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.

Capella Space Active RF
Capella Space Active RF
the CIC encourages partnerships, increases data accessibility, integrates app development, and facilitates the creation of transition-ready prototypes
the CIC encourages partnerships, increases data accessibility, integrates app development, and facilitates the creation of transition-ready prototypes

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
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
Japan backs use of satellite imagery in Lao rice cultivation - Asia News Network

... satellite imagery in agriculture. PHOTO: VIENTIANE TIMES. February 13, 2026. VIENTIANE – Lao and Japanese agricultural experts have discussed the ...

Feb 13,2026
Lake Erie is 96 per cent frozen. Here's why that's weird - CBC

A massive Arctic blast has led to 96 per cent ice coverage on Lake Erie, marking the most significant freeze-over since 1996. Satellite imagery ...

Feb 13,2026
U.S. Army Establishes Satellite Campus to Streamline H2F Training Outside of the U.S.

The establishment of a satellite H2F Academy streamlines the Army's ability to provide training to Soldiers who are stationed Outside of the ...

Feb 13,2026
Iran 'Reinforces' New Natanz Nuke Site Amid US Threat, IAEA Says Tehran Can Make 'a ...

High-resolution satellite imagery shows Iran reinforcing tunnel entrances at the Natanz area's Kolang Gaz La Mountain, or 'Pickaxe Mountain', ...

Feb 13,2026
Deep Space Energy Pockets €980K to Build European Space Nuclear Power - Payload Space

HEO used NewSat-34 previously to snap this image of a satellite. Image ...

Feb 13,2026
Southwest Airlines Plans to Put Starlink on More than 300 Aircraft - Via Satellite

Finance Thermal Intelligence Satellite Startup constellr Secures New Funding · Mobility Amazon Leo Signs First Maritime Deals With MTN and Elcome.

Feb 13,2026
Mystery at Yongbyon: North Korea's reactor hides its heat from satellites - DailyNK

Yongbyon's thermal puzzle raises surveillance questions. Satellite imagery combining Sentinel-2B optical data and nighttime luminosity shows the ...

Feb 13,2026
Add-on: Satellite Imagery - YouTube

Add-on: Satellite Imagery. No views · 19 minutes ago

Feb 13,2026
Midland Five Points intersection project to get $4M boost

This satellite image shows the Five Points intersection in Midland County.

Feb 13,2026
Satellite images suggest Belarus hosting Russia's Orshenik base - TVP World

Satellite images suggest Belarus may be developing a military base for Russia's nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system amid concerns that the ...

Feb 13,2026
Deja vu: Vulcan Centaur rocket powers through 'significant performance anomaly' on satellite launch

Deja vu: Vulcan Centaur rocket powers through 'significant performance anomaly' on satellite launch ... imagery, and establishing a recovery team ...

Feb 13,2026
SARsatX Prepares First Saudi-Made Commercial Satellite | Aviation Week Network

Saudi space technology company SARsatX is laying the groundwork for the launch of the first Saudi-made commercial satellite ... Intelligence Network ( ...

Feb 13,2026
In milestone, US pulls out of strategic Syria base and hands it over to Damascus

A satellite image shows the al-Tanf Base, in Syria, in this image; Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa delivers a speech on the first anniversary of ...

Feb 13,2026
Iran fortifies underground complex near nuclear site, satellite images show - BBC

Vantor Satellite image shows tunnel entrances Vantor. Iran has been fortifying an underground complex near one of its nuclear facilities, according ...

Feb 13,2026
Iran fortifies underground complex near nuclear site, satellite images show - BBC News

A satellite image from 10 February shows what appears to be fresh concrete laid on top of one of the Pickaxe Mountain entrance areas. A boom pump used ...

Feb 13,2026
Alleged funeral gathering struck twice in Kachin State - Centre for Information Resilience

... satellite footage, since they are likely either temporary structures or not visible due to limitations in the resolution of satellite image capture.

Feb 13,2026
Large crack, ice jam potential: Concerns about ice thawing as temps rise - YouTube

The image seen all over Northeast Ohio and beyond on Monday was satellite imagery of a giant crack that formed in an iced-over Lake Erie.

Feb 13,2026
AI and robotics researchers at ASU work to keep people safe, healthy

... intelligence garner a growing percentage of such technologies ... In 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the world's first artificial satellite, ...

Feb 13,2026
This Landsat 8 satellite imagery from Thursday, February 5, 2026, captured vast swaths ... - Instagram

Cold cold cold, NYC! · A Chilled New York City | USGS Landsat 8 Earth Satellite · After a long few weeks, a false-color NASA image captured by the ...

Feb 13,2026
Ukraine's Drone Strike Triggers First Major Russian Refinery Shutdown of 2026

... satellite imagery released on February 12. (Photo: open source) ...

