Commercial Innovation Center (CIC)

We Are Better Together

Our Commercial Innovation Center (CIC) is a first-of-its-kind, online development and test platform that provides a secure, virtual, open ecosystem and test sandbox for developers and researchers. We do it by harnessing the combined powers of commercial remote sensing, unclassified open datasets, cloud technologies, in a secure development ecosystem fueled by new, emerging, and seasoned tools, services and data to create solutions that keep our nation safe. The Riverside Research CIC is the place where commercial subject matter experts come together securely to collaborate and create the best commercial solutions to real world scenarios before they're integrated and deployed in the field.

Together, we win

It’s not as much fun to play in the sandbox by yourself, right? We know from experience that it’s the collective work of many people with diverse experiences and backgrounds that create the most effective solutions. By design, the CIC encourages partnerships, increases data accessibility, integrates app development, and facilitates the creation of transition-ready prototypes. Because of our unique position as a nonprofit in the defense space, we can provide the neutral environment where collaborative innovation thrives. As demonstrated on this video, capitalizing on all commercial sensors available improves our progress towards persistent observation.

Access to rich datasets

Data is the one thing that is guaranteed to continuously grow and change. Technology entrepreneurs’ success revolves around access to these data and developing improved AI and machine learning tools creating integrated and advanced applications for businesses in support of (United States Government) USG needs.

Advanced tools and applications

Advanced tools and applications

Technology innovation in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and augmented and virtual reality present significant entrepreneurial opportunities, yet all require geospatial data for development. Early-stage entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and innovators will now have access to the large datasets that are traditionally only available to large, established industry players. Such datasets are often too costly for early-stage entrepreneurs and researchers to acquire, and even if the datasets are made available, they are often not packaged in a manner that allows innovators to work with the data—they are overwhelmingly unwieldy and non-standardized. The CIC data environment seeks to solve that problem, allowing researchers and entrepreneurs new opportunities for experimentation, testing, and training.

The CIC pairs this data with tools and services to streamline development timelines by ensuring flexible licenses are available for your R&D activities within the CIC ecosystem. As new tools and services become available, we negotiate with the vendors for early and shared access amongst our CIC participants to the latest and greatest capabilities from established vendors in the remote sensing market. This visual shows a few or our early integrators, and as new vendors are integrated, we’ll let the community know!

CIC Data Search and Discovery

Your all-access pass

The CIC supports and enables industry, scientific, academic, and governmental R&D activities by facilitating access to commercial remote sensing data. Riverside Research integrates the hardware, software, processes, data, tools, internet accesses, demonstration capabilities, and other IT infrastructure required to execute CIC participant SIBR projects and meet R&D objectives. Our CIC offers:

  • Exposure to diverse and emerging data and data types for more data scientists
  • Increased interaction between content providers and new application developers; enables cloud-hybrid, multi-INT applications
  • Lowered entry barriers by eliminating the need for a user-developed system
  • Integrated orchestration-to-analysis workflow
  • Timely teaming, technology, and tipping
  • Accelerated access and use of commercial remote sensing solutions and innovation
Right where you want it

Right where you want it

Are you looking for a cloud-hosting environment where you can easily access commercial data for development and test—all from one place to safely develop, load, and test capabilities?

Our trusted, unclassified, virtual development platform provides access to R&D-licensed commercial remote sensing phenomenologies (e.g., EO, radar, IR, RF), connects emerging and established vendors with shared application tools and services, and facilitates GEOINT, MASINT, and Multi-INT research and development. The CIC includes:

  • An ecosystem of commercial data providers (CDPs)
  • A network of application developers
  • Common R&D data and COTS/GOTS tools (e.g., loading, discovery)
  • Common testing data (curated, tagged)
  • Robust DevOps environment
  • Hybrid cloud-ready infrastructure
  • Protected intellectual property and data rights
  • Maturing secure data fabric
CIC mission, vision & values

CIC mission, vision & values

Mission: Provide data scientists and algorithm developers with a virtual development and test platform and access to new and diverse commercial remote sensing data to develop algorithms, tools, and services.

