Ukraine’s space reconnaissance: how ICEYE satellites help target the enemy

I am publishing unique photographs of Russian military facilities taken by our troops using ICEYE satellites. This is what our space reconnaissance is capable of today.

Remember the “people’s satellite” we crowdfunded in 2022? Today, Ukraine has two of them at its disposal, along with access to a “constellation” of 44 other ICEYE satellites.

Over the past two years, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) has taken 5,200 images, 1,000 of which were captured in just the past six months. Forty percent of these were used directly for target strikes.

ICEYE satellites are unique in their ability to capture images at any time of day and in any weather conditions. Cooperation with the Finnish company has been a crucial asset for us, especially given that American military aid and intelligence sharing could be interrupted at any moment.

This is a great example of Ukrainian-European defense cooperation. Thanks to us, ICEYE has been able to refine its product for military applications, while we can destroy more Russian targets. And all of this—without the involvement of our esteemed American partners.

Thus, Ukraine has two ICEYE satellites at its disposal. The first was purchased for 600 million UAH through Ukrainian donations. The second was funded by Rheinmetall and the German government. Additionally, we have access to imagery from all 44 ICEYE satellites.

There is a significant difference between “owning” satellites and having access to the entire fleet’s imagery. One satellite typically makes 2.5 effective passes over Ukraine per day, and these capabilities are exclusively secured for us.

This means our intelligence can use its two satellites at any time, quickly obtaining data on the areas of interest.

When accessing images from the entire ICEYE fleet, there is a longer wait, as other clients are also in the queue for satellite use.

Both satellites will likely remain at Ukraine’s disposal for as long as they are physically operational. The Prutyla satellite is guaranteed, while the German one is uncertain but will most likely stay with us until the end.

The first satellite, purchased by Ukrainians, was launched in 2021. The company’s warranty is three years, meaning the “people’s satellite” has already exceeded its expected lifespan but remains functional.

The launch date of the “German” satellite has not been disclosed, but it has been operational since at least the end of last year.

A small but highly illustrative success story amid truly difficult news. I’ll leave a link to the full text in the comments.

The photos were provided by HUR for the Prytula Foundation’s “People’s Satellite” exhibition at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine.

Bogdan Miroshnichenko