There are many defense applications for signal processing: a subfield of electrical engineering that focuses on analyzing, modifying, and synthesizing signals such as sound or radiofrequency (RF) data.
As Principal Engineer for Algorithms, Darek Kawamoto has been instrumental in demonstrating how inexpensive commercial satellite data can be used to produce world-class geolocations – which is a game-changer where capabilities were principally possessed only by government agencies. He developed sophisticated algorithms that underpin how his company geolocates high quality RF data and his name even appears as an inventor on two of his company’s patents.
Kawamoto has been so integral to HawkEye 360’s success that he was honored with the Edwin H. Land Industry Award by the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA). The award, named for the Cold War-era pioneer of photographic intelligence-gathering technology, recognizes an early-to-mid career contractor or nongovernment employee for contributions to the intelligence, homeland security or national security community. INSA President Suzanne Wilson Heckenberg notes that “Darek’s demonstrated leadership and awe-inspiring ingenuity embody the pioneering spirt of Edwin H. Land.”
HawkEye 360 is a fairly new company, and Darek tells us about his experiencing building the team and growing with the organization. They are one of the first commercial companies to use formation-flying satellites to create a new class of RF data and data analytics, and Darek’s technology converts RF signals gathered from space into categorized, geolocated signal data, which drive meaningful insights for government customers across with many applications.
COLLABORATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT, INDUSTRY, AND THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR
Darek notes that there is incredible value in commercial RF and GEOINT data, especially at the unclassified level which can be easily shared during a pandemic. His experience is vast in that he has worked in government roles, supported industry, and is now in the commercial space. Darek agrees that it is the three sectors working and collaborating closely together that makes the US successful in a variety of ways.
The quality of his work has led the Government recognizing the value of commercial GEOINT for intelligence analysis. Unclassified and easily sharable data like this also enables intelligence agencies to collaborate more effectively with allies, state and local authorities, and other key partners.
THIS PODCAST EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY THE INTELLIGENCE AND NATIONAL SECURITY ALLIANCE OR INSA.
INSA is the leading nonpartisan, nonprofit trade association for driving public-private partnerships to advance intelligence and national security priorities.