Vision: Work in the Nation’s interest to offer proven expertise and experience in commercial remote sensing to solve problems through innovation, agility, and creative thinking.

Values: Encourage partnerships and connect emerging and established users across USG and industry with shared application tools, services, and diverse commercial constellation data.

Participant Agreements: We offer access to a secure, virtual, cloud-based ecosystem to perform R&D using existing and emerging commercial sources to develop and test algorithms, tools, and services accelerating USG objectives.

Commercial Experts: We offer our commercial experience, data scientists, and phenomenology experts to support efforts using the CIC to perform commercial utility assessments, new sensor development, synthetic data V&V, data value/usability studies, and more.

Products and Services: We offer access to CIC-based products and services such as synthetic data generation, data tagging, AI/ML V&V, data compression, data geo-registration, and more.

Work With the Commercial Innovation Center
Press Inquiries About the CIC

Commercial Innovation in the News

  • Commercial Imagery
  • Satellite Launches
  • EO-MSI
  • SAR
  • HSI
  • RF
  • SSA
Commercial Imagery
Dramatic footage shows baby among those evacuated from blazing Ukraine train - BBC

We're tracking the build up of US military assets around the Gulf. We use open-source intelligence, satellite imagery, fact-checking and data analysis ...

Jan 28,2026
Europe's next-gen weather satellite sends back first images - SWI swissinfo.ch

The first images from the new Meteosat Third Generation-Sounder satellite have been presented. It should provide data on temperature and humidity, for ...

Jan 28,2026
Documenting the Israel–Gaza war: reflections and the future

Combining user-generated content with satellite imagery, geospatial analysis, geo and chronolocation and corroborating sources. Over time, this ...

Jan 28,2026
Airbus and Hisdesat sign a commercialisation agreement for PAZ-2 satellite imagery

Airbus Defence and Space and Hisdesat sign a commercialisation agreement for PAZ-2 radar satellite imagery and applications.

Jan 28,2026
Airbus, Hisdesat sign commercialisation agreement for PAZ-2 satellite imagery

Airbus SE: * Airbus and Hisdesat sign a commercialisation agreement for PAZ-2 satellite imagery * First of PAZ-2 satellites is expected to enter ...

Jan 28,2026
Water and Soil Intelligence Initiative Malaysia with LC60ai - SPACE & DEFENSE

The event, attended by over 50 stakeholders, including government agencies, aims to showcase the value of satellite data. LC60 AI is also developing ...

Jan 28,2026
SES Extends EGNOS GEO-1 Satellite Service to Power Precise Navigation Across Europe

The agreement ensures Europe's satellite-based augmentation continues enhancing navigation for aviation and other critical users and lowering ...

Jan 28,2026
Baltic and North Sea states warn of safety risks from GNSS interference - GPS World

“Modern maritime transport is fundamentally built on the reliability of satellite-based navigation,” reads the letter. “For over three decades ...

Jan 28,2026
Lockheed Martin's newest GPS satellite reaches orbit, strengthening warfighter connectivity

The satellite launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 11:53 p.m. ET aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It achieved signal acquisition ...

Jan 28,2026
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, January 27, 2026 | ISW

Symynivka Satellite Imagery January 27, 2026 Novayakovlivka Satellite Imagery January 27, 2026 Bilytske Satellite Imagery January 27, 2026. Russian ...

Jan 28,2026
Snow Buries the U.S. Interior and East - NASA Science

On the afternoon of January 26, the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the Suomi NPP satellite observed new snow covering a large ...

Jan 28,2026
Europe Geospatial Solutions Market Size & Growth, 2034

According to the European Defence Agency, a majority of EU member states now integrate commercial satellite imagery into defense planning. Frontex ...

Jan 28,2026
Major January winter storm affects much of the southern and eastern US

CIMSS Satellite Blog. MENU. Search for: Home · About · More Blogs and Imagery ... imagery with hourly plots of surface weather type (red), from ...

