On December 8, 2025, it was announced that a military satellite belonging to the Polish Armed Forces, launched into orbit on November 28, 2025 as part of the MicroSAR program, sent the first images of the Earth's surface. The satellite - built by ICEYE - is currently in the testing and calibration phase of the systems, and engineers are fine-tuning the operation of all components before handing it over to full operation[1].

The imagery was taken on December 2, just a few days after launch - which shows the efficient operation of the technological chain[2]. The satellite offers many modes of operation: from observation of large areas, through medium detail (e.g. for border monitoring or maritime traffic), to high-resolution images that allow for the detection of individual objects.[3]

The biggest advantage is the SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) radar technology used. Thanks to it, the satellite can take pictures regardless of the time of day, as well as in bad weather - radar waves penetrate clouds, smoke or fog. The image has a resolution of up to 25 centimeters per pixel - which means very high accuracy of observation[4].

The idea behind the choice of the radar satellite is to increase Polish's intelligence and reconnaissance independence. The MikroSAR program assumes the delivery of three radar satellites, with the option of expanding the constellation by another three units[5]. As a consequence, Poland will gain the ability to conduct its own satellite imagery - without having to rely on allies or external data providers[6].

The publication of the first images from space is an important signal: Poland is entering the era of modern satellite reconnaissance. This is a milestone for the Polish space industry, defence services and national security - and at the same time proof that the country can successfully implement advanced technological projects in the field of space. This gives us greater flexibility and effectiveness in monitoring the territory, as well as in responding to potential threats.

Currently, the satellite is undergoing the final phase of testing and calibration. After achieving full operational readiness, it will be handed over to the end user - the Polish Armed Forces[7]. Further satellites under MikroSAR are to be delivered in the coming months, which will allow for the construction of a permanent orbital constellation[8].

[1] https://www.iceye.com/pl-pl/press/press-releases/polska-widziana-z-kosmosu-pierwsze-zobrazowania-wykonane-przez-satelit%C4%99-si%C5%82-zbrojnych-rp - Polska widziana z kosmosu: pierwsze zobrazowania wykonane przez satelitę Sił Zbrojnych RP, ICEYE

[2] https://xyz.pl/dzieje-sie/sa-pierwsze-zdjecia-z-polskiego-satelity-wojskowego-2299/ - Są pierwsze zdjęcia z polskiego satelity wojskowego, XYZ

[3] https://www.iceye.com/pl-pl/press/press-releases/polska-widziana-z-kosmosu-pierwsze-zobrazowania-wykonane-przez-satelit%C4%99-si%C5%82-zbrojnych-rp - Polska widziana z kosmosu: pierwsze zobrazowania wykonane przez satelitę Sił Zbrojnych RP, ICEYE

[4] https://www.fakt.pl/polityka/oto-pierwsze-zdjecia-z-satelity-sil-zbrojnych-rp-sa-konkretne-i-precyzyjne/tzhvrgl - "Mamy pierwsze zdjęcia". Nowy satelita wojskowy śledzi Polskę, Fakt

[5] https://space24.pl/satelity/obserwacja-ziemi/satelita-wojska-polskiego-wykonal-pierwsze-zobrazowania?_gl=1%2a18jye11%2a_ga%2aMjAzNDIzMjMwNC4xNzU5NzM2MTMx%2a_ga_V9HJHCHWER%2aczE3NjUyNjg3NzEkbzM4JGcxJHQxNzY1MjY4ODAwJGozMSRsMCRoMA..%2a_ga_74VRD6CCXR%2aczE3NjUyNjg3NzEkbzM4JGcxJHQxNzY1MjY4ODAwJGozMSRsMCRoMA.. - Satelita Wojska Polskiego wykonał pierwsze zobrazowania, Space24

[6] https://mamstartup.pl/polska-widziana-z-kosmosu-pierwsze-zobrazowania-wykonane-przez-satelite-sil-zbrojnych-rp/ - Polska widziana z kosmosu: pierwsze zobrazowania wykonane przez satelitę Sił Zbrojnych RP, Mamstartup

[7] https://space24.pl/satelity/obserwacja-ziemi/satelita-wojska-polskiego-wykonal-pierwsze-zobrazowania?_gl=1%2a18jye11%2a_ga%2aMjAzNDIzMjMwNC4xNzU5NzM2MTMx%2a_ga_V9HJHCHWER%2aczE3NjUyNjg3NzEkbzM4JGcxJHQxNzY1MjY4ODAwJGozMSRsMCRoMA..%2a_ga_74VRD6CCXR%2aczE3NjUyNjg3NzEkbzM4JGcxJHQxNzY1MjY4ODAwJGozMSRsMCRoMA.. Satelita Wojska Polskiego wykonał pierwsze zobrazowania, Space24

[8] https://news.satnews.com/2025/11/16/poland-is-ready-to-launch-its-first-military-satellite-a-sar-from-california/ - Poland is ready to launch its first military satellite, a SAR, from California, Satnews

Photo: ICEYE

This article was prepared as part of the public task commissioned under the Government Programme for the Development of Civic Organizations 2018–2030: “Safe Poland of Tomorrow – strengthening the mission-driven activities of the Alioth Foundation.”