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
Beyond city limits: A satellite-based PM2.5 assessment across India's airsheds, states, and districts

Satellite estimates, combined with ground data and atmospheric models, fill these gaps by providing consistent coverage that captures pollution ...

Nov 25,2025
NOAA Shares First SWFO-L1 Space Weather Data from STIS | NESDIS

... Satellite 18 (GOES-18) satellite. Image credit: NOAA NCEI and SWPC. Download Image Image Download. A clear example occurred on October 21-23, 2025 ...

Nov 25,2025
BlackSky delivers first very high resolution images from third Gen-3 satellite less than 24 ...

Image: BlackSky. BlackSky Technology Inc. has released the first very high resolution images from its third Gen-3 satellite in under 24 hours after ...

Nov 25,2025
BlackSky announces latest Gen-3 satellite in orbit after confidential Electron launch

The company announced Nov. 25 that its newest Gen-3 satellite produced its first high-resolution imagery less than 24 hours after its launch this ...

Nov 25,2025
Satellite pics reveal China's terrifying rehearsal for Taiwan INVASION using 'shadow fleet'

Disturbing satellite imagery has confirmed an armada of ferries was commandeered to practice delivering troops, vehicles and military gear to ...

Nov 25,2025
Satellite Images Locate Ukrainian Kids Abducted By Russia: Lab - Barron's

Researchers at a Yale University lab in the United States are using satellite imagery to locate Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, ...

Nov 25,2025
Group of Tu-22M3 bombers redepolyed to Kola - The Barents Observer

However, they have a large warhead that can cause significant damage. This satellite image from August 2024 shows a dozen Tu-22M3 bombers parked ...

Nov 25,2025
Enhancing U2Net for Precise Road Extraction from Satellite Images via Channel Refinement

Road extraction from very high-resolution satellite imagery (VHR) is necessary for remote sensing applications like city management, ...

Nov 25,2025
Luxury tourism resort Berkeley River Lodge suffers 'significant damage' in Ex-Tropical ... - ABC News

A satellite viewer showing cloud formations over land. Tropical cyclone ... satellite image of norther Western Australia · Trees toppled, cars ...

Nov 25,2025
supplementing, and supplanting, the ARGON geodetic satellite program - The Space Review

An ARGON mapping satellite image of the Gulf of Oman returned in 1964. (credit: Via Harry Stranger). Mapping the dark side of the world (part 2): ...

Nov 25,2025
Overstory Closes $43m Series B To Scale AI-Driven Wildfire Prevention And Grid Resilience

The company harnesses high-resolution satellite imagery and proprietary AI models to provide the critical intelligence needed to move utilities ...

Nov 25,2025
Footage shows damage across Kyiv as Ukraine claims strike on Russia air base - BBC

BBC Verify uses open-source intelligence, satellite imagery, fact-checking and data analysis to help report complex stories. This feed is where we ...

Nov 25,2025
China launches Shenzhou 22 spacecraft to assist in return of 3 stranded astronauts - NPR

... Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwestern China, on Tuesday. ... Satellite image of Haiti, including Gonave Island. National · Texas men ...

Nov 25,2025
Aerial vs. Satellite Imagery: Why Both Are Essential for Advanced Mapping - GeoWGS84

Aerial and satellite imagery deliver detailed, timely location data. Though different, they complement each other and are essential for modern ...

Nov 25,2025
X-Raying a Satellite | Newswise

... satellite. The imaged satellite is called EURECA – short for EUropean ... The big advantage of X-ray imaging is the same for satellites as it ...

Nov 25,2025
Rush Gold Mobilizes Field Crews and Commences WorldView-3 Satellite Alteration Image ...

that new imagery tasking via the WV-3 earth observation satellite over the Legal Tender and Skylight Area Of Interest (AOI) has commenced. Tasking is ...

Nov 25,2025
EURECA examined at Empa: X-raying a satellite

Empa researchers have studied the satellite using various non-destructive X-ray methods. ... The big advantage of X-ray imaging is the same for ...

Nov 25,2025
From Government to Global: How Satellite Intelligence Became a Commercial Advantage

This wave – driven by smaller sensors, cheaper launches, and rising demand for imagery – made commercial satellite data a viable operational tool ...

Nov 25,2025
Six startups graduate UniSA space program - Australian Defence Magazine

... satellite manoeuvrability and reduce the cost of access to space. ... intelligence company. GroundZero Space, headquartered in Victoria ...

Nov 25,2025
Rush Gold Mobilizes Field Crews and Commences WorldView-3 Satellite Alteration Image ...

The Company also confirms it has received notice from its satellite provider Vantor Inc. that new imagery tasking via the WV-3 earth observation ...

