A New Era in Secure IoT: WISeKey and SEALSQ Complete Successful Satellite Launch

On December 1, 2025, the landscape of secure global connectivity took a significant step forward as WISeKey International Holding Ltd, in close cooperation with its subsidiaries SEALSQ Corp and WISeSat.Space, successfully launched a next-generation satellite into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Lifted aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-16 rideshare mission, this event marks a pivotal moment in the deployment of a sovereign, secure Internet of Things (IoT) constellation. The mission, executed from the Vandenberg Space Force Base, underscores the growing synergy between commercial space access and advanced cybersecurity infrastructure.

This launch is not merely a routine addition to the growing number of objects in orbit; it represents a calculated advancement in the fight against emerging cyber threats. As digital transformation accelerates across industries, from agriculture to maritime logistics, the demand for secure data transmission in remote areas has skyrocketed. We are witnessing a strategic move by WISeKey and SEALSQ to address this gap by deploying infrastructure that combines satellite connectivity with high-grade cryptographic security, specifically designed to withstand the computational power of future technologies.

The successful deployment of this satellite serves as a critical milestone in the companies’ broader roadmap. It validates the integration of cutting-edge semiconductor technology with space-based hardware, setting the stage for a planned constellation that aims to provide near real-time global coverage. By leveraging the reliability of SpaceX’s launch capabilities, WISeKey and its partners are systematically building a network intended to secure the “Internet of Everything,” ensuring that critical data remains protected regardless of its location on the planet.

Technological Innovations: Post-Quantum Cryptography and SDR

The satellite launched on this mission is distinguished by its integration of “next-generation” technologies that set it apart from earlier iterations. Central to its architecture is the inclusion of SEALSQ’s latest Post-Quantum Cryptographic (PQC) chips. In the cybersecurity sector, we recognize that the advent of quantum computing poses a theoretical but imminent threat to current encryption standards, a scenario often described as “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later.” By embedding PQC capabilities directly into the satellite’s hardware, the consortium is effectively “future-proofing” the network, ensuring that data transmitted today cannot be retroactively decrypted by powerful quantum computers in the future.

Another significant technical leap featured in this satellite is the implementation of Software-Defined Radio (SDR) technology. Unlike traditional satellites with fixed communication protocols hardwired into their circuitry, SDR allows the satellite’s communication systems to be reconfigured and updated via software while in orbit. This flexibility is paramount for long-term sustainability in space. It enables the operator, WISeSat.Space, to adapt to evolving communication standards, patch vulnerabilities, and optimize performance without the need to launch replacement hardware. This adaptability ensures that the infrastructure remains relevant and efficient throughout its operational lifespan.

Furthermore, the satellite boasts enhanced data rates and improved bandwidth capabilities compared to its predecessors. These improvements are designed to support more demanding industrial applications, facilitating faster and more robust data transfer for critical sectors such as energy grid management and environmental monitoring. The integration of Hedera Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) further fortifies this ecosystem, providing a decentralized and tamper-proof framework for device identity and data transactions. This combination of blockchain, PQC, and SDR creates a multi-layered security protocol that is unique in the current commercial space market.

“This successful launch with SpaceX represents a major step forward for WISeSat and for Europe’s capacity to operate sovereign space-based secure communications. The WISeSat constellation is designed to integrate seamlessly with SEALSQ post-quantum chips, ensuring unprecedented levels of trust, privacy, and resilience for the next generation of connected devices.” — Carlos Moreira, CEO of WISeKey, SEALSQ, and WISeSat.Space.

Strategic Roadmap: Towards a Sovereign Constellation

The December 1, 2025 launch is a key component of a comprehensive strategic vision aimed at establishing a “sovereign” European constellation. In an era where data sovereignty is becoming a matter of national security, reducing reliance on non-European technology giants for critical infrastructure is a priority for many stakeholders. WISeKey’s initiative seeks to provide a secure, independent communication network that aligns with European interests while serving a global client base. This move positions the company as a central player in the geopolitical landscape of digital security.

