ICEYE expands satellite fleet with latest launch and unveils advanced Gen4 imaging system

ICEYE expands satellite fleet with latest launch and unveils advanced Gen4 imaging system
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Mar 17, 2025

ICEYE, a global frontrunner in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite-based Earth Observation and disaster monitoring, has deployed four new satellites, each equipped with 25 cm resolution capabilities. This latest launch strengthens ICEYE's already unmatched SAR constellation, further advancing its capacity to support natural disaster response and national security missions. Notably, the launch included the company's latest technological milestone, the Generation 4 (Gen4) satellite, which signifies a major leap forward in SAR innovation.

The satellites were successfully launched on March 15, 2025, aboard SpaceX's Transporter-13 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA. Integration of the spacecraft was facilitated by Exolaunch. Post-launch, all four satellites have established communication, and standard commissioning procedures are currently in progress.

ICEYE's Gen4 satellite represents a significant advancement in SAR technology, offering the highest image quality available in the sector. This new model builds on the company's proven legacy by doubling both the size of the radar antenna and the emitted SAR power. These enhancements enable the Gen4 satellite to capture more than twice the imaging area of previous models, with swath widths ranging from 150 km to 400 km. Furthermore, the imagery contains 30% more data per image, enhancing its utility for critical applications. Additional upgrades include advanced orbit control for precision targeting and increased imaging capacity in densely monitored zones.

The expanded capabilities of Gen4 are designed to improve operational awareness, streamline decision-making, and elevate mission effectiveness. The satellite's ability to detect and classify maritime, land, and airborne targets with greater ease is particularly valuable for defense and intelligence users. ICEYE plans to disclose more information on Gen4's features and specific customer applications in the near future.

"With the launch of the Generation 4 satellite, ICEYE continues to lead the innovation in the SAR satellite industry. As we aim to be the primary provider of critical infrastructure for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to allied nations, our SAR development serves the growing demand for space-based technology in the global defense markets," said Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE.

Since 2018, ICEYE has deployed 48 SAR satellites for its own operations and customer use. The company intends to sustain this rapid pace by launching over 20 new satellites annually in 2025, 2026, and the years to follow. Earlier in January 2025, ICEYE successfully launched another set of four satellites, marking a robust start to its yearly launch schedule.