Feb 13,2026
Satellite Launches
Ukraine war latest: Hypersonic missiles planned for UK in £400m package - Sky News

We are now seeing a flurry of speculation around the warnings from Ukraine that a Russian launch of an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile ...

Feb 13,2026
Europe Launches Its Most Powerful Rocket With Amazon Satellites - Bloomberg.com

The European Space Agency launched the most powerful version of its Ariane 6 rocket Thursday to deliver dozens more Amazon Leo satellites into ...

Feb 13,2026
China's stealth nuclear attack submarine spotted in satellite images - Interesting Engineering

The submarine was recently moved into a launch bay at Bohai Shipbuilding in Huludao, where China constructs its nuclear submarines. Early satellite ...

Feb 13,2026
From Baikonur to Beijing: How Kazakhstan is carving out new space horizons | Euronews

... Satellite Launch Centre aboard a Kuaizhou-11 rocket. ADVERTISEMENT ... nanosatellite can recognise and analyse remote sensing imagery directly in orbit.

Feb 13,2026
Deutsche Telekom launches world's first multi-orbit IoT roaming

IoT connectivity via mobile communications, GEO and LEO satellites provides seamless NB-IoT coverage even in remote regions.

Feb 13,2026
Proton-M Roars to Space Carrying Elektro-L No. 5 Satellite. | ET Now - YouTube

... launches. Watch the full launch footage, see the dramatic liftoff ... Real Images Of Venus Show That Something Is Seriously Off With The Planet.

Feb 13,2026
Oreshniks Waiting for Orders? Satellite Images Show Missiles Near NATO Border | ET Now

Fresh satellite images are fueling major geopolitical tensions after reports claimed that “Oreshnik” missile systems have been positioned just a ...

Feb 13,2026
Satellite megaconstellations continue to grow. Could their debris fall on us? - Space

... satellites are launched in megaconstellations ... Satellite trails seen in Hubble Space Telescope images taken between 2002 and 2021 Satellite ...

Feb 13,2026
ULA Vulcan Rocket Successfully Launches the Future of Defens - ASDNews

USSF-87 mission precisely delivered directly to challenging geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) · Commercial and Military Satellite Communications (SatCom) ...

Feb 13,2026
Bezos vs. Musk: Europe launches rocket with Amazon satellites against Starlink

Musk: Europe launches rocket with Amazon satellites against Starlink Businessman Jeff Bezos (Photo: Getty Images). Author: Kateryna Serohina. Europe ...

Feb 13,2026
Lloyd's List Intelligence launches Satellite Intelligence Report to deliver verified maritime ...

... Satellite Intelligence Reports that go well beyond traditional imagery. By directly linking satellite data to individual vessels, this ensures ...

Feb 13,2026
China's commercial rocket SD-3 launches 7 satellites from sea - CGTN

China on Thursday launched a Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket from the sea, sending seven satellites into planned orbits.The SD-3 commercial ...

Feb 13,2026
Video. Europe's most powerful rocket Ariane 64 launches carrying Amazon satellites

Video. The launch from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on the northeastern coast of South America, is a first for Amazon Leo.

Feb 13,2026
Europe's flagship Ariane 6 rocket launches with 32 satellites for Amazon Leo network

The Ariane 6 programme is backed by 13 nations, all members of the European Space Agency and building the rocket requires the expertise of around ...

Feb 13,2026
Exolaunch Successfully Integrates 5 Satellites With 'Spectru - ASDNews

Exolaunch Successfully Integrates 5 Satellites With 'Spectrum' Launch Vehicle Ahead of 2nd Isar Aerospace Launch ... Imaging for Near Real-Time ...

Feb 13,2026
Pak's EO-2 satellite launched successfully | Daily Pioneer

... satellite imagery, they said. 0 Likes 0 Dislikes Bookmark. 0 Comments. Leave a Comment. Post Comment. Share this article. Copy Link X WhatsApp

Feb 13,2026
Lloyd's List Intelligence unveils satellite evidence tool for shipowners - Digital Ship

Lloyd's List Intelligence has launched Satellite Intelligence Report, an on-demand service developed in partnership with SynMax. The product combines ...

Feb 13,2026
Elon to launch datacentre satellites from the Moon - Electronics Weekly

Keep up with developments relating to space technology - satellite technology, PNT, thermal imaging, SatIoT, spaceports and more. View our busy ...

Feb 13,2026
Russia Launches Elektro-L No. 5 meteorological satellite, As Part Of Space Mission | Watch

A Russian Proton-M heavy-lift carrier rocket successfully delivered the Elektro-L No. 5 meteorological satellite into geostationary orbit on ...

Feb 13,2026
Europe's most powerful rocket launches for 1st time, carrying 32 Amazon internet satellites ... - Space

The most powerful version of Europe's Ariane 6 rocket flew for the first time ever on Thursday (Feb. 12), launching 32 of Amazon's internet ...

