HawkEye 360 Cluster 16

HawkEye 360 Cluster 16 successfully launched on October 23, 2026, aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from Māhia Spaceport in New Zealand. SFL Missions delivered the HawkEye 360 Cluster 16 spacecraft bus units and subsystems with advanced capabilities to HawkEye 360’s facility in Virginia for assembly, integration, and testing under the SFL Flex Production Program.

As of the Cluster 16 launch, a total of 48 successfully launched HawkEye 360 RF geolocation satellites have been developed on SFL spacecraft platforms.

SFL Missions designed an upgraded version of the SFL space-proven 30-kg DEFIANT spacecraft bus specifically for Hawkeye 360 Clusters 15 and 16 to enable new capabilities. One key innovation is a switchable antenna and radio system that allows simultaneous payload collection and downlink of targeted RF signal data. This means the satellites will download payload data in real time to ground receiving stations in theater.

HawkEye 360 is the global leader in signals intelligence and the first to use formation-flying microsatellites for maritime and terrestrial RF signal detection. This data is analyzed for many sectors, including maritime situational awareness, emergency response, national security, and spectrum mapping. Common defense applications include Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) and Electronic Intelligence (ELINT).

This Cluster adds further depth and coverage to HawkEye 360’s constellation, supporting expanded frequency detection, improved revisit rates, and broader global reach to help meet the growing demand for signals intelligence.

HawkEye 360 selected SFL for its missions due to the importance of robust and accurate attitude control and formation flying by multiple satellites for successful RF geolocation. The HawkEye 360 Constellation is a prime example of how SFL leverages its innovative technology and decades of experience to create low-cost, high-performance small satellites.