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K2 Space Awarded $60M STRATFI Contract for Groundbreaking Proliferated MEO Mission

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Breakthrough Multi-Orbit Platform to Launch in February 2026

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — K2 Space has signed a contract with the U.S. Space Force to launch its first Mega Class satellite on a mission code-named “Gravitas.” The contract, with a total value of $60 million, includes government funds, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) matching funds, and private funds.

The February 2026 mission will demonstrate the ability of the Mega Class satellite bus to proliferate across all orbits, with key demonstrations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). K2 Space will be one of the first commercial companies to demonstrate operations for government and commercial customers in MEO, a regime garnering significant interest for proliferation beyond LEO in programs such as “Resilient GPS.”

The groundbreaking mission received support and funding from multiple Department of the Air Force organizations, including the Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power PEO, The Space Development Agency, the Space Warfighting Acquisition Delta, the DoD’s Space Test Program, the Space Force’s National Space Test and Training Complex, and the Air Force Research Lab.

“This mission is fortunate to enjoy support from various parts of the U.S. Space Force; these stakeholders all recognized that the K2 bus is unique in its ability to provide the capabilities needed for their future missions,” said Karan Kunjur, CEO of K2 Space.

The K2 satellite bus represents a step change in satellite capabilities, delivering 10 times more power than any other low-cost bus in its class, and a large 3-meter by 3-meter payload deck. Designed for true multi-orbit functionality, the platform is made to handle the environments of Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO), and Cislunar space, supporting future Hybrid Space Architectures. With the ability to stack 10 Mega Class satellites per Falcon 9 (or equivalent launch vehicle) to LEO, the K2 bus will make it possible to deploy constellations in a completely new way.

“As we looked at the market, we saw options for Proliferated LEO, but very few options for Proliferated MEO and GEO – the K2 bus is designed to fill this critical gap in our defense architecture,” Kunjur added.

To maintain competitive pricing while delivering superior capabilities, K2 Space manufactures 75% of satellite components in-house, including reaction wheels, flight computers, and solar arrays. The company is also developing the highest power electric propulsion system ever flown – a 20kW system that is four times more powerful than the highest power system flown to date – enabling completely new ways to populate MEO, GEO, and Cislunar constellations with rapid orbit-raise and maneuvering capabilities.

The Gravitas mission will demonstrate these revolutionary capabilities while carrying multiple National Security payloads.

Mission Timeline

Payload Integration: May 2025Qualification Testing: June – September 2025Launch: February 2026 (SpaceX Transporter-16)Extended LEO OperationsOrbit Raising to MEO DemonstrationExtended MEO Operations

With this mission, K2 Space will fully de-risk the platform and validate on-orbit performance in LEO and MEO.

“We’ve had a number of people tell us that delivering the capabilities we’re promising while maintaining the price point of $15M per satellite is impossible – with Gravitas we intend to turn these promises into proof points,” Kunjur added.

About K2 Space

K2 Space is developing a high-powered, low-cost satellite bus platform that delivers the capability of exquisite satellites at the price point and speed of small satellites. Redesigned from the reaction wheel up, the K2 bus multi-manifests ten satellites per Falcon 9, is made to handle the harsh environment of MEO and GEO, and has the highest power electric propulsion system ever flown – making it the platform for Proliferated LEO, Proliferated MEO, and Proliferated GEO. K2 Space was started by a team of former SpaceX engineers and has raised $72M in venture capital to date, with the backing of leading funds like Altimeter Capital and First Round Capital.

About SpaceWERX

As the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a unique division within AFWERX, SpaceWERX inspires and empowers collaboration with innovators to accelerate capabilities and shape our future in space. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SpaceWERX employs 40 military, civilian, and contractor personnel executing an annual $457 million budget. Additionally, SpaceWERX partners with Space Systems Command’s Commercial Space Office (COMSO) as a collaborative program. Since it was aligned under AFRL in August 2021, SpaceWERX has executed 1106 contracts worth more than $897 million to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit spacewerx.us.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

Media Contact: press@k2space.com

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SOURCE K2 Space

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Envision Energy Expands African Presence with Inauguration of South Africa Office

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CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Envision Energy, a global leader in green technology, officially inaugurated its South Africa office in Cape Town, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to supporting South Africa’s energy transition ambitions and accelerating the deployment of renewable energy solutions across the African continent.

The opening ceremony brought together government representatives, industry leaders, customers, partners, and stakeholders from across the energy sector. The event featured remarks from Kane Xu, Senior Vice President of Envision Energy, and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Minister of Electricity and Energy of South Africa.

