iSEE Space

iSEE Space is an Austria- and US-based Space Situational Awareness (SSA) startup founded in 2023 developing an in-orbit radar fence constellation — a network of satellites in LEO carrying radar transmitters and receivers that collectively form a persistent electromagnetic detection barrier capable of detecting, tracking, and characterizing other resident space objects (satellites, debris, and unknown threats) across orbital regimes.

The radar fence concept builds on the successful ground-based Space Fence (U.S. Space Force S-Band radar on Kwajalein Atoll) which detects objects crossing its radar beam. An orbital radar fence flips this geometry: instead of a fixed ground site detecting objects crossing overhead, the orbital constellation's radar beams form a sensor web in space itself — eliminating atmospheric propagation losses that degrade ground radar sensitivity at low elevation angles, providing persistent (not pass-dependent) coverage of orbital regimes, and enabling tracking of objects at all altitudes rather than only those passing above a ground site's horizon. Radar from orbit can also detect smaller cross-section objects (estimated <1 cm capability long-term) compared to ground radars limited by transmission path length.

AI-powered analytics are central to iSEE Space's value proposition: automated conjunction assessment generating probability of collision warnings, anomalous maneuver detection (identifying non-cooperative satellites performing station changes), debris-generating event attribution, and early warning for anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon use or intentional proximity operations — the Space Domain Awareness (SDA) layer valued by both commercial operators and defense customers.

Founded in 2023, iSEE Space is pre-revenue and pre-launch — at the concept demonstration and seed funding phase. Its dual Austria/US presence positions it to pursue ESA Space Safety Programme funding (Austria contributes to ESA) alongside U.S. Space Force commercial SSA contract vehicles (Commercial SSA Data Services, TraCSS). Competitors include LeoLabs (ground radar), ExoAnalytic Solutions (optical), Slingshot Aerospace (data analytics), and the proposed Northstar Earth and Space orbital SSA constellation (SAR + optical). iSEE's orbital radar fence concept would be a new modality if executed.