ICEYE to Deliver SAR Satellites to Greece’s Satellite Project in collaboration with ESA

ICEYE, a global leader in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite operations, has announced a major partnership with Greece’s National Satellite Space Project. The collaboration, executed with the European Space Agency (ESA), marks a significant development in Greece’s space sector and aims to enhance its Earth Observation and disaster management capabilities.

*In the foreground Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE, and Dominique Gilliéron, Head of Earth Observation Projects Department, ESA. Credits: ICEYE*

The contract, signed for the Greek National Satellite Space Project Axis 1.2 (radar program), covers the development of a Greek SAR Space Segment. This includes both the provision of SAR imagery and the deployment of two ICEYE SAR satellites.

Satellites + data is the right combo

The satellites will be launched as part of Greece’s national observation system. Additionally, Greece will gain immediate access to ICEYE’s existing SAR satellite constellation—the largest in the world—allowing for near-instantaneous monitoring of areas of interest while continuing to build its space infrastructure.

Since 2018, ICEYE has launched 38 satellites for its own constellation and for international customers. For this project, the company will deliver SAR imagery to the Greek government right away, ensuring prompt access to monitor critical areas.

The company’s rapid production capabilities will allow for quick satellite assembly and launch. Notably, ICEYE is also expanding its presence in Greece by establishing a new satellite assembly facility, aimed at boosting the Greek space sector.

ICEYE’s CEO and Co-founder, Rafal Modrzewski, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating: “ICEYE is proud to contribute to the building of the space program for the Government of Greece. ICEYE’s SAR satellites and data will enable Greece to monitor their areas of interest and improve its national observability for Safety and Security, including flooding and wildfires, and maritime awareness capabilities. The project also showcases ICEYE’s unique ability to provide a seamless continuum of SAR capabilities spanning satellite delivery and data services.”

*A SAR image captured by ICEYE satellites. Credits: ICEYE*

Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes at ESA, highlighted ESA’s role in supporting national initiatives: “The assignment of the development of the Greek SAR Constellation to ICEYE is a proof of the Agency’s continuous commitment in supporting National initiatives from the ESA Member States, and demonstrates ESA’s unique ability to maximise the cross-benefit of all such initiatives by providing a unified framework for observations exchange among and for the benefit of Member States.”

A big step forward for Greece

Greek officials also praised the collaboration, highlighting its critical impact on disaster management and national security.

“We are excited to partner with ICEYE on this critical project,” said Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance. “The SAR satellites developed by ICEYE will provide us with unprecedented insights, enabling faster response times and more effective management of natural disasters such as floods. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge space technologies for the safety and well-being of our citizens,” he added.

Deputy Minister of Digital Governance, Konstantinos Kyranakis, expressed optimism for the project’s potential: “This agreement marks a significant step forward in Greece’s space program. By harnessing the power of SAR satellite data, we will greatly improve our ability to monitor and protect key areas of interest, both on land and at sea, under any light and weather conditions.”

“We are confident that this partnership not only will strengthen our disaster response capabilities but will also drive innovation within the Greek space sector,” he said in a statement.

“We have designed and are now implementing an ambitious satellite programme that will significantly enhance our upstream and downstream capabilities,” added Konstantinos Karantzalos, Secretary General of Telecommunications and Posts.

“With this contract today between ESA and the consortium led by ICEYE, we emphasize 24/7 dual-use remote sensing monitoring applications including object detection and surveillance based on very high-resolution radar.”