Jan 28,2026
China Begins Relocating Structure from PMZ - Beyond Parallel - CSIS

CSIS analysis of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and satellite imagery corroborates these statements. Satellite imagery taken earlier ...

Jan 28,2026
A tall, triangular tower was recently identified in satellite imagery within Area 51 ... - Instagram

Satellite imagery recently revealed a tall, triangular tower located within Area 51 in Nevada. FRE NICOTINE POUCHES WARNING: This product contains ...

Jan 28,2026
FIRST ALERT WEATHER: Arctic Air Loading Up Again - KY3

Temperatures briefly reached freezing today as visible satellite imagery revealed thinning snow coverage south of Springfield. This trend will ...

Jan 28,2026
GPS III launch coming soon to enhance warfighter capabilities

... A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches the GPS III-SV08 satellite for the U.S. Space Force from Florida on May 30, 2025.

Jan 28,2026
Orlando Science Schools student creates satellite technology to help detect flood damage

She designed a small CubeSat designed to detect flooding, assess damage, and help locate survivors faster than current systems. The satellite takes ...

Jan 28,2026
Satellite imagery this morning revealed not only the cut off between accumulations and no ...

NWS Jackson MS (@NWSJacksonMS). 11 likes. Satellite imagery this morning revealed not only the cut off between accumulations and no accumulations ...

Jan 28,2026
Edge-guided dual-branch network for flood mapping in satellite imagery: a deep learning approach

Download Citation | On Jan 27, 2026, Faming Gong and others published Edge-guided dual-branch network for flood mapping in satellite imagery: a ...

Jan 28,2026
Satellite Launches
Images of SpaceX launching GPS III-9 satellites Jan. 27 from Florida - Florida Today

After unfavorable weather postponed a previous launch attempt, SpaceX crews successfully sent a Falcon 9 rocket into flight on a national security ...

Jan 28,2026
Satellite-as-a-Service (SataaS) Research Report 2026: $10.25+ Bn Market Opportunities ...

... satellite launches. Key market opportunities include new commercial ... These satellites offer high-detail imaging, covering vast areas and ...

Jan 28,2026
Lockheed Martin's newest GPS satellite reaches orbit, strengthening warfighter connectivity

On Tuesday night, the company's ninth GPS III space vehicle (SV09) launched in orbit, adding a capability that enables people to connect, gives ...

Jan 28,2026
ALT Systems Announces Two Big Launches At HPA 2026 - Digital Studio India

... satellite imaging, and medical imaging workflows. “The acquisition of Pixspan's IP was a deliberate investment in the most advanced lossless data ...

Jan 28,2026
Airbus and Hisdesat sign a commercialisation agreement for PAZ-2 satellite imagery

Airbus Defence and Space and Hisdesat sign a commercialisation agreement for PAZ-2 radar satellite imagery and applications.

Jan 28,2026
Airbus Pléiades Neo Next Satellite Launching Early 2028, 20cm Resolution

Airbus will launch its first Pléiades Neo Next satellite early 2028, reinforcing its Earth observation capabilities and services.

Jan 28,2026
Budget remains tight for scaled-back GeoXO program - SpaceNews

The first GeoXO satellite, scheduled to launch in 2032 to replace GOES West, will be equipped with an Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) built for the ...

Jan 28,2026
The first Airbus Pléiades Neo Next satellite will be launched early 2028 - AeroMorning

“This programme will further enhance our standard of excellence in terms of quality, performance, and reliability to deliver images as well as geo- ...

Jan 28,2026
National programme to build Oman's satellite capabilities launched - Muscat Daily

The satellite will be designed to capture satellite imagery, process data and transmit it to a ground station. The data will support applications ...

Jan 28,2026
SpaceX set to launch advanced GPS satellite from Cape Canaveral | FOX 35 Orlando

The GPS-III satellite will be carried into medium-Earth orbit by a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force ...

Jan 28,2026
Northwood Space Raises $100M in Series B and Works With Space Force on Satellite ...

Launch · Technology · Digital Magazine; Interactive Features. Technology ... Imagery and Sensing L3Harris to Provide Imaging Payload for South ...