Feb 13,2026
EO-MSI
Ukraine's Drone Strike Triggers First Major Russian Refinery Shutdown of 2026 - UNITED24

... satellite imagery released on February 12. ... Soldiers attend the 2nd International Legion training as Russia-Ukraine war continues in Lyman,.

Feb 13,2026
Zacks Investment Ideas feature highlights Constellation, Microsoft and Quanta Services

Constellation Energy stock soared 415% since its early 2022 IPO following a spinoff from Exelon. Wall Street dove into the largest U.S. nuclear ...

Feb 13,2026
Pakistan Successfully Launches Second Indigenous Electro-Optical Satellite | Dunya BOL Hai

... satellite launch | EO-2 satellite | SUPARCO achievement | earth observation data ... Neo News | J191W. Talk Shows Central by DRM•268 watching.

Feb 13,2026
Europe's most powerful rocket carries 32 satellites for Amazon Leo network into space

With 175 satellites already in orbit, Amazon Leo aims to expand its constellation to 3,200. Rival Starlink, meanwhile, has nearly 9,400 satellites. " ...

Feb 13,2026
BlackSky Gen-3 Secures Seven-Figure Defense Contract Boost - TimesTech

Assured provides early intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for the customer until their satellite systems enter operation. Once ...

Feb 13,2026
Copper Tumbles 12% from Record High as Goldman Warns 'Don't Chase the Rally'

Global copper smelting activity slumped to its lowest January level in nearly a decade, according to satellite monitoring firm Earth-i and its SAVANT ...

Feb 13,2026
Deep Space Energy Pockets €980K to Build European Space Nuclear Power - Payload Space

... satellite. Image: HEO/Satellogic. The NRO awarded three contracts this week, adding to its stable of commercial remote sensing firms that can ...

Feb 13,2026
Superbloom? Death Valley may soon be filled with flowers - MSN

... Calif. The record rainfall. This handout satellite image courtesy of Maxar Technologies shows the Antelope valley poppy preserve in Lancaster.

Feb 13,2026
Europe's most powerful rocket carries 32 satellites for Amazon Leo network into space

... constellation to 3,200. ... "If things go well here, it will help build market confidence," said Philippe Clar, ArianeGroup's head of launchers. neo/cc/ ...

Feb 13,2026
Pakistan Successfully Launches Its Second Indigenous Satellite | Breaking News - YouTube

Pakistan Successfully Launches Its Second Indigenous Satellite | Breaking News | Dawn News ... Neo News #emotional. Zabardast With Wasi Shah. New. 232K ...

Feb 13,2026
Is Constellation Energy (CEG) Pricing Reflecting Recent Volatility And Long Term Growth Hopes

... Constellation Energy has focused on its role as a major ... OOO97 on Neo Performance Materials · about 1 month ago. Undervalued Key ...

Feb 13,2026
Ice in the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays - NASA Earthdata

Alaska Satellite Facility (ASF) DAAC · Atmospheric Science Data Center ... Visit Worldview to visualize near real-time imagery and historical ...

Feb 13,2026
Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) Valuation Check After New Homebuilding AI And ...

Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) is back in focus after its Constellation ... OOO97 on Neo Performance Materials · about 1 month ago. Undervalued Key ...

Feb 13,2026
International legions integrated into Ukrainian assault units | UA.NEWS

The international legions within the Armed Forces of Ukraine have not been disbanded. Instead, they have been integrated into the assault units of ...

Feb 13,2026
Satellite images confirm severe damage at Oil Refinery in Ukhta - UA.NEWS

Satellite imagery has confirmed serious damage at the oil refinery ... News War with the russian federation · International legions integrated ...

Feb 13,2026
Ammunition Depot Explodes in Volgograd Region Following Attack

... Satellite image Maxar. 2023. News. Poland Prepares to Launch Domestic SAR Satellite ...

Feb 13,2026
Ariane 6 rocket launches with 32 satellites for Amazon Leo network - Space Daily

... constellation to 3,200. Rival Starlink, meanwhile, has nearly 9,400 satellites. neo/ach/rlp ... Satellite study revises methane loss high in Earth ...

Feb 13,2026
BlackSky Wins Major Military Contract Fueling Next Gen Satellite Expansion - Finviz

Once deployed, Gen-3 electro-optical satellites will operate alongside BlackSky's constellation to deliver mission-relevant insights directly into ...

Feb 13,2026
BlackSky Wins Major Military Contract Fueling Next Gen Satellite Expansion - Benzinga

BlackSky continues international momentum, signing major contract with a defense customer for real-time space-based intelligence services.

