Plextek to Showcase Live mmWave Radar Demonstration at SATELLITE x GovMilSpace 2026

Today, Plextek, a leading global provider of advanced engineering consultancy services, will showcase its cutting-edge mmWave radar technology at SATELLITE x GovMilSpace 2026, taking place from 23–26 March at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Visitors can find the Plextek team at booth 1251, where they will present a live demonstration of their radar system in action.

Unlike conventional demonstrations, Plextek’s booth will feature real-time sensor data from its mmWave radar technology, highlighting how the system addresses challenges that cameras and LiDAR struggle to overcome in space environments. The technology enables reliable sensing in conditions such as darkness, solar interference, and dust-obscured environments.

Mick Withers, SVP at Plextek, and Richard Jacklin, Commercial Lead of Space, will be on hand to discuss the technology’s capabilities and applications, including millimetre-scale debris detection for low earth orbit (LEO), rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), and sensing solutions designed for challenging lunar environments.

Additionally, during the event, Richard Jacklin will also present a technical session on March 24th at 11am, exploring the latest radar developments for space-based applications. The presentation will focus on the use of millimetre-wave (mmWave) radar operating in the 30-300 GHz frequency range, which is higher spectrum range than most space based radars to date, and how it can provide useful applications in space domain awareness.

“Advances in radar technology are enabling compact, efficient sensing systems that can operate on both small satellites and larger spacecraft,” said Richard Jacklin, Commercial Lead of Space at Plextek. “By combining radar with other sensors, we can support AI-driven guidance and navigation while overcoming the limitations of cameras and LiDAR. This opens up new possibilities for in-space operations and services, as well as future lunar and planetary missions where dust, darkness, and harsh conditions challenge traditional sensing technologies.”

The presentation will also explore how radar can complement existing sensors within AI-driven guidance and navigation systems, as well as its potential role in future exploration missions where environmental conditions limit the performance of optical sensing technologies.

Visitors to booth 1251 will have the opportunity to see live radar data output and learn more about the engineering trade-offs and mission applications behind Plextek’s space-ready sensing systems.