The Cape Town office will serve as Envision Energy’s regional hub for Southern Africa, supporting the company’s growing activities in wind power, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and integrated renewable energy solutions.

“The opening of our South Africa office represents an important milestone in Envision Energy’s journey across Africa,” said Kane Xu, Senior Vice President of Envision Energy. “South Africa is a key market in the global energy transition, and we are committed to being a long-term partner in supporting the country’s renewable energy and energy storage ambitions. Through local presence, local partnerships, and world-class technology, we look forward to contributing to a more resilient, sustainable, and affordable energy future.”

The Minister welcomed Envision Energy’s growing presence in South Africa and highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing the country’s energy goals.

“The establishment of Envision Energy’s Cape Town office demonstrates confidence in South Africa’s energy future. We look forward to continued collaboration in strengthening energy security and creating long-term opportunities for sustainable growth,” said Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Minister of Electricity and Energy.

The opening comes as Envision Energy continues to expand its footprint across Africa, supporting utility-scale renewable energy and energy storage projects that contribute to grid stability, energy access, and decarbonization goals. The new Cape Town office further strengthens Envision Energy’s ability to serve customers and partners across South Africa and the wider African continent, while contributing to local talent development, knowledge sharing, and long-term industry growth.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/envision-energy-expands-african-presence-with-inauguration-of-south-africa-office-302806059.html

SOURCE Envision Energy

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Wego Partners with Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to Transform the Digital Umrah Experience

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Wego continues to advance digital innovation in Umrah services and is among the first platforms to enable electronic Umrah visa issuance, helping simplify the pilgrimage journey for travelers worldwide

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Wego, the number 1 travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has announced a strategic partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to introduce a fully integrated digital platform designed to enhance and simplify the Umrah journey for pilgrims worldwide.

This collaboration marks a significant step in advancing Saudi Arabia’s vision of delivering a seamless, digitally enabled pilgrimage experience. By bringing together Wego’s leading travel technology and extensive regional reach with the Kingdom’s trusted network of licensed Umrah service providers, the platform offers pilgrims a streamlined, end-to-end booking experience.

Wego continues to play a leading role in digital innovation within pilgrimage services, as among the platforms enabled to facilitate Umrah visa requests digitally, reinforcing its commitment to simplifying the travel experience for pilgrims worldwide.

Through a single, intuitive flow, travelers can access flight bookings, verified hotel bookings, licensed ground services, and facilitated Umrah visa request submissions, ensuring a more transparent, efficient, and reliable journey from planning to arrival. All visa issuance is conducted by the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

A Seamless, End-to-End Pilgrim Journey

The new platform is designed to redefine how Umrah services are accessed and delivered. Wego will leverage its expertise in travel search, payments, and digital distribution to manage marketing, sales, and customer transactions, while trusted, licensed Umrah service providers focus on delivering high-quality, on-ground services.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah plays a key regulatory and supervisory role in overseeing the Umrah ecosystem, ensuring compliance, quality standards, and a consistent experience for pilgrims, while licensed operators are responsible for service delivery and operational execution.

This model enhances operational efficiency while ensuring consistency and accountability across the entire pilgrim experience. All transactions are securely processed in Saudi Riyals at the time of booking, reinforcing transparency and eliminating unexpected on-ground costs.

Commenting on the partnership, Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said: “Through our collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, we are enabling a more seamless and transparent Umrah journey powered by technology. By integrating flights, facilitated visa request processes, verified accommodations, and licensed ground services into one unified platform, we are enhancing the overall pilgrim experience while creating new growth opportunities for Umrah service providers across Saudi Arabia.”

Tailored Experiences for Every Pilgrim

The platform introduces three thoughtfully designed service tiers, allowing pilgrims to choose experiences that best match their needs and preferences.

Essential: Core services including airport reception and dedicated on-ground support.Standard: Enhanced convenience with intercity transportation between key locations such as Makkah and Madinah.Premium: A more personalized journey featuring private transfers, curated sightseeing experiences, and round-the-clock support.

Each service tier is carefully curated to meet Wego’s quality benchmarks, ensuring pilgrims receive reliable, high-value options at every step of their journey.

Enhanced Transparency and Traveler Protection

To further strengthen trust and reliability, the platform incorporates clear consumer protection policies, including flexible booking modifications and refund eligibility under defined conditions. These measures are designed to provide peace of mind while maintaining operational efficiency for service providers.

Additionally, multilingual support capabilities and dedicated customer service channels ensure accessibility for pilgrims from diverse global markets, reinforcing Wego’s commitment to inclusivity and service excellence.

