HawkEye 360's Cluster 12 Achieves Full Operational Capability
HawkEye 360 Inc., a leader in the realm of signals intelligence data and analytics, has officially reached a major milestone with its latest innovation: Cluster 12. Announced on September 17, 2025, the cluster has attained Full Operational Capability (FOC), marking a significant expansion in HawkEye 360’s capacity to deliver mission-critical signals intelligence worldwide.
This impressive satellite cluster comprises three satellites that were launched on June 26, 2025. They were propelled into orbit aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket. Since their launch, these satellites have undergone extensive calibration and commissioning processes, effectively integrating them into HawkEye 360's existing constellation. As a result, they are now ready to provide essential signals intelligence across various key regions globally.
Moreover, the launch package included an experimental satellite known as
Kestrel-0A. This satellite aims to evaluate new capabilities that will inform the future technological advancements of HawkEye 360. Preliminary reports indicate that Kestrel-0A is performing well and has already met several key early-stage mission milestones.
Todd Probert, President of U.S. Government Operations at HawkEye 360, emphasized the significance of achieving FOC for Cluster 12. Probert stated, "This achievement strengthens our ability to deliver timely, mission-critical signals intelligence to defense, intelligence, and commercial partners. The new cluster solidifies our capability to monitor complex operating environments, detect signals of interest, and support informed decision-making on land and at sea."
Cluster 12 enhances the depth and coverage of HawkEye 360's constellation, facilitating expanded frequency detection, higher revisit rates, and a broader global outreach. These advancements are crucial as the demand for signals intelligence surges, particularly concerning challenges like maritime domain awareness, air defense system detection, and monitoring interference related to GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).
Eric Haengel, Vice President of Space Ground Systems at the company, shared insights regarding the achievement. He said, "This milestone reflects the outstanding performance of our engineering, operations, and mission management teams. Cluster 12 is now fully integrated into our constellation and contributing to the seamless delivery of high-impact RF data for our customers worldwide."
With its successful operational launch, HawkEye 360 is set to further enhance its services for government and allied partners. The company aims to provide robust RF geolocation data consistently. Amidst increasingly complex and contested domains, this geolocation data is invaluable for strategic awareness and operational success.
HawkEye 360 is dedicated to equipping defense, intelligence, and national security leaders with critical signals intelligence. By leveraging its specialized technology to detect, geolocate, and characterize radio frequency emissions from across the globe, the company enables faster and more accurate decision-making. Its space-based collection capabilities coupled with proprietary signal processing and AI-powered analytics facilitate a transformation in understanding the RF spectrum, ultimately providing a strategic advantage over adversaries.
Proven by a history of operational success, HawkEye 360 is reshaping how signals intelligence contributes to national and global security.
Overall, the achievement of Full Operational Capability for Cluster 12 is not just a testament to HawkEye 360’s technical prowess, but also a critical advancement in enhancing the landscape of signals intelligence and analytics on a global scale.
About HawkEye 360:
At the forefront of signals intelligence innovation, HawkEye 360 empowers its partners with the tools and insights necessary for effective decision-making in defense and security sectors. By turning radio frequency spectrum data into actionable intelligence, HawkEye 360 strengthens the capacity of its clients, enabling them to address today’s security challenges effectively.