Feb 13,2026
is bksy a good stock to buy — Guide - Bitget

BlackSky Technology, Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) is a U.S.-listed company that provides space‑based geospatial intelligence, satellite imagery, and analytics.

Feb 13,2026
SAR
Umbra to hire 100-plus employees, expand to new Reston office - The Business Journals

Umbra develops spacecraft that provide high‑resolution radar satellite imagery and custom satellite‑mission services that let organizations ...

Feb 13,2026
AXA DCP partners with Planet Labs for near-real-time disaster monitoring - Yahoo Finance

... satellite operator ICEYE to integrate synthetic aperture radar imagery into the platform's monitoring services. ICEYE's data will be used to track ...

Feb 13,2026
Find the Twins: Gemini Constellation - NASA Science

... constellation, Auriga. The stars of Auriga rise before Gemini's, and its brightest star, Capella, doesn't pair up as strikingly with its second ...

Feb 13,2026
A Constellation of Excellence – Galaxy Macau Secures 12 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star ...

This year's distinction is bolstered by the inclusion of three notable new additions to its decorated roster: Capella at Galaxy Macau, the newly ...

Feb 13,2026
Gilat Receives Over $16M Order to Supply SATCOM Systems to a - ASDNews

... Satellite Networks © Gilat Satellite Networks ©. Gilat Satellite ... EOS Defence Systems Sign Teaming Agreement to Cooperation in RCWS ...

Feb 13,2026
Space Technology Company Umbra Expands Virginia Operations with $6.75 Million ...

RICHMOND, VA — Umbra, a leading U.S. space technology company specializing in advanced remote sensing and resilient satellite systems, will expand ...

Feb 13,2026
Pakistan launches second satellite from China's space centre - Newspaper - DAWN.COM

Last year, Pakistan launched its first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in China. ... Eos/Icon/Young ...

Feb 13,2026
Umbra Expands to Reston With $6.75M Investment, Adding 100+ Space Tech Jobs in Fairfax County

Umbra, a U.S. space technology company known for advanced remote sensing and resilient satellite ... Umbra's constellation is capable of delivering ...

Feb 13,2026
First Chinese Type 09V Nuclear Powered Attack Submarine Appears At Bohai - Naval News

Naval News has received a number of detailed satellite photos showing the new design in the flooded drydock. ... Image via EOS Land Viewer.

Feb 13,2026
Space tech company to invest $6.75M, add 100 jobs in Reston - Virginia Business

In 2021, Umbra launched their first commercial radar satellite with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) capabilities. Photo courtesy Umbra.

Feb 13,2026
Space Technology Company Umbra Expands Virginia Operations with $6.75 Million ...

Umbra's next-level accuracy and agility are powered by the company's synthetic aperture radar satellite constellation, which can provide industry- ...

Feb 13,2026
Space Technology Company Umbra to Invest $6.75 Million to Establish Operations in Fairfax County

... Umbra's rapidly growing remote sensing data and custom satellite systems divisions. "We are honored that Umbra has chosen Fairfax County for their ...

Feb 13,2026
Space Technology Company Umbra to Invest $6.75 Million to Establish Operations in Fairfax County

- February 12, 2026) - Umbra, a leading U.S. space technology company specializing in advanced remote sensing and resilient satellite systems, will ...

Feb 13,2026
Deja vu: Vulcan Centaur rocket powers through 'significant performance anomaly' on satellite launch

Deja vu: Vulcan Centaur rocket powers through 'significant performance anomaly' on satellite launch ... An Indian PSLV rocket launches the EOS-N1 ...

Feb 13,2026
KNDS France and EOS Defence Systems Sign Teaming Agreement to cooperate in Remote ...

Satellite Laser Ranging · Space Sustainability · Precision Optics · WORK WITH ... EOS. Under the agreement, the companies will collaborate to ...

Feb 13,2026
Space Technology Company Umbra Expands Virginia Operations with $6.75 Million ...

RICHMOND, VA — Umbra, a leading U.S. space technology company specializing in advanced remote sensing and resilient satellite systems, ...

Feb 13,2026
Capella Minerals Appoints Nursel Atar to Board of Directors - Junior Mining Network

Mr. Eric Roth reports: VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 12, 2026 /CNW/ - Capella Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: CMIL) ...

Feb 13,2026
Electro Optical Systems Stock (EOS): A Comprehensive Market Guide - Bitget

Discover everything you need to know about Electro Optical Systems stock (ASX: EOS). ... satellite laser tracking. As of late 2024, EOS remains a ...

Feb 13,2026
AXA and ICEYE strike 'landmark' deal to use ultra-high-quality SAR data to track extreme ...

... ICEYE, the manufacturer and operator of the world's largest synthetic aperture radar (SAR) microsatellite constellation. AXA DCP, which combines ...

Feb 13,2026
SSA

Questions about Commercial Innovation Center (CIC)