The launch took place as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-9 smallsat rideshare mission via Exolaunch, conducted from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA. As per the official announcement, each spacecraft has successfully established communications and is currently undergoing routine early operations.
The recent development marks ICEYE’s deployment of 31 satellites since 2018, solidifying the company’s position as a leader in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology. The launch of these four third-generation satellites not only adds to the company’s satellite count but also builds upon previous enhancements in imaging capabilities.
Notable features include the Spot Fine mode, delivering a native ground resolution of 50cm, and Dwell mode, employing advanced collection techniques for real-time monitoring of ground-level changes. ICEYE’s commitment to innovation is further underscored by the inclusion of next-generation satellites developed and operated by teams based in both Europe and the United States.
Speaking about the move, Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE, said: “This launch and deployment is more than just additional satellites for our constellation; it’s a testament to our pursuit of excellence for our technologies in support of our customers.”
He continued: “We are fielding a resilient constellation with increased revisit rates and cutting-edge capabilities to meet the high-tempo imagery requirements of our most demanding customers.”
Head of Data Product at ICEYE, John Cartwright, also commented. saying: “ICEYE customers around the globe have seemingly unending demand for our persistent, high-resolution satellite imaging capacity. Our customers use ICEYE imagery for actionable information and high-confidence decision-making. This is our third satellite launch during 2023, which shows our commitment to building and operating the largest SAR satellite constellation to date.”
Stephen Lathrope, Senior Vice President, Solutions at ICEYE, said: “We are seeing a significant uptick in demand for hazard data across both the (re)insurance and emergency response sectors. Through the continued expansion of ICEYE’s New Space satellite constellation, we are able to target disaster events anywhere in the world more rapidly to deliver reliable, consistent, and accurate information in near real-time which is proving to be transformational for our clients.”
Lathrope added: “The continued increase in the frequency and severity of natural catastrophes means that rapid access to high-resolution hazard insights will become ever more critical. This latest satellite launch will boost not only the effectiveness of our current solutions, but also facilitate the development of powerful new capabilities as ICEYE looks to play a more prominent data role in empowering the (re)insurance sector and emergency response agencies to respond more robustly to this escalating risk environment.”
Author: Joanna England
