[KADEX On-site] "Identifying Enemy Hidden Behind Camouflage"... 25cm-Class High-Resolution Satellite Image Secret

Strengths of 'Dwell Precise' Revealed by Jeon Wanki, CEO of Iceye Branch
25cm High-Resolution Grade...Specialized in Identifying Small Objects or Targets
Up to 25 Ground Shots in 25 Seconds

Jeon Wanki, head of Iceye Korea, is explaining the high-performance new space radar imaging (SAR) satellite at the 'Korea International Defense Industry Exhibition' held at Gyeryongdae, Chungnam on the 2nd. Photo by Kang Jinhyung aymsdream@

ICEYE, a global leader in the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite sector, unveiled the world's first 25cm-class high-resolution SAR satellite imagery product, 'Dwell Precise,' on the 2nd at the Korea International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX) held at Gyeryongdae in Gyeryong City, Chungnam Province.

The Dwell Precise product offers high resolution based on the 1200 megahertz (MHz) radar bandwidth announced by ICEYE earlier this year. It is especially specialized in identifying small objects or targets that are difficult to distinguish with conventional satellite images, such as vehicles or types of military equipment.

SAR satellites orbit the Earth, focusing radar signals on specific surface areas and then generating images based on the returned data. Unlike conventional spot images, Dwell Precise can capture the ground not just once for 25 seconds but up to 5 to 25 times. It also captures images from a much more comprehensive angle than traditional spot images.

Jeon Wanki, head of ICEYE Korea, who led the briefing that day, explained, "The advantage of Dwell Precise is that it can capture ground images regardless of day or night and any weather conditions, recognizing multiple artificial objects on the ground simultaneously, which greatly aids security analysts in pinpointing ground information." He added, "It also makes it easier to identify enemy weapons or buildings hidden behind trees or covered with camouflage nets."

Jeon Wanki, head of Iceye Korea, is explaining the high-performance new space radar imaging (SAR) satellite at the 'Korea International Defense Industry Exhibition' held on the 2nd at Gyeryongdae, Chungnam. Photo by Kang Jinhyung aymsdream@

John Cartwright, ICEYE’s Senior Vice President and Head of Data Products, who also attended the briefing, stated, "Dwell Precise is the industry's most reliable 25cm-class product. As an advancement of the Dwell product line, Dwell Precise is expected to be recognized for its industry-leading imaging capabilities." He emphasized, "ICEYE customers will be able to identify surface objects and features much more clearly than before through this enhanced resolution and benefit from SAR’s day-and-night, all-weather imaging capabilities."

Satellite image of North Korea's Sinpo Shipyard taken on August 21, released by Iceye on the 2nd. The image shows North Korea's Kim Gun Ok ship. The far right shows the image taken in dwell mode.
[Image source=Iceye]

Meanwhile, ICEYE operates the world's largest constellation of 38 SAR satellites. Since introducing the Dwell mode for the first time in May last year, ICEYE has launched the Dwell Fine mode in March this year and now the Dwell Precise mode, securing technology that provides the most advanced commercial Earth observation capabilities and SAR satellite data worldwide.

At a meeting held on the 30th of last month at a hotel in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Dr. Jeon Wanki, head of ICEYE Korea’s business division, revealed that ICEYE’s satellite constellation acquired 4,173 pieces of imagery data on targets (Russian forces) during the actual Ukraine war. Dr. Jeon emphasized, "38% of the total information obtained by the Ukrainian military through ICEYE satellites was used for preparations for direct attacks on the enemy. You can see detailed traces of tracked vehicles passing through farmland and even vehicles behind gaps in camouflage nets." He added, "The Korea Water Resources Corporation uses it to monitor North Korean dams during the monsoon season from July to August," emphasizing, "Satellite utilization is possible not only for security but also for civilian purposes."

Dr. Jeon proposed various supports to the Korean government, including △providing ICEYE SAR constellation satellite information on areas of interest to the Korean military △allowing South Korea to independently operate some of the ICEYE constellation satellites currently in operation △manufacturing and supplying ICEYE satellites △providing technical support for the successful development of South Korea’s SAR satellites. Dr. Jeon stated, "ICEYE plans to launch 45 satellites by next year," and "If the Korean government wishes to purchase satellites, we can provide them within 18 months according to the requirements." He also noted, "There are only four companies worldwide that have launched small satellites, but their imaging frequency is lower than ICEYE’s," adding, "To prove this, we can provide information during joint exercises like NATO drills."