource intensive.
RFMosaic example
RFMosaic is a tool used to visualize signal density across regions during RF activity assessment. Data is delivered as spectral charts and heatmap files for a region, displaying a gradient that portrays the cumulative layering of individual signal events measured during a single pass of the satellite constellation.
Crisis response is a prominent area of application for HawkEye. For instance, HawkEye's solutions can help support search and rescue teams locate deployed emergency beacons. In the case of natural disaster events, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, HawkEye spectrum surveys can show first responders and government agencies what wireless communication infrastructure remains intact, facilitating planning.
On December 16, 2020, HawkEye announced it is working for the United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) on a commercial radio frequency (RF) geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) pilot program. The company employs its constellation of satellites to deliver RF data and analytics to the agency and combatant commands whereby it is analyzed for the purpose of discovering how this source of commercial data can augment intelligence activities.
