ICEYE, one of the global leaders in persistent monitoring with radar satellite imaging, is partnering with BAE Systems to provide advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology as part of BAE Systems' new multi-sensor satellite cluster launching in 2024. Known as AzaleaTM, this group of Earth-sensing satellites will use a range of instruments to collect visual, radar, and radio frequency (RF) data and use on-board machine learning and edge processing to analyze and quickly deliver the resulting intelligence to tactical or strategic users anywhere in the world directly from low earth orbit.
The AzaleaTM cluster will contain four satellites that between them deliver SAR, optical, RF, and analysis. The cluster will provide high-assurance security and resilience through inter-craft space links and allow for the simultaneous execution of multiple customer applications through a fully re-configurable system.
ICEYE's SAR technology provides high-resolution imagery of the Earth's surface, day or night, in any weather conditions. This persistent monitoring makes it easier to detect any physical changes, such as the movement of ships or aircraft, quickly and accurately. Timely, clear, actionable intelligence is essential for defense operations that move and change at a rapid pace.
"The AzaleaTM satellite cluster will process data in space to provide swathes of digital intelligence wherever it's needed," said Dave Armstrong, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems' Digital Intelligence business. "We understand how important space-based intelligence is to every domain, whether that's informing strategic command, alerting an in-area warship, or providing real-time intelligence to forces on the ground. The launch of AzaleaTM in 2024 will be a major step forward for the UK's sovereign space capability. "
"Bringing various types of high-trust satellite imaging technologies under the operational control of one company, like BAE Systems, means better intelligence delivered quicker than ever," said Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE. "With the Earth watchable 24/7, AzaleaTM will prove that most defense remote sensing requirements can be satisfied by commercial capabilities. BAE Systems became a strategic investor in ICEYE earlier this year, and we are now seeing the fruits of this important and growing relationship."
ICEYE owns and operates the world's largest constellation of SAR satellites, and the company has successfully launched 21 satellite missions since its first spacecraft was placed into orbit only four years ago. In May, the company successfully launched two satellite missions for the Brazilian Air Force, and in December 2021, ICEYE announced the company will supply a SAR satellite for MDA's next-generation commercial Earth observation mission called CHORUS.
ICEYE closed a $136 million Series D funding round last February, and BAE Systems was included as a new strategic investor. ICEYE has raised a total of $304 million in financing since 2015.
Click here to learn about ICEYE'S SAR Technology.