Technology solutions developer HawkEye 360 has selected Denmark-based space component company GomSpace to manufacture the payload for its Pathfinder cluster satellite mission.

Under the deal, GomSpace will provide its software-defined radio platforms and antennas to serve as the payload for the Pathfinder mission.

Planned to be launched and tested by late next year, Pathfinder will help HawkEye 360 to develop a global radio frequency (RF) detection and mapping system using a constellation of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).

“Selecting GomSpace marks an important step forward in our development of the on-orbit capabilities."

HawkEye 360 co-founder and chief operating officer Chris DeMay said: “GomSpace has a strong, established set of small satellite components and payloads that have a proven space flight history and a record of technology innovation.

“Selecting GomSpace marks an important step forward in our development of the on-orbit capabilities that will be able to serve government and commercial customers.”

Once launched, the Pathfinder mission will enable the government and corporate customers to monitor transportation networks across air, land and sea.

With the space-based wireless monitoring system, the government regulators, telecommunications companies and satellite broadcasters will also be able to observe RF spectrum usage to recognise areas of interference.

In addition, the system can be used to detect and locate activated emergency signals to improve response times in challenging situations.

A subsidiary of Allied Minds, HawkEye 360 noted that compared to terrestrial detection and image analysis system, the new space-based system will help locate and characterise difficult-to-visualise wireless spectrum information more precisely and efficiently.

In July, HawkEye 360 collaborated with Lockheed Martin to use the former’s RF detection and mapping technology in new market areas.