Looking ahead, the roadmap is aggressive and clearly defined. Following the successful deployment of this satellite, and building upon the momentum of the previous launch in January 2025, the consortium aims to expand the constellation to approximately 100 satellites by the year 2027. This scale is necessary to achieve the goal of near real-time global coverage, minimizing latency and ensuring that IoT devices in the most remote corners of the world can maintain consistent connectivity. The rapid cadence of launches planned for the coming years reflects the urgency and high demand for secure IoT solutions.

Beyond mere connectivity, the constellation is geared towards enabling specific high-value services. Starting with launches scheduled for early 2026, the network will support quantum-safe key distribution. This service is critical for securing highly sensitive communications in sectors such as defense and smart cities. Additionally, the companies have emphasized a “Space-for-Good” philosophy, intending to utilize this infrastructure for environmental monitoring, such as tracking climate change data, and connecting underserved regions, thereby bridging the digital divide while maintaining the highest standards of data integrity.

Conclusion

The successful launch of the WISeSat.Space satellite aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-16 mission is a definitive achievement for WISeKey and SEALSQ, validating their technological approach to secure space-based communications. By successfully placing a satellite equipped with Post-Quantum Cryptography and Software-Defined Radio into orbit, the companies have demonstrated that advanced cybersecurity solutions can be effectively extended into the space domain. This event marks a transition from theoretical planning to operational reality, offering a tangible solution to the growing security challenges of the IoT era.

As we look toward 2026 and the planned expansion to a 100-satellite constellation, the implications for the industry are profound. The integration of blockchain identity, quantum resistance, and flexible radio technology sets a new benchmark for what is expected of commercial satellite networks. For industries reliant on secure, remote data transfer, this development offers a glimpse into a future where connectivity is not only ubiquitous but also resilient against the most sophisticated cyber threats on the horizon.

FAQ

Question: What was the primary purpose of the December 1, 2025 launch?
Answer: The launch deployed a next-generation satellite operated by WISeSat.Space to expand a secure IoT constellation. It aims to provide global, sovereign connectivity secured by post-quantum cryptography.

Question: What makes this satellite “next-generation”?
Answer: This satellite features SEALSQ’s Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) chips for future-proof security and Software-Defined Radio (SDR) technology, which allows for remote updates and reconfiguration in orbit.

Question: What is the “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” threat?
Answer: It is a cybersecurity threat where attackers collect encrypted data now, intending to decrypt it later when powerful quantum computers become available. The PQC technology on this satellite is designed to prevent this.

Question: What are the future goals for this satellite constellation?
Answer: WISeKey and its subsidiaries plan to deploy a total of 100 satellites by 2027 to achieve near real-time global coverage and offer quantum-safe key distribution services starting in 2026.

Sources

WISeKey Press Release

Soyuz MS-28 Mission: Successful Docking Overshadowed by Baikonur Launch Pad Failure

On November 27, 2025, the global space community witnessed a complex event characterized by both operational success and significant ground infrastructure failure. The Russian Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft successfully lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, delivering a three-person crew to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, carrying Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Mikaev, along with NASA astronaut Chris Williams, proceeded according to flight parameters, with the spacecraft docking safely with the ISS approximately three hours after launch.

However, the successful orbital insertion was immediately followed by reports of catastrophic damage to the launch infrastructure at Site 31/6. During the liftoff sequence, a critical support structure known as the “service cabin” or mobile service platform failed to retract or lock correctly. Consequently, the immense force of the rocket’s exhaust blasted the structure off its rails, causing it to collapse into the flame trench below. This incident has raised immediate concerns regarding the operational status of Russia’s human spaceflight program.

The significance of this event cannot be overstated. Since the retirement of the historic Site 1 (“Gagarin’s Start”) in 2020, Site 31/6 has served as the sole operational launch pad for crewed Soyuz missions. With the primary infrastructure now sustaining major structural damage, the timeline for future launches remains uncertain. We must now analyze the technical specifics of the failure and the conflicting narratives regarding the repair timeline to understand the broader implications for international space cooperation.

