ICEYE, the global leader in SAR satellite operations for Earth Observation and persistent monitoring, announced today that it has launched two new satellites to its constellation of SAR satellites. Both satellites expand the availability of ICEYE’s latest imaging technology to deliver additional 25 cm imaging capacity.
The satellites were integrated via Exolaunch and launched as part of the Bandwagon-2 rideshare mission with SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA. Both satellites have established communication, and early routine operations are underway (see Space Insurance Industry Outlook: Price & Coverage for Satellites & Space Flight).
Since 2018, ICEYE has deployed 40 satellites, with nine launches completed in 2024 alone. This latest deployment reinforces the company’s ability to provide vital geospatial data to the insurance and reinsurance sectors.
These industries rely on ICEYE for improved risk assessment and management, particularly for natural catastrophes such as floods and wildfires.
The new satellites are positioned in mid-inclination orbits, targeting regions within ±45 degrees latitude. This configuration enhances coverage in middle latitudes, doubling imaging opportunities compared to polar orbits. ICEYE noted that this strategic placement benefits customers with interests in these regions (see about Space & Satellite Insurance).
Mid-inclination orbit provides more SAR-imaging opportunities at middle latitudes of the globe for ICEYE customers.
Integrated through Exolaunch, the satellites were launched on SpaceX’s Bandwagon-2 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Both satellites have established communication and begun early operational routines.
This launch is a significant milestone, strengthening our SAR constellation and providing diverse collection opportunities in the areas most critical to our customers
Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEY
Today’s launch is another step forward in ICEYE’s steady drumbeat of innovative breakthroughs in Earth Observation. This year alone, ICEYE has, for example, introduced Dwell Precise, a new 25 cm imaging mode that offers its customers the highest-fidelity 25 cm imaging capability, and adds advanced capability to ICEYE’s line of Dwell products; launched an API that allows customers to directly task its SAR satellite constellation; and launched ICEYE Ocean Vision to provide actionable intelligence for maritime domain awareness.
ICEYE delivers unparalleled persistent monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes in any location on Earth, faster and more accurately than ever before.
Owning the world’s largest synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation, ICEYE provides objective, near real-time insights, ensuring that customers have unmatched access to actionable high-quality data, day or night, even in challenging environmental conditions. As a trusted partner to governments and commercial industries, ICEYE delivers intelligence in sectors such as insurance, natural catastrophe response and recovery, security, maritime monitoring, and finance, enabling decision-making that contributes to community resilience and sustainable development.