Nov 25,2025
Satellite Launches
China completes first emergency mission to Tiangong space station - Reuters

The unmanned Shenzhou-22 spacecraft lifted off on a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China at 12:11 p.m. ( ...

Nov 25,2025
China launches uncrewed Shenzhou capsule for 3 astronauts stuck on Tiangong space station

A Long March 2F/G rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch ... images showing holes in the surface of Mars where caves have formed.

Nov 25,2025
China launches spacecraft to bring 3 stranded astronauts back from space station ... - CBS News

... Satellite Launch Center on Nov. 25, 2025 in northwest China. VCG / VCG via Getty Images. Earlier this month, another group of Chinese astronauts ...

Nov 25,2025
X-Raying a Satellite | Newswise

The big advantage of X-ray imaging is the same for satellites as it is ... “Ideally, such satellites should be X-rayed both before launch and after ...

Nov 25,2025
White House Launches Genesis Mission to Link Supercomputers and Quantum Systems

... Launch Quantum Index at IYQ. Cierra Choucair February 4, 2025 ... Satellite Imagery. May 24, 2021. Keep track of everything going on in the ...

Nov 25,2025
From Government to Global: How Satellite Intelligence Became a Commercial Advantage

This wave – driven by smaller sensors, cheaper launches, and rising demand for imagery – made commercial satellite data a viable operational tool ...

Nov 25,2025
China launches Shenzhou-22 spaceship - Anadolu Ajansı

Unmanned spaceship lifts off from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China ... Anadolu Images · Energy Terminal · AA Academy · Green Line.

Nov 25,2025
Space-Guided Supremacy: How China's Satellite Systems Strengthen its Missile and ...

Together, these platforms fuse imagery and signals intelligence into a ... Beijing sells satellites, launch services, ground infrastructure ...

Nov 25,2025
Outage Prevention from Orbit: Why Utilities Are Turning to Satellites and Geospatial Analytics

High-resolution satellite imagery is more accurate, providing detailed images ... Galileo satellites to launch on Ariane 6 to enhance navigation system

Nov 25,2025
Is Europe still on the launchpad? Reshaping its space ecosystem to lead - McKinsey

... satellite manufacturing and launch ... In the past decade, Europe's share of global launches and satellite deployments has declined progressively.

Nov 25,2025
ST Engineering chosen to deliver SAR satellite for UAE's Sirb constellation - SatellitePro ME

... satellite provides reliable day-and-night, all-weather imaging. The ... PHI-1 satellite set for launch under UAE–UNOOSA 'Access to Space' initiative ...

Nov 25,2025
China's rising influence in space prompts Senate to call for new US research institute in post-ISS era

... launches 28 Starlink satellites on new Falcon 9 rocket from California (video) ... A series of grayscale images showing holes in the surface of Mars ...

Nov 25,2025
L3Harris completes design review of GeoXO weather imager set to enhance NOAA forecasting

The existing GOES R satellites feature several L3Harris contributions, including the Advanced Baseline Imager, the GOES R Ground System and spacecraft ...

Nov 25,2025
Rocket Lab Schedules First Dedicated Launch for Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

... launch to space for government and commercial small satellites. ... Rocket Lab Successfully Deploys Sixth Earth-Imaging Satellite for iQPS Read more ...

Nov 25,2025
Landsat 6 - NASA Science

The spacecraft was developed and owned by Earth Observation Satellite Company (EOSAT), making it the only commercial launch in the Landsat program's ...

Nov 25,2025
Landsat 4 - NASA Science

... satellite imagery as a standard tool. The new blue band also allowed ... satellites were operational at launch. NASA Goddard researchers ...

Nov 25,2025
Kyivstar Launches Starlink Direct to Cell Satellite Connectivity in Ukraine

Kyivstar is the first in Europe to provide access to satellite technology to enable sending and receiving SMS messages in areas where terrestrial ...

Nov 25,2025
ABS-CBN - LOOK: President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. launches the DPWH Transparency ...

... satellite images. Marcos Jr. says this is part of the transparency reforms to curb corruption in government. Marcos Jr. says the DPWH Transparency ...

Nov 25,2025
Amazon to invest up to $50 billion to expand AI and supercomputing infrastructure for US ...

... satellite imagery, sensor data, and historical patterns at unprecedented scale. ... 2011: Launched AWS GovCloud (US-West), becoming the first ...

Nov 25,2025
China to launch an empty Shenzhou 22 spacecraft to help stranded astronauts on Tiangong ...

... Satellite Launch Center, located in China's Gobi Desert. Liftoff is scheduled during a 30-minute launch window that begins at 11:11 p.m. EST (0411 ...

Nov 25,2025
EO-MSI
BlackSky Technology Inc. Quickly Delivers First Very High-Resolution Images from Third ...