Jan 28,2026
GPS III launch coming soon to enhance warfighter capabilities

A live webcast of this mission from launch to satellite deployment will ... Hide Images. Hide Images. Reading Guide. Reading Guide. Focus Outline.

Jan 28,2026
Amazon's 180 internet satellites are already too bright. It wants 3000 more.

... satellite internet constellation—while also garnering many of its own criticisms. Amazon finally launched its first equipment into orbit in April ...

Jan 28,2026
Europe's next-generation weather satellite sends back first images | WebWire

The MTG mission currently has two satellites in orbit: MTG-I and MTG-S. The second Imager will be launched later in 2026. MTG-S was launched on 1 July ...

Jan 28,2026
INPE Awards SpaceLaunch Contract for Amazonia-1B Mission on Vega-C - SatNews

... launch services of the Amazonia-1B satellite. The mission is slated for ... Imager (AWFI) for land and water monitoring. “We are honored to ...

Jan 28,2026
OTD In Space - January 26: International Ultraviolet Explorer Launched - video Dailymotion

The derelict satellite is still in orbit around the Earth today. Category.. Tech. Transcript. Display full video transcript.

Jan 28,2026
Europe's New MTG‑S Weather Satellite Delivers Impressive First Data - OHB SE

A second Imager is scheduled for launch later in 2026. OHB System AG serves as prime for the MTG Sounder satellite and is also responsible for all six ...

Jan 28,2026
KSAT Introduces New Maritime Detection Platform - Via Satellite

Launch Open Cosmos Sees First Two Satellites Launched in Broadband Constellation · Imagery and Sensing. KSAT Introduces New Maritime Detection ...

Jan 28,2026
Brazil's Amazonia-1B Satellite to Be Launched Aboard Vega C - European Spaceflight

Brazil's National Institute for Space Research has selected Vega C to launch its Amazonia-1B Earth observation satellite in 2027.

Jan 28,2026
European Space Agency unveils first images from Earth-observation 'sounder' satellite

Launched on 1 July 2025 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, MTG-S operates from a geostationary orbit, about 36 ...

Jan 28,2026
EO-MSI
Riyadh Air Partners Neo Space Group to Introduce High Speed In-flight Connectivity on its ...

Neo Space Group has announced a strategic partnership with Riyadh Air ... Satellite-Terrestrial Integration. January 22, 2026 Geopolitics News ...

Jan 28,2026
Airbus enhances Pléiades Neo ground segment performance through Skynopy's innovative ...

... Neo constellation. Through this collaboration, Airbus Defence and Space strengthens the performance and responsiveness of its Earth observation ...

Jan 28,2026
Lockheed Martin's newest GPS satellite reaches orbit, strengthening warfighter connectivity

The satellite launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 11:53 p.m. ET aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It achieved signal acquisition ...

Jan 28,2026
Constellation Energy Reshapes Growth Profile With Calpine Deal And AI Power Contracts

Constellation Energy (NasdaqGS:CEG) has completed a US ... OOO97 on Neo Performance Materials · 26 days ago. Undervalued Key Player ...

Jan 28,2026
Airbus and Hisdesat sign a commercialisation agreement for PAZ-2 satellite imagery

... satellite imagery and applications. 28 January 2026. 3 min read · The first Airbus Pléiades Neo Next satellite will be launched early 2028. Press ...

Jan 28,2026
Airbus Pléiades Neo Next Satellite Launching Early 2028, 20cm Resolution

Airbus will launch its first Pléiades Neo Next satellite early 2028, reinforcing its Earth observation capabilities and services.

Jan 28,2026
NASA Testing Advances Space Nuclear Propulsion Capabilities - ASDNews

Other recent Space News news releases. The 1st Airbus Pleiades Neo Next Satellite Will Be Launched Early 2028. Jan 27, 2026 · NGC Boosters Ready to ...

Jan 28,2026
Is MTX's Asian Satellite Push And Steady Dividend Altering The Investment Case For ...

