NATO has tapped ICEYE’s satellite-based Earth observation services to support geospatial monitoring of the Situation Centre, also known as SITCEN, at its headquarters in Belgium. Several alliance members and partners already use ICEYE’s synthetic aperture radar data and satellites to support national security and defense.
SAR Image Resolution
ICEYE provides its services to customers worldwide through the 48 SAR satellites it has sent into orbit. According to the Finnish microsatellite manufacturer and operator, its latest SAR constellation can deliver images of up to 25 centimeters ground resolution for detecting objects accurately and providing all-weather situational awareness in any light condition.
Pekka Laurila, ICEYE co-founder and chief strategy officer, noted that the highly accurate SAR satellite information and imaging the company offers support decision-making in defense and security matters. “We are proud of the opportunity to cooperate and support NATO users and decision-makers with data from the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation, owned and operated by ICEYE,” he said.
ICEYE Data Users
The land, maritime, air and space domains are monitored at NATO headquarters through SITCEN’s Geospatial Section. Its roles include the delivery of the most recent common operational picture for the military alliance’s decision-makers.
Besides NATO, ICEYE also provides SAR data to NASA under a five-year blanket purchase agreement secured in April 2023. In September, the European Space Agency awarded the company a contract to supply radar imagery and two SAR satellites for the Greek National Satellite Space Project Axis 1.2.
In Finland, ICEYE leads a consortium supporting the Ministry of Defence’s development of advanced space and joint intelligence capabilities, including military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance technologies.