ICEYE, known for its expertise in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations for Earth observation, has formalized a new collaboration with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense. This strategic Memorandum of Cooperation is designed to bolster Ukraine’s national security through enhanced remote sensing capabilities.
This agreement is a continuation of ICEYE’s support for Ukraine that began in 2022. Under the terms of the Memorandum, ICEYE will ensure that the satellite imagery related to Ukraine’s territory is utilized solely for the country’s defense needs and is not shared with any hostile nations or entities.
ICEYE offers advanced monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes on Earth swiftly and accurately. With the largest SAR satellite constellation globally, ICEYE provides near real-time insights, ensuring that customers receive actionable data day or night, even in challenging conditions.
The partnership aims to advance remote sensing technology, optimize data usage for security purposes, and assist Ukraine in integrating into the global space economy.
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A second step
In August 2022, ICEYE had already taken significant steps by signing a contract with the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation to provide SAR satellite imaging capabilities to the Ukrainian government.
This arrangement designated one of ICEYE’s SAR satellites specifically for Ukraine and granted access to ICEYE’s broader satellite constellation, allowing frequent radar imaging of key areas.
The company supports various sectors, including insurance, natural disaster response, security, maritime monitoring, and finance, it operates internationally, with offices in Finland, Poland, Spain, the UK, and the US, employing over 700 people.
Deputy Minister of Defense Kateryna Chernohorenko highlighted the importance of this cooperation: “Cooperation with ICEYE and the signing of the memorandum will enhance our 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.”
Oleksandra Ustinova, Head of Ukraine’s Parliamentary Commission on Arms, added: “I plead with all satellite companies to follow ICEYE’s lead in not selling imagery to Russia. [The company] has been an important partner for Ukraine in providing satellite data responsibly. We are grateful that they are taking the technological lead within the industry to help protect Ukraine from Russian aggression.”
She added: “[This] technologies will be able to provide Ukraine with an advantage on the battlefield and far beyond enemy lines. I foresee this cooperation to strengthen with time and that together, we will engage in new defense space projects, directing Ukraine toward building a highly technological sovereign space capability.”
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The company’s vision
Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE, affirmed the company’s dedication: “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. 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.”
He further stated, “As an operator of highly advanced space capabilities and as a supplier of geospatial intelligence, we believe that we have a responsibility to prevent the misuse of our services against Ukraine. We ask our peers to stand with us and Ukraine in this approach against unwarranted foreign aggression.”
Notably, the company operates the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation, which provides consistent and reliable Earth observation data. These radar imaging satellites can capture high-resolution images regardless of lighting or weather conditions, ensuring that critical data is available when needed.
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