... satellite plants. The expansion of on-site satellite plants at ... OOO97 on Neo Performance Materials · 26 days ago. Undervalued Key Player ...

Jan 28,2026
Oman's MB Group orders Astranis MicroGEO satellite - BroadcastPro ME

... Neo ... Anuvu to launch MicroGEO satellite constellation with Astranis.

Jan 28,2026
Space Debris Drives Change In Spacecraft Operations | Aviation Week Network

Vantor used its WorldView-2 satellite from 150 mi. to image the Starlink spacecraft that experienced an anomaly on Dec. 17. Credit: Vantor. The return ...

Jan 28,2026
Gilat Secures More Orders for Sidewinder IFC Terminals - Via Satellite

Gilat Satellite Networks has received a multimillion order from a ... Mobility Riyadh Air Taps Neo Space Group for IFC · Government/Military ...

Jan 28,2026
Satellogic raises $35 million in registered direct offering By Investing.com

Satellogic plans to use the net proceeds for growth initiatives, constellation and satellite infrastructure, working capital, and general corporate ...

Jan 28,2026
Cloud Cover Conundrum: New Study Helps Improve Cloud Predictions in Atmospheric Models

Worldview · Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) ... satellite simulators against real satellite data. The simulators mimic ...

Jan 28,2026
Satellogic Announces Closing of $35 Million Registered Direct Offering of Common Stock

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for continued investment in growth initiatives, constellation and satellite ...

Jan 28,2026
Satellogic Announces Closing of $35 Million Registered Direct Offering of Common Stock

Deal strengthens Satellogic's balance sheet and funds growth, from constellation and satellite infrastructure to working capital, after recent ...

Jan 28,2026
Aerospace & Defense Startup Grid Aero Raises $20M Series A - AeroMorning

27 January 2026 | The first Airbus Pléiades Neo Next satellite will be launched early 2028 · 29 December 2025 | European Industrial Governance: Why ...

Jan 28,2026
Europe's New MTG‑S Weather Satellite Delivers Impressive First Data - OHB SE

OHB and Satellogic sign MoU for the development of joint Earth observation applications · Arianespace announces new date for Heinrich Hertz launch ...

Jan 28,2026
KSAT Introduces New Maritime Detection Platform - Via Satellite

Latest News. Mobility Riyadh Air Taps Neo Space Group for IFC · Government ... This platform now combines KSAT's satellite antenna network and maritime ...

Jan 28,2026
Capture-the-Flag in Space: D-Orbit Shares Lessons from Cyber Competition - Via Satellite

D-Orbit shares takeaways from the capture-the-flag competition it hosted onboard a satellite in orbit last year ... Mobility Riyadh Air Taps Neo Space ...

Jan 28,2026
French DGA Selects Soframe Heavy Recovery Vehicles | Joint Forces News

First Airbus Pléiades Neo Next Satellite Announced · SpainSat NG II Satellite Suffers External Impact · Rheinmetall and ICEYE Open Up Dimension Space.

Jan 28,2026
SAR
Airbus, Hisdesat extend partnership to commercialize PAZ-2 radar satellite imagery - Defensehere

... PAZ satellite, operated in constellation with Germany's TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X satellites. Under the new deal, Airbus and Hisdesat will jointly ...

Jan 28,2026
Satellite-as-a-Service (SataaS) Research Report 2026: $10.25+ Bn Market Opportunities ...

For instance, ICEYE launched four satellites in August 2024, extending its radar satellite constellation to support diverse applications such as ...

Jan 28,2026
LiveEO Exits Stealth Mode With Twinspector Earth Observation Plan - Aviation Week

... satellite platform developer ... Rheinmetall Secures German SAR Satellite Contract In Iceye Partnership.

Jan 28,2026
Airbus, Hisdesat Expand PAZ-2 Radar Satellite Partnership - ProInvestor

Airbus, Hisdesat Expand PAZ-2 Radar Satellite Partnership. 28/1 11:35. (RTTNews) - Airbus Defence and Space (EADSY.PK, EADSF.PK, AIR.MC, AIR.MI, AIR ...

