EagleEye has made history as the first Polish satellite equipped with a large telescope, marking a significant milestone for Poland’s space exploration efforts. Launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket (on 15th August 2024), this advanced satellite is set to provide Poland with independent access to high-resolution Earth imagery.
Dr Tomasz Barciński from the Space Research Centre at the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) highlights that the satellite will capture images with remarkable resolution of approximately one meter per pixel, utilising both visible and infrared light.
The importance of independence
To Dr Barciński, the possession of Poland’s own satellite capabilities is extremely important. While similar satellites have already been built, relying on external sources can lead to limitations and restrictions. “Satellites of this type already exist in the world. They can be rented or purchased.
The problem is that in this scenario, you are dependent on other entities,” he explains. The development of EagleEye required starting the whole process from scratch, as information on satellite construction is often scarce and closely guarded.
Collaborative efforts in development
The success of the project lies in collaborative work of few parties – the construction of EagleEye involved a consortium led by Creotech Instruments S.A., which built the satellite platform; Scanway S.A. was responsible for the Earth observation telescope, while the Space Research Centre provided the telescope’s computer and developed the necessary control algorithms.
Advanced technology that includes AI
The satellite’s computer architecture, developed by the Space Research Centre, is designed to be compact and energy-efficient while maintaining high computing power. This “satellite supercomputer” is crucial for processing the vast amounts of data generated by the telescope.
Dr Barciński explains that the algorithms developed for EagleEye are based on complex mathematics and physics, enabling precise control of the satellite’s orientation and tracking capabilities. Additionally, the satellite’s computer processes images captured by the telescope utilising artificial intelligence to classify and select suitable images for transmission back to Earth.
What’s in there for the future?
EagleEye is not just a standalone project, it represents a leap forward for Poland’s space capabilities. It is the largest Polish observation satellite in the history of Poland, built by Polish engineers. The satellite is based on the HyperSat platform, which can support various missions and configurations. This adaptability opens the door for future satellite projects, with plans for additional launches in the coming years. The optical telescope onboard will enhance the quality of satellite imagery, providing valuable data for applications ranging from agriculture to military observation.
A new era for Polish space exploration
“This groundbreaking achievement has the potential to introduce Poland to an elite group of nations capable of developing advanced space systems,” said Dr Grzegorz Brona, President of the Management Board of Creotech Instruments SA. This achievement not only showcases the capabilities of Polish engineers but also sets the stage for future missions.
With ongoing developments and potential for further exploration, Poland is poised to make significant contributions to the global space community. “EagleEye is a groundbreaking project for the entire space sector. This is another great step in the development of national competences in the design, construction, integration and use of utility satellites,” said the President of the Polish Space Agency Prof. Grzegorz Wrochna.
ph: Creotech
More:
- pl/pl/aktualnosci/najwiekszy-polski-satelita-eagleeye-juz-w-kosmosie/
- EagleEye is the first Polish satellite with such a large telescope | Science in Poland
