WISeKey’s WISeSat.Space is Pioneering IoT Satellite Constellations for Climate Change Monitoring

Rhea-AI Summary

WISeKey’s WISeSAT.Space, in collaboration with FOSSA Systems, has launched 17 low-orbit satellites as part of a project to create an IoT satellite constellation for climate change monitoring. The company plans to develop 88 additional satellites and launch an enhanced WISeSat satellite with SpaceX in Q3 2024. WISeSat AG focuses on cost-effective, secure IoT connectivity using picosatellites and low-power sensors for various sectors, including smart farming and logistics. The initiative aims to provide global coverage and secure communication, aiding in environmental monitoring, disaster management, and policy formation. Challenges include financial, communication, policy, and technological barriers.

Positive

• Launch of 17 low-orbit satellites in collaboration with FOSSA Systems.
• Development of a constellation of 88 additional low-orbit satellites for global IoT coverage.
• Plan to launch an enhanced WISeSat satellite with SpaceX in Q3 2024.
• Cost-effective and secure IoT connectivity using picosatellites.
• Focus on climate change monitoring with applications in smart farming, energy, and logistics.
• Global coverage ensures IoT connectivity anywhere on Earth.
• Low-power sensors designed for remote and off-grid locations.
• Secure communication leveraging WISeKey’s cybersecurity expertise.
• Enhanced forecasting capabilities for climate change mitigation.
• High-quality data supports informed policy making.

Negative

• Significant financial barriers to funding satellite constellations.
• Challenges in making satellite data accessible and understandable to all stakeholders.
• Difficulty in developing and enforcing policies for broader adoption of satellite data.
• Need for continuous advancements in satellite technology and data processing.

WISeKey’s WISeSat.Space is Pioneering IoT Satellite Constellations for Climate Change Monitoring

In cooperation with FOSSA Systems, WISeSAT.Space has successfully launched 17 low-orbit satellites; currently developing a constellation of 88 additional low-orbit satellites.

Launch of an enhanced WISeSat satellite is planned for Q3 2024 using SpaceX.

Geneva, Switzerland – May 16, 2024: WISeKey International Holding Ltd. (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and Internet of Things (IoT) innovations, operating as a holding company today announced that through its subsidiary WISeSat AG, which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, is pioneering IoT satellite constellations aimed at climate change monitoring.

In recent years, space technology has become a critical asset in the global fight against climate change. Satellites are invaluable for monitoring, modeling, and understanding various aspects of the climate, biodiversity, and the changing states of oceans, forests, and glaciers. Additionally, they play a pivotal role in streamlining human activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, better manage ecosystems, and promote biodiversity. WISeKey, through its subsidiary WISeSat AG, is at the forefront of this revolution with the creation of an IoT satellite constellation aimed at climate change monitoring and other applications. In cooperation with FOSSA Systems, WISeSAT.Space has successfully launched 17 low-orbit satellites mainly aboard the SpaceX Transporter Rideshare missions. The company is currently developing a constellation of 88 additional low-orbit satellites to optimize global coverage for SEALSQ Corp. (Nasdaq: LAES) IoT devices.

The Role of Satellites in Climate Change Monitoring
Satellites provide a unique vantage point from which to observe the Earth's climate systems. They can collect data on a wide range of environmental parameters such as atmospheric temperatures, greenhouse gas concentrations, sea level rise, ice cover, forest biomass, and more. This data is crucial for:

1. Understanding Climate Patterns: Satellites help scientists track and predict climate patterns, by providing insights into long-term changes and immediate weather phenomena.
2. Biodiversity Monitoring: By observing changes in habitats and ecosystems, satellites aid in tracking biodiversity and detecting changes that may indicate environmental stress including deforestation.
3. Ocean and Forest Monitoring: Satellites monitor the health and extent of forests and oceans, which are vital for carbon sequestration and regulating global temperatures.
4. Disaster Management: Early warning systems for extreme weather events and natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods, are made possible through satellite data.

WISeSat’s IoT Connectivity Solution

WISeSat AG has developed the first cost-effective and secure IoT connectivity solution using picosatellites and low-power sensors. This innovative approach aims to meet the needs of large IoT deployments in various sectors, including smart farming, energy, climate change monitoring, and logistics.

Key Features of WISeSat’s Solution:

1. Cost-Effective Deployment: Picosatellites are smaller and more affordable to launch compared to traditional satellites, making IoT connectivity more accessible.
2. Global Coverage: The constellation of picosatellites ensures IoT connectivity anywhere on Earth, providing a reliable network for data collection and transmission.
3. Low-Power Sensors: Designed to operate with minimal power consumption, these sensors can function in remote and off-grid locations, making them ideal for environmental monitoring.
4. Secure Communication: Leveraging WISeKey’s expertise in cybersecurity, WISeSat ensures that data transmitted through its network is secure and protected from unauthorized access.

Applications in Climate Change Monitoring

WISeSat’s IoT satellite constellation offers numerous applications that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation:

1. Technology-Based Adaptation Solutions: These include early-warning systems for extreme weather events, which can save lives and reduce economic losses by providing timely alerts and accurate forecasts.
2. Environmental Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of environmental parameters enables the detection of changes in real-time, allowing for prompt action to address emerging issues.
3. Improved Forecasting: Enhanced forecasting capabilities help in planning and implementing measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
4. Data for Policy Making: High-quality data generated from WISeSat’s constellation and later analyzed by AI supports informed decision-making and policy formulation aimed at addressing climate change.