Jan 28,2026
Airbus, Hisdesat Expand PAZ-2 Radar Satellite Partnership - Nasdaq

... PAZ satellite in constellation with Germany's TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X satellites. The PAZ-2 programme will consist of two satellites replacing the ...

Jan 28,2026
Iceye Proposes 1,000-Spacecraft 'Constellation Europe' | Aviation Week Network

Iceye is pushing Europe to get on with building an autonomous satellite intelligence system, proposing a 1000-spacecraft construct called ...

Jan 28,2026
Airbus enhances Pléiades Neo ground segment performance through Skynopy's innovative ...

Airbus and Hisdesat sign a commercialisation agreement for PAZ ...

Jan 28,2026
Lockheed Martin's newest GPS satellite reaches orbit, strengthening warfighter connectivity

The satellite launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 11:53 p.m. ET aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It achieved signal acquisition ...

Jan 28,2026
Airbus, Hisdesat Sign Commercialisation Agreement For PAZ-2 Satellite Imagery - TradingView

Airbus, Hisdesat Sign Commercialisation Agreement For PAZ-2 Satellite Imagery. Jan 28, 2026, 01:10 GMT-8 RefinitivLess than 1 min read.

Jan 28,2026
Airbus and Hisdesat sign a commercialisation agreement for PAZ-2 satellite imagery

It consists of twin satellites that will replace the current PAZ satellite, in service since 2018, ensuring and enhancing the current capabilities.

Jan 28,2026
How Investors Are Reacting To Electro Optic Systems (ASX:EOS) Surging Backlog And ...

About ASX:EOS. Electro Optic Systems Holdings. Engages in the development, manufacture, and sale of telescopes and dome enclosures, laser satellite ...

Jan 28,2026
SpaceX launches advanced GPS satellite for US Space Force (photos)

SpaceX launched an advanced, jam-resistant GPS satellite for the U.S. Space Force from Florida on Tuesday night (Jan. 27).

Jan 28,2026
Mdm Deployment For Eos Tools Pro: A Faster Way to Configure - Directions Magazine

The sequence spans five areas related to satellite positioning, providing clarity before export for GNSS use. When the process completes, the ...

Jan 28,2026
News Round-Up: EOS, Roboze, and SWISSto12 - 3D ADEPT MEDIA

SWISSto12, one of the world's fastest-growing aerospace companies and leading manufacturer of advanced satellite systems and radio frequency (RF) ...

Jan 28,2026
Satellite reconnaissance: What the SPOCK 1 decision means for the ICEYE and Rheinmetall project

Rheinmetall entered into the joint venture with Finnish satellite company ICEYE last fall. (picture alliance/chromorange/MPfoto71). Shortly before ...

Jan 28,2026
Europe's New MTG‑S Weather Satellite Delivers Impressive First Data - OHB SE

EOS adds MT Aerospace AG as Partner for Additively Manufactured Metal Components · OHB Earth Observation Satellite EnMAP to be launched in April 2022 ...

Jan 28,2026
Rheinmetall and OHB are discussing to create a military internet service for the Bundeswehr ...

Rheinmetall, which is already collaborating with Iceye, and OHB, the third largest satellite manufacturer in Europe, aim to compete with Airbus's ...

Jan 28,2026
OHB, Rheinmetall talk on German military satellite project - All-About-Industries

Satellite Business Rheinmetall Checks Cooperation With Satellite Expert OHB ... Iceye, which enabled the company to secure a major contract worth 2.0 ...

Jan 28,2026
ICEYE is delivering sovereign SAR Missions in several nations independently, building ... - Facebook

UK plans own satellite system after being frozen out of EU Galileo project. Derrick Knowles and 4 others. 5 reactions ·. 5 comments.

Jan 28,2026
ICEYE - Facebook

At Esri FedGIS, ICEYE is showcasing a 3D virtual simulation of recent historic floods tracked with our Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite ...

Jan 28,2026
SSA

Questions about Commercial Innovation Center (CIC)