Emerging SAR Capabilities: Partnership between Eycore and Kongsberg NanoAvionics
Overview of the Partnership
On July 31, 2025, Eycore, a burgeoning developer of compact synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) payloads, partnered with Kongsberg NanoAvionics, a small-satellite manufacturer. The collaboration aims to launch Eycore’s inaugural SAR demonstrator aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter rideshare mission scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. This initiative seeks to establish a comprehensive military-grade SAR solution tailored for European governments, enabling swift and autonomous access to sub-meter resolution imagery under any weather conditions.
Mission Details
The SAR demonstrator will be deployed in a 510-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. Central to the mission is Eycore’s innovative deployable active phased-array antenna. Key highlights include:
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Antenna Configuration: Featuring five panels—one stationary and four that unfold in orbit—this design maximizes aperture size without increasing launch dimensions.
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Microsatellite Bus: Kongsberg NanoAvionics’ MP42 platform will supply necessary peak power to the payload, facilitate data transmission, and ensure agility in attitude control, permitting diverse imaging modes which encompass:
- Stripmap Mode: Sustained coverage over extended areas.
- Spotlight Mode: High-resolution imaging of key targets.
- ScanSAR Mode: Broad situational awareness for extensive regions.
These versatile modes ensure that operators can transition from wide-area surveillance to specific vehicle inspections, enhancing operational relevance across multiple domains, including:
- Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
- Border security
- Maritime domain awareness
- Rapid disaster response
Future Developments
Eycore and Kongsberg NanoAvionics are concurrently developing a next-generation satellite bus and advanced payload with enhanced specifications such as:
- Increased imaging resolution
- Wider coverage swath
- Extended operational imaging durations
- Improved angles of incidence
Strategic Insights
Tomasz Kusowski, Eycore’s Co-founder and Vice President, emphasized the synergy of collaborating with a trusted platform provider. This partnership allows Eycore to concentrate on refining its SAR technology while minimizing risks associated with platform integration, launch procedures, and operational execution. Kusowski stated, “This demonstrator serves as a catalyst for high-performance European SAR satellites capable of delivering critical tactical data for national security and defense.”
Atle Wøllo, CEO of Kongsberg NanoAvionics, underscored the growing requirement for domestically governed, all-weather Earth observation capabilities throughout Europe. He remarked, “By integrating our small satellite systems with Eycore’s advanced sensors, we are providing nations with a swift, economical route to gain sovereign SAR capabilities that fortify national security and resilience.”
Conclusion
The collaboration between Eycore and Kongsberg NanoAvionics marks a significant advancement in European military satellite capabilities, addressing urgent defense needs while fostering innovation in remote sensing technology. As nations seek autonomy in critical ISR functions, the upcoming SAR demonstrator may set a benchmark for future developments in defense-related Earth observation systems.
