HELSINKI - ICEYE in Helsinki announced the launch of four new synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, including its latest Generation 4 (Gen4) model, further expanding its Earth observation capabilities.
The satellites were integrated via Exolaunch and lifted off 15 March aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-13 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. ICEYE confirmed that all satellites have established communication, and commissioning operations are underway.
SAR technology allows satellites to capture high-resolution images of the Earth's surface regardless of weather conditions or time of day by using radar signals instead of optical imagery. These signals penetrate clouds, darkness, and atmospheric interference, making SAR particularly useful for disaster response, national security, and environmental monitoring applications.
Related: ICEYE US announces NASA order for SAR data under commercial program
ICEYE says its Gen4 satellite introduces significant advancements in SAR imaging, doubling its antenna size and radiated power. These improvements enable wider imaging swaths—ranging from 150 km to 400 km—and a 30% increase in information density. The new capabilities enhance target detection and classification, particularly for defense and intelligence applications.
"With the launch of the Generation 4 satellite, ICEYE continues to lead innovation in the SAR satellite industry," said Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and co-founder of ICEYE. "As we aim to be the primary provider of critical infrastructure for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to allied nations, our SAR development serves the growing demand for space-based technology in the global defense markets."
ICEYE says its satellite constellation, the largest SAR network in the world, enables persistent monitoring of locations worldwide. Since 2018, the company has launched 48 SAR satellites and plans to deploy more than 20 annually in the coming years.
