EYCORE, a Polish company operating in the new-space sector, is preparing to reach an important milestone in its development. In early May, EYCORE-1, the company’s first satellite equipped with its proprietary synthetic aperture radar, will be launched into orbit.
The mission opens a new chapter in the development of Poland’s domestic technological capabilities. EYCORE-1 will allow the company to verify its own solutions in orbital conditions. EYCORE will become only the second private company in Europe to operate its own SAR satellite, underlining the strategic significance of the project on a continental scale.
“The launch of the EYCORE-1 satellite into orbit is a key moment for the company. It will allow us to test our SAR solutions in space conditions. Although our DNA comes from the defence sector, the range of services we will offer will be much broader,” said Maciej Klemm, CEO of EYCORE.
EYCORE specialises in synthetic aperture radar, or SAR, technology. Unlike traditional optical systems, SAR enables precise Earth observation regardless of cloud cover and in complete darkness. This makes the technology particularly valuable in areas where continuous and reliable access to imaging data is essential.
SAR systems are currently one of the fastest-growing segments of the space market. They are used to monitor military movements, protect critical infrastructure, track maritime traffic and assess damage after natural disasters.
Building a Polish chain of competences
One of EYCORE’s main goals is to democratise access to SAR technology. The company aims to reduce the cost of this technology and make it more widely available, while also strengthening Poland’s technological sovereignty. This vision is to be supported by dynamic development based on European funds, with particular emphasis on resources from the European Space Agency.
The significant increase in Poland’s contribution to the ESA last year opens up new opportunities for participation in ambitious projects extending beyond Earth observation. These include space exploration, satellite technologies and navigation systems. Active involvement in the ESA ecosystem should allow EYCORE not only to expand its technological competences, but also to build lasting partnerships with leading European space companies.
“Our goal is to build a Polish chain of competences. We are the world’s 20th largest economy, with a rapidly developing new-space industry. We deserve to have key competences in the country. Placing EYCORE-1 in orbit is an important step in this direction,” said Tomasz Kusowski, Vice-President of EYCORE.
An example of this strategy is EYCORE’s cooperation with Creotech Instruments under the CAMILA programme, prepared in cooperation with the European Space Agency. The aim of the programme is to build a national satellite constellation.
