Edinburgh / Helsinki, 15 September 2022. – Finnish microsatellite manufacturer ICEYE, and New Space optical imaging company Satlantis, announced preliminary plans to develop and manufacture a proposed Tandem for Earth Observation (Tandem4EO) constellation consisting of two SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and two VHR (Very High Resolution) optical satellites. The project is to support the New Space strategy of several nations of the European Union, with a focus on Spain.
Development and manufacturing are planned to take place at ICEYE’s R&D facilities and Satlantis’ headquarters in Spain. Both companies will increase their investments in local operations.
Each spacecraft of the four-satellite constellation will be capable of under 1-meter resolution imaging. The satellites will operate from a sun-synchronous orbit, with the two SAR imaging spacecraft flying in a bi-static formation. The two VHR optical imaging spacecraft will be trailing behind these.
The combination of SAR and optical imaging with video capability will allow users to reap the benefits of versatility and reliability. In addition to the dual-instrument approach, the bi-static nature of the SAR satellites will enable simultaneous radar acquisitions.
Tandem4EO intends to serve solutions related to natural catastrophes, security, environmental monitoring, infrastructure development, and many more, according to ICEYE.
