Lonestar orders satellite protection for orbital data centers from Ares Shield
Florida-based Lonestar Data Holdings has signed a contract with Polish startup Ares Shield to protect satellites for its off-Earth data centers. The value of the deal could reach $6 million, Space.com reports.
Initially, Ares Shield is to equip three Lonestar satellites with protective modules. The company may later supply such modules for other spacecraft in the future constellation.
System with a microwave emitter
Ares Shield's technology combines sensors, artificial intelligence-based analytics and a high-power microwave emitter. The module is designed to be attached to the customer's satellite. According to the developer's description, the system will be able to detect and classify potential threats, including inspector satellites approaching the spacecraft.
Ares Shield CEO Grzegorz Zwoliński said the system is primarily intended for deterrence. According to him, it can cause malfunctions in another spacecraft's equipment, create interference or carry out low-power attacks. The company claims that high-power microwave radiation can disable a satellite's electronics without creating space debris.
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First deliveries expected in 2028–2029
According to Zwoliński, Ares Shield expects to deliver the first defense systems for Lonestar in 2028 or 2029. The company is also negotiating supplies to other satellite operators.
Lonestar is developing the StarVault platform for storing customers' data in space. The company said it has already tested data storage technology in four space missions, including two lunar missions. One of its devices was delivered to the Moon aboard Intuitive Machines' Athena lander in March 2025. Although Athena tipped over shortly after landing, the mini data center achieved its planned results, Lonestar said.
The first StarVault payload is planned to be sent aboard Sidus Space's LizzieSat-4 satellite as part of the SpaceX Transporter 18 mission. The launch is expected in late October from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
