ICEYE, a global leader in continuous Earth observation using radar imaging satellites and a specialist in natural disaster solutions, has strengthened its Earth observation data collection capabilities through the launch of a new satellite.

Iceeye announced on the 11th that it had successfully launched four new SAR (Synthetic-Aperture Radar) satellites and expanded its satellite constellation.

This launch was carried out from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, via Exolaunch using SpaceX’s Transporter-9, which performs a small satellite rideshare mission.

Communication settings with each spacecraft have been successfully established, and routine initial operations are currently being carried out.

IceEye has deployed 31 satellites from 2018 to the present and is further strengthening its global leadership in the field of SAR satellite technology. IceEye, which owns and operates the largest SAR satellite constellation, supports customers in accessing data most quickly in emergency situations and provides the highest frequency of return visits for high rates of recurring phenomena.

Rafal Modrzewski, co-founder and CEO of Iceeye, stated, “This launch and deployment is not merely the addition of a satellite to the constellation, but a testament to Iceeye’s commitment to continuously pursuing technological advancements to support our customers. We are deploying a resilient constellation equipped with high return rates and cutting-edge capabilities to meet the requirements of even the most demanding customers who require imagery at rapid intervals.”

The capabilities of the four third-generation IceEye satellites launched on this day include Spot Fine mode, which can collect images of the Earth with a ground resolution of 50 cm by further developing the existing IceEye satellite imaging capabilities, and Dwell mode, which can rapidly detect changes on the ground in near real-time using advanced collection technology.

John Cartwright, Data Product Manager at Iceeye, said, “The demand for high-resolution satellite imagery capacity from Iceeye’s customers worldwide continues to grow. These customers are using Iceeye’s imagery for actionable information and reliable decision-making,” adding, “Through three satellite launches in 2023, we have once again demonstrated Iceeye’s commitment to building and operating the largest SAR satellite constellation.”

The satellites recently launched by IceEye include next-generation satellites being manufactured and operated by European and American teams. Iceeye's U.S. subsidiary, headquartered in Irvine, California, is licensed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to manufacture and operate satellites to support U.S. government and corporate clients.

Approximately 70% of the Earth is covered by clouds, and depending on the time of day, half of the region remains in darkness. SAR satellites generate images by irradiating the ground with microwaves and analyzing the energy reflected back to the satellite. Because SAR provides excellent image quality during both day and night, as well as under all weather conditions, it can deliver superior results compared to conventional electro-optical imaging in observation and exploration applications. This capability makes it highly suitable for applications such as insurance, natural disaster response and recovery, national security, defense and intelligence, humanitarian relief, and climate change observation.