Launching an Enhanced WISeSat Satellite

WISeKey and WISeSat AG are collaborating on plans to launch an enhanced WISeSat satellite in Q3 2024 using SpaceX. The upgraded WISeSAT.Space satellite will be equipped with SEALSQ semiconductor technology and WISeKey cryptographic keys to secure the new FOSSASAT-2E satellite. This satellite is designed to boost performance in space and communication capabilities with SEALSQ IoT microchips installed in devices.

In cooperation with FOSSA Systems, WISeSAT.Space has successfully launched 17 low-orbit satellites and is currently developing a constellation of 88 additional low-orbit satellites to optimize global coverage for SEALSQ IoT devices.

Business Model: IoT Connectivity as a Service

WISeSAT.Space’s business model is centered on providing global satellite-based secure IoT connectivity as a service. This includes providing the satellite platform, launch, integration, ground station services, and all security architecture and components as part of a comprehensive SaaS solution for low-power, secure space-based IoT connectivity.

Earth Observation (EO) and Real-Time Analysis

The commercial satellite industry, with its Earth Observation (EO) satellites, remote sensors, and real-time data analysis capabilities, is uniquely positioned to facilitate climate goals. EO satellites can capture detailed images and data that provide insights into environmental changes. For example, they can identify which energy providers emit the most CO2 or track the rapid melting of Arctic ice and illegal deforestation in Amazon. While the potential of EO satellites is vast, several challenges need to be addressed to maximize their impact on climate change:

1. Financial Barriers: Funding the development and deployment of satellite constellations is expensive. Collaborative efforts between governments, private sector stakeholders, and international organizations are crucial to secure necessary investments.
2. Communication Barriers: Ensuring that satellite data is accessible and understandable to all stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and the public, is essential for effective action.
3. Policy Barriers: Developing and enforcing policies that encourage the use of satellite data for climate action can drive more widespread adoption and integration of this technology.
4. Technology Barriers: Continuous advancements in satellite technology, data processing, and sensor capabilities are necessary to enhance the precision and utility of the data collected.

Integrating Geospatial Data with Climate Models

One of the most promising applications of WISeSat satellite data is the integration of geospatial data with global climate models. This combination can provide detailed estimates of the long-term effects of climate change on specific regions. For instance, soil carbon monitoring can estimate the carbon stored in soil, demonstrating the impact of regenerative agriculture practices like cover cropping, reduced tillage, and crop rotation. By using satellite data to monitor soil carbon, stakeholders can better understand the effectiveness of different agricultural practices in sequestering carbon and improving soil health. This information is critical for promoting sustainable farming practices that contribute to climate change mitigation.

About WISeSat.Space

WISeSat AG is pioneering a transformative approach to IoT connectivity and climate change monitoring through its innovative satellite constellation. By providing cost-effective, secure, and global IoT connectivity, WISeSat is enabling a wide range of applications that support environmental monitoring, disaster management, and sustainable practices. The integration of satellite data with advanced climate models holds great promise for enhancing our understanding of climate change and developing effective strategies to combat its impacts. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, initiatives like WISeSat's IoT satellite constellation are essential for creating a more resilient and sustainable future.

About WISeKey
WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on selling integrated solutions based on semiconductors, PKI, and Provisioning services, while developing Post-Quantum technology hardware and software products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, and (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions.

Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

Press and investor contacts:

WISeKey International Holding Ltd  Company Contact:  Carlos Moreira Chairman & CEO Tel: +41 22 594 3000 info@wisekey.com

WISeKey Investor Relations (US)  The Equity Group Inc. Lena Cati Tel: +1 212 836-9611 / lcati@equityny.com Katie Murphy Tel: +1 212 836-9612 / kmurphy@equityny.com

Disclaimer:
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FInSa's predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

FAQ

What is the purpose of WISeKey's WISeSat.Space initiative?

WISeKey’s WISeSat.Space initiative aims to create an IoT satellite constellation for climate change monitoring and secure IoT connectivity.

How many satellites has WISeKey launched for its WISeSat.Space project?

WISeKey has successfully launched 17 low-orbit satellites for its WISeSat.Space project.

What are the future plans for WISeSat.Space’s satellite constellation?

WISeSat.Space plans to develop a constellation of 88 additional low-orbit satellites and launch an enhanced WISeSat satellite in Q3 2024.

Which company is WISeKey collaborating with for the WISeSat.Space initiative?

WISeKey is collaborating with FOSSA Systems for the WISeSat.Space initiative.

What sectors will benefit from WISeKey's IoT connectivity solution?

Sectors benefiting from WISeKey's IoT connectivity solution include smart farming, energy, climate change monitoring, and logistics.

What is the main advantage of using picosatellites for IoT connectivity?

Picosatellites are cost-effective and smaller, making IoT connectivity more accessible and global.

What are some challenges faced by WISeKey's WISeSat.Space initiative?

Challenges include financial barriers, communication issues, policy enforcement difficulties, and the need for continuous technological advancements.

How does WISeKey ensure the security of the data transmitted through WISeSat?

WISeKey leverages its expertise in cybersecurity to ensure that data transmitted through WISeSat is secure and protected from unauthorized access.

What are the applications of WISeSat’s IoT satellite constellation?

Applications include environmental monitoring, disaster management, improved climate change forecasting, and data for policy making.

When will the enhanced WISeSat satellite be launched?

The enhanced WISeSat satellite is planned to be launched in Q3 2024 using SpaceX.