BlackSky Technology Inc. delivered the first very high-resolution images from the company's third Gen-3 satellite less than 24hours following the ...

Nov 25,2025
M42, Constellation Network and DFNN Group Announce Agreement to Pioneer the World's ...

NEO · Litecoin · Bitcoin Cash · Wallets · Best Cryptocurrency Wallets · Best ... Constellation Network and DFNN Inc. to launch the world's first AI ...

Nov 25,2025
BlackSky delivers first very high resolution images from third Gen-3 satellite less than 24 ...

BlackSky Technology Inc. has released the first very high resolution images from its third Gen-3 satellite in under 24 hours after the November ...

Nov 25,2025
BlackSky delivers first images from new satellite within 24 hours of launch - Investing.com

BlackSky provides real-time, space-based intelligence services through its proprietary low earth orbit satellite constellation and analytics software ...

Nov 25,2025
Making COMSATCOM accessible for large-scale defense requirements - SpaceNews

... satellite operator or render older equipment ... Previous BlackSky announces latest Gen-3 satellite in orbit after confidential Electron launch ...

Nov 25,2025
Times Square reveals striking new ball for New Year's Eve celebration | New York Post

... Constellation Ball, the iconic sphere ... President Trump Gives Saudi Leader Royal Welcome, Neo-Nazi Pleads Guilty to Horrifying Terror Plot ...

Nov 25,2025
BlackSky Quickly Delivers First Very High-Resolution Images from Third Gen-3 Satellite ... - 巴士的報

... satellite enters its final operational altitude. “As BlackSky continues to expand our Gen-3 constellation, this successful mission signifies the ...

Nov 25,2025
Satellite images locate Ukrainian kids abducted by Russia: lab - East Coast Radio

... satellite image released by Maxar Technologies on June 7, 2022 shows buildings after destruction in Rubizhne, on June 6, 2022. Photo by Satellite ...

Nov 25,2025
BlackSky Quickly Delivers First Very High-Resolution Images from Third Gen-3 ... - The Joplin Globe

VA-BLACKSKY-TECHNOLOGY. BlackSky delivered the first very high-resolution images from the company's third Gen-3 satellite less than 24 hours ...

Nov 25,2025
BlackSky Quickly Delivers First Very High-Resolution Images from Third Gen-3 Satellite ...

BlackSky delivered the first very high-resolution images from the company's third Gen-3 satellite less than 24 hours following launch.

Nov 25,2025
BlackSky announces latest Gen-3 satellite in orbit after confidential Electron launch

BlackSky was the confidential customer for the latest Rocket Lab launch, placing into orbit a satellite that has already returned its first ...

Nov 25,2025
Rush Gold Mobilizes Field Crews and Commences WorldView-3 Satellite Alteration Image ...

Rush Gold Mobilizes Field Crews and Commences WorldView-3 Satellite Alteration Image Acquisition at Skylight and Legal Tender Properties. Nevada ...

Nov 25,2025
Satellite internet subsidy bid runs into a ₹1.7 tn hurdle - Mint

Satellite internet subsidy bid runs into a ₹1.7 tn hurdle. Jatin ... Neo Bihar Chunav iPhone 17 Price in India Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Price ...

Nov 25,2025
From Red Sea to Delhi: Tracking Ethiopia's volcanic plume via satellite images - India Today

This event has prompted concerns over air travel and atmospheric conditions in the region. Advertisement. NASA Worldview.

Nov 25,2025
Rush Gold Mobilizes Field Crews and Commences WorldView-3 Satellite Alteration Image ...

Rush Gold Mobilizes Field Crews and Commences WorldView-3 Satellite Alteration Image Acquisition at Skylight and Legal Tender Properties. Tuesday ...

Nov 25,2025
New School community protests university restructuring

The centered person is holding a megaphone Union members speak following the picket outside of the University Center. Photo by Dove Williams.

Nov 25,2025
Outage Prevention from Orbit: Why Utilities Are Turning to Satellites and Geospatial Analytics

Satellite imagery is the best way for utilities to maintain ... Space imaging companies like Airbus, Vantor (formerly Maxar), and ...

Nov 25,2025
Amazon Takes Aim at Starlink With Satellite Beta Promising Gigabit Speeds | PCMag

Early test users will receive access to the Leo Ultra, Amazon's most powerful satellite dish. “The full-duplex phased array antenna provides download ...

Nov 25,2025
Howell residents say Neo-Nazis are placing recruitment stickers in neighborhood - WLNS

Howell residents say Neo-Nazis placing recruitment stickers in neighborhood. ... Satellite · Current Conditions · Weather Stories · PICS ON 6: Share ...