Technical Breakdown of the Site 31/6 Incident

To understand the severity of the damage, it is necessary to examine the specific component that failed. The damaged structure is the Service Cabin (known in Russian as Kabina Obslyzhnivaniya). This massive, multi-level scaffolding is integral to pre-launch operations. It allows technicians access to the rocket’s first and second stages for final inspections, fueling line connections, and the securing of hold-down arms. In standard operations, this cabin retracts into a protective niche prior to ignition to avoid the destructive power of the rocket’s plume.

Reports indicate that during the launch of Soyuz MS-28, the mechanism designed to retract or secure the cabin failed. As the rocket ascended, the exhaust plume struck the exposed structure, tearing it from its mountings and leaving it as a “crumpled mess” in the exhaust pit. This is not merely a cosmetic issue; the service cabin is a custom-built, complex mechanism essential for preparing a rocket for flight. Without it, fueling and finalizing a Soyuz rocket for launch is operationally impossible.

The immediate aftermath confirmed that while the crew was safely en route to the ISS, the ground facility suffered critical damage. This creates a logistical bottleneck. The Baikonur Cosmodrome, leased by Russia from Kazakhstan, currently has no other certified pad ready to support human spaceflight. The redundancy that once existed with multiple active pads has been eroded over the last decade due to funding constraints and the retirement of older facilities.

“As of today, Russia has effectively lost the ability to launch humans into space, something that hasn’t happened since 1961.”

— Vitaly Egorov, Space Analyst.

Conflicting Narratives: Repair Timelines and Future Viability

A significant divergence has emerged between official state statements and independent expert analysis regarding the recovery timeline. Roscosmos, the Russian state space corporation, has publicly acknowledged “damage to a number of elements of the launch pad” but maintains an optimistic outlook. Official channels have stated that the necessary spare parts are available in reserve and that repairs will be completed “very soon.” This narrative suggests that the damage, while dramatic, is manageable within the existing supply chain.

Conversely, independent experts present a far more cautious, if not alarming, assessment. Anatoly Zak, the publisher of RussianSpaceWeb, has estimated that repairs to such a complex, custom-engineered structure could take up to two years. The service cabin is not a standard “off-the-shelf” component; it requires precise engineering to ensure the safety of future crews. If the damage involves the structural foundation of the pad or the rail mechanisms, a quick fix using spare parts may not be sufficient to recertify the site for human spaceflight.

The lack of immediate backup options complicates the situation further. Russia’s new Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Far East was intended to eventually host crewed missions, but it is not yet certified for Soyuz human launches. Certification for Vostochny was projected for the 2026–2027 timeframe. Additionally, the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, while capable of launching Soyuz rockets, is a military site not equipped or certified for ISS crew rotations. This leaves the program in a precarious position, dependent entirely on the speed and success of repairs at Site 31/6.

Implications for the ISS and International Logistics

The grounding of Site 31/6 has immediate ripple effects on the International Space Station’s logistics. The next scheduled Launch from this site was the uncrewed cargo mission, Progress MS-33, slated for December 21, 2025. Given the extent of the damage described by independent observers, it is highly probable that this mission will face delays. A prolonged inability to launch cargo vessels could impact the resupply chain for the station, although other partners currently provide cargo capabilities.

Of greater concern is the schedule for crew rotations. If repairs extend into months or years, as suggested by some analysts, Russia will be unable to rotate its cosmonauts using domestic hardware. This scenario would force a total reliance on the SpaceX Crew Dragon for all ISS crew transportation. While the international partnership is resilient, losing the redundancy of two independent crew launch systems introduces new risks and places additional strain on the remaining operational fleet.

We are currently in a waiting period to see if Roscosmos can substantiate its claim of a rapid repair. The coming weeks will be critical as engineers assess the structural integrity of the flame trench and the availability of the required replacement components. Until Site 31/6 is recertified, the Soyuz MS-28 crew remains safe aboard the ISS, but the path for their successors remains unclear.

Concluding Section

The launch of Soyuz MS-28 will be remembered as a moment of stark contrast: a flawless ascent and docking set against the backdrop of a crumbling infrastructure. While the primary objective of delivering the Expedition 74 crew, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, Sergey Mikaev, and Chris Williams, was achieved, the destruction of the service cabin at Site 31/6 exposes the fragility of Russia’s current spaceflight capabilities. The incident highlights the risks associated with relying on a single point of failure for critical access to space.

