Kestrel-0A Spacecraft - Nanosats Database

Name	Kestrel-0A
Spacecraft type	CubeSat
Units or mass	8U
Status	Operational (News about commissioning on 2025-09-23)
Launched	2025-06-26
NORAD ID	64624
Deployer	EXOpod Nova 12U/16U [Exolaunch]
Launcher	Electron
Organization	HawkEye 360
Institution	Company
Entity type	Commercial
Country	US
Oneliner	Testing a new satellite form factor with Iridium transceiver.
Description	Kestrel-0A will operate as part of the authorized HE360 Constellation. It differs from the authorized satellites in the HE360 Constellation primarily in that it has an 8U cubesat form factor and will have onboard an Iridium satellite transceiver used for low-rate, real-time two-way communications between the Kestrel-0A satellite and the HE360 ground network via the Iridium constellation. Kestrel-0A will otherwise operate in the same frequencies within the same technical performance envelopes authorized for the HE360 Constellation and communicate with the same ground stations authorized for the system. Consistent with the public interest, the requested authorization will allow the company to test a new satellite form factor that would facilitate the company’s ability to meet commercial demands and enhance the range of services HE360 is able to provide its customers. Moreover, the proposed demonstration satellite will not cause harmful interference or raise orbital debris mitigation concerns.
Results	Kestrel-0A is progressing well, with ongoing contact and early-stage mission milestones being achieved.
Sources	[1] [2] [3] [4]
Keywords	Propulsion, Globalstar or Iridium or Inmarsat

Last modified: 2026-01-04