Nov 25,2025
North Korea's nuclear upgrades seen from space as South readies 'monster missiles'

Photo: 2021 Maxar Technologies. Park Chan-kyong. Published: 8:00am, 25 Nov 2025 Updated: 8:28am, 25 Nov 2025. New satellite imagery suggests North ...

Nov 25,2025
SAR
India's first privately built PSLV set for early 2026 launch: All about it - CNBC TV18

... satellite EOS-10. The mission was initially planned for the first quarter of 2025. However, delays in satellite readiness pushed the schedule back.

Nov 25,2025
Eos Energy Raises $600M in 1.75% Convertible Notes | EOSE Stock News

Eos Energy closes $600M 1.75% convertible notes and $458.2M stock ... Satellite · Top Companies by Market Cap Top Dividend-Paying Companies.

Nov 25,2025
Eos Energy Successfully Closes $600 Million Convertible Senior Notes Offering and ...

... Satellite · Pinpoint Weather App · QC Homegrown · Traffic · Charlotte Airport ... Eos Energy Successfully Closes $600 Million Convertible Senior ...

Nov 25,2025
Airbus Secures OmanSat-1 Deal for OneSat Platform - Via Satellite

Government/Military Iceye to Collaborate with Swedish Space Corporation on Nordic, NATO Space Capabilities · Manufacturing. Airbus Secures OmanSat-1 ...

Nov 25,2025
Amazon Leo Details Private Networking Service for Enterprise Customers - Via Satellite

Government/Military Iceye to Collaborate with Swedish Space Corporation on Nordic, NATO Space Capabilities · Connectivity. Amazon Leo Details Private ...

Nov 25,2025
Kyivstar Starts Direct to Cell Service in Ukraine With Starlink - Via Satellite

Government/Military Iceye to Collaborate with Swedish Space Corporation on Nordic, NATO Space Capabilities ... constellation. First announced ...

Nov 25,2025
Space-Grade Innovation: The Evolution of Onboard Computing With Aethero CEO Edward Ge

Government/Military UKSA Funds Satellite ... Government/Military Iceye to Collaborate with Swedish Space Corporation on Nordic, NATO Space Capabilities.

Nov 25,2025
Evening sky with Pleiades, Hyades, Capella, Taurus constellation, Jupiter, Castor and Pollux - Reddit

Also slightly to the left is the bright star Capella in the constellation Auriga. Capella is a binary star system with two yellow giant stars, located ...

Nov 25,2025
IonQ invests in maker of hydrogen-powered drones - Washington Technology

... satellite imagery data fusion. IonQ acquired imagery satellite operator Capella Space in the spring as part of that push to bring quantum tech ...

Nov 25,2025
ICEYE and Swedish Space Corporation Sign Agreement to Enhance ISR Capabilities in ...

For example, Norway has entered into a collaboration with Surrey Satellite Technology to establish a satellite constellation aimed at bolstering ...

Nov 25,2025
Thanksgiving in Space: What Space Missions We're Thankful For This Year - Orbital Today

The planned mission duration is 5 years. NISAR is a joint project between NASA and ISRO to develop and launch an Earth observation satellite (EOS) ...

Nov 25,2025
ICEYE and SSC Partner to Advance Nordic and NATO Space Capabilities - SatNow

ICEYE, the global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations, and Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), a leading global provider of ...

Nov 25,2025
ICEYE and Swedish Space Corporation Partner to Boost Arctic ISR for NATO

The agreement, inked during the NATO Arctic Space Forum in Helsinki, seeks to combine ICEYE's Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite expertise with ...

Nov 25,2025
Saab Invests $10M in Space Tech Company Pythom - The Defense Post

ICEYE satellite constellation graphic · ICEYE and Swedish Space Corporation Partner to Boost Arctic ISR for NATO. November 24, 2025. Integrated Battle ...

Nov 25,2025
SAIC Lands $1.4B Contract to Accelerate US Military Innovation - The Defense Post

ICEYE satellite constellation graphic. ICEYE and Swedish Space Corporation Partner to Boost Arctic ISR for NATO. November 24, 2025. Integrated Battle ...

Nov 25,2025
A SpaceX Starship testing setback - YouTube

... Iceye is partnering with Japanese company IHI Corporation on an Earth observation constellation ... satellite Friday. - Space Force officials said ...

Nov 25,2025
Eos Orbit Co. Ltd. - Frappe

EOS is working on satellite design, and as a deep-tech company building and operating Thailand's first fully functional LEO satellite, EOS Orbit ...

Nov 25,2025
Optical satellite comms entering industrial phase | Electronics Weekly

Between 2024 and 2030, the optical satellite communication (OSC) market will expand rapidly across terminals, devices, ground systems, ...

Nov 25,2025
HSI
SSA

Questions about Commercial Innovation Center (CIC)