As the situation develops, the space industry will be watching closely to see if the optimistic repair schedules provided by Roscosmos hold true, or if the pessimistic projections of independent experts come to pass. The outcome will determine not only the schedule of upcoming ISS missions but also the broader strategic landscape of human spaceflight in the mid-2020s.

FAQ

Was the crew injured during the incident?
No. The crew of Soyuz MS-28 (Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, Sergey Mikaev, and Chris Williams) arrived safely at the International Space Station. The damage occurred to the ground infrastructure after the rocket had already lifted off.

What exactly was damaged?
The primary damage was to the “service cabin” (mobile service platform) at Site 31/6. It failed to retract properly and was blown into the flame trench by the rocket’s exhaust, suffering major structural damage.

Can Russia launch from a different launch pad?
Currently, no. Site 31/6 is the only active pad certified for crewed Soyuz launches. The historic Site 1 is retired, and the new Vostochny Cosmodrome is not yet certified for human missions.

Sources: Reuters

UniSQ and DLR Successfully Execute GAsFEx-2 Hypersonic Mission

In a significant stride for international aerospace collaboration, the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) has successfully completed its second hypersonic flight experiment, known as GAsFEx-2 (Germany Australia Flight Experiment II). Launched on November 12, 2025, from the Esrange Space Center in Sweden, the mission utilized the German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) MAPHEUS-16 sounding rocket. This event marks a pivotal moment for the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program, demonstrating the viability of cost-effective flight testing for hypersonic technologies.

The mission saw the payload ascend to an altitude of approximately 267 kilometers, reaching well into the thermosphere. During the 14-minute flight, the experiment experienced over six minutes of microgravity, providing a pristine environment for data collection. This launch was not merely a repetition of previous efforts but a sophisticated evolution, designed to test advanced avionics and gather critical aerothermodynamic data under real-world hypersonic conditions. The success of this operation underscores the growing capability of Australian institutions to lead complex, multi-national space missions.

At the heart of this achievement is the strategic shift toward a “ride-along” operational model. By integrating the GAsFEx-2 payload into a rocket primarily tasked with materials physics research, the team effectively bypassed the prohibitive costs associated with dedicated hypersonic launches. This approach aligns with the broader goals of the iLAuNCH Trailblazer initiative, which aims to accelerate the commercialization of space research and foster a sovereign space manufacturing sector in Australia.

The “Ride-Along” Model: Reducing Costs and Barriers

One of the most substantial hurdles in hypersonic research has always been the astronomical cost of flight testing. Traditionally, validating technology at speeds exceeding Mach 5 requires booking an entire launch vehicle, a financial burden that often stifles innovation for startups and universities. The GAsFEx-2 mission challenges this paradigm by proving that high-value hypersonic experiments can successfully “hitch a ride” on existing launches. According to project data, this rideshare approach can reduce testing costs by up to 95 percent compared to standalone campaigns.

The technical execution of this model required precise engineering. The GAsFEx-2 experiment was one of 21 different payloads aboard the MAPHEUS-16 rocket. It was integrated specifically into the nosecone to measure temperature and flight conditions during the high-speed ascent without interfering with the primary scientific payloads. This successful integration demonstrates a scalable pathway for frequent, affordable access to hypersonic environments, allowing researchers to iterate designs much faster than previously possible.

We see this mission as a validation of the “flight heritage” concept. For emerging aerospace companies, proving that components function in the harsh environment of space is a prerequisite for commercial adoption. By lowering the barrier to entry, the ride-along model allows entities like HyperFlight Systems to gain this crucial flight heritage without the need for massive capital investment in launch infrastructure.

“This successful flight is a key step toward making hypersonic flight testing more accessible, affordable, and reliable. By demonstrating our ability to design, manufacture and fly ride-along hypersonic payloads, we’re opening new opportunities for industry and academia.”, Professor Ingo Jahn, UniSQ Project Lead.

