ICEYE, a global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technology, has significantly bolstered its Earth observation constellation with the successful deployment of six new satellites. The satellites, launched aboard the Transporter-14 rideshare mission with SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, on June 23, 2025, bring ICEYE‘s total number of launched satellites to 54.
According to a press release from the company, this latest launch represents ICEYE’s largest single satellite deployment to date, marking a considerable acceleration in the expansion of its constellation and its capabilities. All the satellites from the Transporter-14 mission are described as 25 cm class collectors, which the company indicates provides the highest fidelity in the industry. Initial communications have been established with each spacecraft, and routine commissioning operations are currently underway. The satellites were manufactured by ICEYE in both Finland and the United States.
A notable aspect of this launch, as highlighted by ICEYE, is the inclusion of the first satellite destined for the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). This satellite, part of an agreement to provide Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems to the RNLAF, was launched within four months of the agreement, demonstrating a rapid delivery timeline for what is being recognized as the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s inaugural operational military satellite mission.
Furthermore, the company’s statement mentioned that this mission also saw the successful launch of ICEYE’s second Generation 4 (Gen4) satellite. The first Gen4 satellite was launched in March on the Transporter-13 mission. These Gen4 satellites are designed to enhance ICEYE’s leadership in SAR imaging for critical applications such as national security and disaster response. The Gen4 satellites boast double the SAR antenna size and radiated SAR power, which, as the company explained, allows for imaging areas that are twice as large (with swath widths ranging from 150-400 km) and offer 30% more image detail. Additional improvements mentioned include advanced orbit control, enabling more efficient imaging of congested areas within a single satellite pass.
This latest launch follows previous deployments this year, with ICEYE having successfully placed four new satellites into orbit in both January and March 2025. Looking ahead, ICEYE has stated its intention to launch over 20 new satellites annually in 2025 and beyond, further solidifying its position in the Earth observation sector.
