ICEYE launches Tactical Access for on-demand SAR imagery

Tactical Access | ICEYE

ICEYE has introduced Tactical Access, a new Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite tasking service aimed at defence and intelligence users requiring fast and flexible access to satellite imagery for time-critical missions. The subscription-based service offers guaranteed satellite imaging capacity and direct tasking control, allowing users to schedule imaging operations on short notice and bypass traditional first-in, first-out (FIFO) scheduling models used across much of the commercial satellite imagery industry.

ICEYE said Tactical Access is designed for organisations with large annual imagery needs, requiring short tasking timelines and immediate data delivery. The service enables customers to reserve imaging capacity in advance and execute tasking for emerging or unplanned operational requirements.

A key feature of the offering is the option for customers to deploy a dedicated ground station consisting of an antenna and ICEYE’s proprietary Edge processor. This configuration enables direct downlink and local processing of imagery within minutes, maintaining full data custody under the user’s control—an important feature for defence and national security applications. Alternatively, users may choose secure cloud-based delivery, receiving processed imagery within hours after collection.

John Cartwright, Senior Vice President of Data Product at ICEYE, said, “Tactical Access serves users who need significant flexibility and very short planning-to-delivery timelines. It provides access to SAR imagery with full operational control and reliability.”

ICEYE’s SAR constellation delivers imagery with resolutions of up to 16 centimetres from its Generation 4 satellites. The system supports large-area modes, including Scan Wide, which can capture areas measuring 200 by 300 kilometres. Using electronic beam-steering, the satellites can collect dozens of high-resolution scenes within minutes, increasing responsiveness for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

Tactical Access is managed through an intuitive planning interface designed for users handling large imagery volumes. The company said the service enables customers to conduct persistent monitoring and rapid assessment of changing conditions anywhere in the world, under all weather and lighting conditions.