Empowering the Umrah Ecosystem

As part of this initiative, Wego is inviting qualified Umrah service providers to participate in the platform, creating a scalable and competitive marketplace that supports the growth of Saudi Arabia’s pilgrimage sector.

The platform www.wego.com/umrah will be ready for launch in June 2026, aligning with the beginning of the Umrah season and enabling pilgrims to plan and book their journeys with greater ease and confidence.

About Wego

Wego is the number one travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Combining a dynamic travel marketplace with on-platform bookings, Wego enables travelers to easily search, compare, and book flights and hotels across hundreds of airlines, hotels, and online travel agencies. Beyond its B2C marketplace, Wego also operates WegoPro, a next-generation business travel platform, and WegoBeds, a MENA-focused bedbank. The company is backed by Tiger Global, Ares Management, Square Peg Capital, MBC Group, and Arqaam Capital, and is dual-headquartered in Singapore and Dubai with offices in Bangalore and Mumbai.

For more information, visit www.wego.com

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Neko Health Announces Advancements to its Health Scan Experience, Fueling the Future of Proactive Healthcare

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New body composition and wearables integration deepen the Neko Health Scan – the latest step in a program of continuous innovation and global expansion. 

LONDON and STOCKHOLM, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Neko Health, the health technology company redefining how people understand and act on their health, today announced its most significant advancements so far to the Neko Health Scan: body composition and wearables integration. In a single hour, members now see what’s happening beneath the surface – and between visits, a fuller picture of how they’ve actually been living day-to-day. Neko`s proprietary technology, clinical expertise and real health data come together to give members a complete picture of  where they stand, and what to do about it.

“Our latest advancements are more than new features – they’re a clear signal of what’s next for Neko Health,” said Neko Health Founder and CEO Hjalmar Nilsonne. “These features reflect something fundamental about how we operate: we are never finished. Every scan should be  more valuable than the last; every visit should tell members something they couldn’t have known otherwise, and every year should bring capabilities that weren’t possible the year before. We are redesigning the system from the ground up.”

Starting to roll out today, every Neko Health Scan will include body composition. Data captured  by Neko’s proprietary imaging device is now used to provide measures of visceral fat and body  fat percentage. Visceral fat, the fat stored around the organs that drives metabolic disease, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease – is invisible to BMI and missed entirely by standard health checks. Neko Health now provides a measure of them without X-ray radiation to inform a conversation with a Neko clinician about each members’ metabolic health. Members with upcoming scan bookings can now also download the Neko Health App on iOS and connect to Apple Health to bring wearables data – steps, sleep, heart rate variability and more – directly  into their scan experience. This gives Neko Health clinicians the context to offer more targeted, personalized guidance. On repeat visits, wearables data helps explain year-on-year changes, so clinicians can act on the cause, not just the metric. 

“Body composition is one of the most impactful additions we could make to the Neko Health Scan, giving our clinicians access to metabolic data that will help provide insight into a health metric that most people haven’t had access to and has long been invisible to standard checks,”  said Neko Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sunita Mishra. “Visceral fat in particular is a strong predictor of metabolic disease, cardiovascular risk, and type 2 diabetes – yet most people have no idea what their levels are. Pair that with a year of wearables data showing how someone has actually been living, and you move from data points to a genuine story. That is where the real opportunity for early intervention lies.”

Neko Health builds technology in-house, including hardware, software, and consumer  experience. This vertical integration is not incidental; it is the foundation that allows Neko Health to control the experience from start to finish, to move faster and to improve continuously. 

In Stockholm, Neko Health is rolling out the next generation of scan technology – capturing  greater volume and higher fidelity of health data across skin, heart, and circulation – alongside  design evolutions to the scan room that will guide members through their visit with greater clarity and personalization. Body composition, wearables integration, and next-generation technology are the first steps toward something bigger. 

The Neko Health App is available today by searching “Neko Health” in the App store. To learn  more, visit NekoHealth.com.   

Supporting imagery can be accessed here.

About Neko Health

Neko Health is a health technology company that opened its first clinic in Stockholm in 2023, founded by Daniel Ek and Hjalmar Nilsonne. Neko Health designs and engineers its own hardware, software, and clinical protocols in-house, powering a one-hour full-body Neko Health Scan delivered across clinics in Stockholm, London, Manchester and Birmingham. Neko Health is expanding to the United States in 2026.  

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2997683/Neko_Body_Composition2.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2997682/Neko.jpg

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SOURCE Neko Health

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