Finnish satellite operator ICEYE has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Ukraine to enhance the country’s space-based remote sensing capabilities for defense.
The firm develops Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) microsatellites for global surveillance and has supported the Ukrainian government since 2022.
With the latest agreement, ICEYE said it “continues to … ensure the imagery captured pertinent to Ukraine’s territory is used in the interests of ensuring the security and defense of Ukraine.”
The memorandum focuses on strengthening remote sensing technology and data use for the country’s defense and security while “supporting Ukraine’s integration into the global space economy.”
Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense Kateryna Chernohorenko said the cooperation with ICEYE enhances the nation’s intelligence work.
“I’m grateful to the company for its commitment to values and the Ukrainian people. I support the intention to limit space imaging over the territory of Ukraine. We must protect the country on land, in the air, at sea, and in space,” she said.
ICEYE Support In Crowdfunding for Ukraine
ICEYE announced in August 2022 that it had signed a contract with the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation to provide Ukraine with ICEYE’s SAR satellite imaging resources.
Per the agreement, an ICEYE SAR satellite is designated for Ukraine’s use over the region. The firm also “provides access to its constellation of SAR satellites, allowing the Ukrainian Armed Forces to receive radar satellite imagery on critical locations with a high revisit frequency.”
The results have been well worth it for the embattled Eastern European country.
Thus far, the satellite has aided attacks on more than 1,500 Russian targets, Kyiv’s military intelligence service (HUR) has revealed.
It has reportedly captured 4,173 images of Russian military facilities over the past year, including 370 airfields, 238 air defense and radio technical intelligence positions, 153 oil depots and fuel warehouses, and 17 naval bases.
It has also been able to take high-resolution imagery of 147 facilities that produce and store missiles, ammunition, and aviation weapons used by the Russian military.
According to HUR, 38 percent of the images were used to prepare for attacks, helping cost Moscow “billions of dollars.”
“ICEYE has been working closely with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine from Day 1 to support and help Ukraine in building space defense capabilities,” ICEYE CEO Rafal Modrzewski said.
“In line with our vision to improve life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation, we take pride in our efforts to provide objective, actionable data and technological support to Ukraine. The use of new, ground-breaking technology will continue to add significant value to the Government of Ukraine.”
