R&D entities and commercial companies have signed a memorandum of cooperation on the construction of the satellite constellation for security and defense purposes. It is a response to the Polish government’s plans in this regard.
28 June this year, Centrum Badań Kosmicznych PAN, SBŁ – Instytut Lotnictwa, Wojskowa Akademia Techniczna as well as companies Creotech S.A. and PCO S.A. concluded memorandum of the technological cooperation. The document is to be a basis for finding the future consortium, which will produce the constellation of optoelectronic microsatellites. Construction and launch of the satellites is provided for by The National Reconstruction Plan that has been already adopted by the government as well as and The National Space Programme which is under proceeding.
The national EO system
Details of the project were presented during the 3rd Space Sector Forum by col. Marcin Górka, plenipotentiary of the defense minister for outer space. The project foresees design, construction and the operational launch of the Polish national EO system entitled ”Mikroglob”. It will be focused on Earth observation for security and defense purposes. The system will consist of three components: orbital, terrestrial and user segments.
The orbital segment will include EO satellites equipped with optoelectronic sensors (additionally complemented by SAR sensors) as well as a scientific satellite in Earth orbit. The terrestrial segment is to be responsible for the constellation management. The user segment should be accountable for receiving, collecting, processing and distributing the images to the national administration units.
Which solutions the Polish industry can offer
The Polish industry ic capable of construct the microsatellites and provide them with optoelectronic and SAR sensors independently, based on currently conducting R&D works or already existing technological solutions. In this context, such R&D projects of the EO micro or nano-satellites as “EagleEye” (developed by Creotech) and as well as „PIAST” are considered. Both are currently financed from NCBR funds.
The value of the project is estimated at approx. PLN 700 mln in 2021-26. The funds are to be come from the National Reconstruction Plan.
