ESPOO, Finland - ICEYE, a satellite company specializing in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology in Espoo, Finland, announced the release of a new imaging mode, Dwell Precise, on Oct. 2, 2024. The mode offers a 25-centimeter resolution and is based on the 1200 MHz radar bandwidth, which is the maximum currently permitted for commercial satellites.
Dwell Precise enhances ICEYE’s ability to identify smaller objects, such as different types of vehicles and military equipment, without requiring additional intelligence sources. Its radar technology, mounted on SAR satellites, scans a targeted area on Earth’s surface to produce detailed images of objects and landscapes from a distance, regardless of weather or lighting conditions. Unlike optical imaging, which depends on visible light, SAR sends out radar pulses and measures the time it takes for the signal to bounce back after hitting a target.
As the SAR platform moves through its flight path, it gathers data from various angles, effectively creating a "synthetic aperture." This process allows for the production of higher-resolution images compared to what a stationary antenna can achieve.
When radar signals encounter ground objects, they reflect back to the receiver. The characteristics of these reflections vary depending on the surface type: smooth surfaces produce focused reflections, while rough surfaces scatter the signals, yielding a broader range of data.
The collected radar data is then processed using sophisticated algorithms that analyze the time delay, phase, and strength of the reflections. This analysis enables SAR systems to produce clear, high-resolution images, revealing fine surface details and elevation changes.
Unlike other modes, Dwell Precise captures data from a wider range of angles, allowing it to detect objects even through foliage.
John Cartwright, ICEYE’s Senior Vice President and Head of Data Product, said, "Dwell Precise will be the industry's highest fidelity 25 cm product. Dwell Precise represents the culmination of the industry's best imaging capabilities and adds significant depth to our line of Dwell products."
"The launch of Dwell Precise highlights ICEYE's commitment to meeting the evolving mission sets of our customers through constant innovation and identification of ways to improve our products and services," said Eric Jensen, CEO of ICEYE US.
