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PredaSAR aims to deploy the world's largest Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation. SAR satellites, are equipped with a radar technology that is used to compose two-dimensional images or 3D reconstruction of objects, like landscapes and buildings on maps. Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc. is the manufacturer of the SAR satellites and the launch integration provider, “As part of the agreement, PredaSAR, Tyvak, and SpaceX will be working together to optimize the deployment plan for the remainder of PredaSAR’s groundbreaking constellation – the world’s largest and most advanced commercial SAR satellite constellation,” the company says.
PredaSAR signed a deal to launch its first satellite atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket – “Excited to announce that the first of our 48 advanced commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites will launch on SpaceX's Falcon9 launch vehicle,” a company representative announced via Twitter.
“PredaSAR spacecraft possess the latest in space-proven, high quality satellite systems to support scalable and fully capable operations. PredaSAR aims to deliver critical insights and data products to both military and commercial decision makers at the speed of need,” PredaSAR CEO Maj Gen Roger Teague stated in a press release. “We are pleased to fly with SpaceX, a proven launch service provider to further enable the PredaSAR constellation vision of rapid, persistent ISR, anytime and anywhere.”
The company is reportedly in talks with SpaceX to launch its first fleet of SAR satellites that will make-up the constellation, PredaSAR co-founder Marc Bell told SpaceNews reporters. Bell said PredaSAR’s first satellite is scheduled to launch in Spring 2021. The first satellite will ride along another payload under a SpaceX SmallSat Rideshare Program contract. The program allows small satellites to ride atop a Falcon 9 rocket for a cheaper price tag by sharing fairing with a larger payload.
Bell also told reporters that they expect to sign another contract with SpaceX to cover the deployment of the constellation's first 48 radar satellites, “We agreed to do one and we will negotiate the rest later. We would like to work with SpaceX on the rest of them, and I’m sure we’ll come to an agreement in the near future,” he said.
SpaceX Vice President of Commercial Sales Tom Ochinero stated:
“For launch of the first satellite of its constellation, PredaSAR sought a reliable and schedule-certain ride on a rocket with a demonstrated record of executing launches at a high cadence. We’re proud PredaSAR selected SpaceX as its launch provider for this very important mission.”
“We are eagerly looking forward to launching PredaSAR’s constellation with SpaceX, a trusted partner and provider of launches,” Bell said. “Our satellite design has benefited from years of advanced research and development from Tyvak and allows us to bring our clients the critical, persistent data that they need.”
Excited to announce that the first of our 48 advanced commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites will launch on @SpaceX's #Falcon9 launch vehicle. This will be the world’s largest and most advanced commercial #SAR #satellite constellation 🛰 #SpaceXhttps://t.co/IdZc5qnM9B
— predasar (@predasar) August 4, 2020
About the Author
Evelyn Arevalo
Evelyn J. Arevalo joined Tesmanian in 2019 to cover news as a Space Journalist and SpaceX Starbase Texas Correspondent. Evelyn is specialized in rocketry and space exploration. The main topics she covers are SpaceX and NASA.