Strategic Partnerships and Technical Validation

The GAsFEx-2 mission was a complex orchestration of international expertise. While UniSQ led the project and experiment design, the execution relied heavily on the capabilities of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). DLR’s Mobile Rocket Base (MORABA) managed the launch operations, utilizing the MAPHEUS-16 vehicle powered by two “Red Kite” solid rocket motors. This configuration allowed the rocket to carry a record payload mass of 500 kilograms, facilitating the inclusion of multiple experiments.

A critical component of the mission was the involvement of HyperFlight Systems, a Queensland-based aerospace startup established in 2022. The mission provided a platform to test their next-generation avionics hardware and data acquisition systems. Obtaining data from a real hypersonic flight is invaluable; it moves technology from a theoretical Readiness Level (TRL) to a proven status. The avionics monitored the vehicle’s performance, ensuring that the data collected was accurate and retrievable.

Furthermore, the collaboration extended to the Technical University of Munich (TUM), which partnered on simulation and numerical monitoring. This relationship creates a vital feedback loop. The real-world data harvested from the flight is used to validate computer simulations and ground-based tests conducted at UniSQ’s TUSQ hypersonic wind tunnel. This “closing of the loop” ensures that future digital models are more accurate, reducing the risk for subsequent physical tests.

“This collaboration provides a platform for us to prove new avionics designs in a relevant hypersonic environment. Working alongside UniSQ and international partners strengthens Australia’s aerospace capability by building local expertise in hypersonic flight systems.”, Robert Pietsch, Principal Engineer at HyperFlight Systems.

Future Implications for the Aerospace Industry

The successful recovery of the payload and the data it contains signals a shift from pure research to commercial application. The ability to retrieve the experiment intact allows for post-flight analysis of thermal protection systems and structural integrity. This is particularly relevant for the development of reusable hypersonic vehicles, a sector that is garnering significant global attention. The improved recovery mechanisms tested during this mission ensure that sensitive instruments can be reused, further driving down costs.

Looking at the broader picture, the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program’s $180 million investment is beginning to yield tangible results. By linking academic research with industry needs, the program is cultivating a workforce skilled in advanced manufacturing and avionics. The GAsFEx-2 mission serves as a case study for how government-backed initiatives can facilitate international cooperation that benefits local industry. It positions Australian companies not just as participants, but as competent partners in the global space economy.

As we look toward the future, the frequency of these tests is expected to increase. The standardization of the ride-along interface means that future MAPHEUS launches could routinely carry Australian hypersonic experiments. This regularity is essential for rapid prototyping cycles, allowing engineers to test, fail, fix, and fly again within months rather than years. It is a methodology that accelerates innovation and ensures that safety and reliability standards keep pace with technological advancements.

Concluding Section

The GAsFEx-2 mission represents more than just a successful rocket launch; it illustrates a sustainable model for the future of hypersonic research. By leveraging international partnerships and utilizing excess capacity on sounding rockets, UniSQ and its partners have demonstrated a pathway to reduce the financial and logistical barriers that have long hindered the sector. The data gathered from the thermosphere will now feed back into laboratories in Queensland and Munich, refining the models that will design the next generation of aerospace vehicles.

As the global demand for faster, more reliable space access grows, the ability to conduct frequent and affordable flight testing will be a decisive competitive advantage. Through the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program, Australia is securing its foothold in this high-tech domain, proving that with the right collaboration, the sky is no longer the limit.

FAQ

Question: What is the primary goal of the GAsFEx-2 mission?
Answer: The primary goal was to test advanced avionics and gather aerothermodynamic data at hypersonic speeds using a cost-effective “ride-along” model on a DLR sounding rocket.

Question: How does the “ride-along” model benefit researchers?
Answer: It significantly reduces costs, by up to 95%, by allowing hypersonic experiments to hitch a ride on rockets already scheduled for other missions, rather than funding a dedicated launch.

Question: Who are the key partners involved in this project?
Answer: The project is led by the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) in partnership with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), HyperFlight Systems, the Technical University of Munich (TUM), and supported by the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program.

Sources

• iLAuNCH Trailblazer