News item | 24-06-2025 | 09:00
A rocket was launched from the United States at 11:26 pm (Dutch time) last night, with the first operational satellite of the Dutch armed forces on board. With this satellite, the Ministry of Defense gets its own eyes in space. This is important for performing military operations and keeping a view of threats.
It is about the first of the 4 SAR satellites (Synthethic Aperture Radar) That Defense will launch for the next 1.5 years. This satellite can make detailed images of the earth’s surface in all weather conditions, including clouds and in the dark. The satellite radar broadcasts radio waves, and with the reflected signals the satellite produces accurate images at a great distance.
With this satellite, the Dutch armed forces is no longer dependent on other parties, and Defense can observe areas worldwide. That is important for national security, because the satellites provide insight into activities behind enemy lines that can be a threat.
Crucial for the Netherlands
Commander Air Forces Lieutenant General André Steur: “These operational satellites are going to deliver really military capacities. They are going to help us portray what is happening in the world and give warnings. To understand, predict and respond to what is happening in the world. And that is crucial for our Armed Forces.”
Launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base
The rocket has been launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Basea military base in California. On board were 67 satellites from different parties, including the Dutch SAR satellite from the Finnish manufacturer Iceye. Colonel Bernard Buijs, head of the Defense Space Security Center, was at the launch. “This is a big step forward. The world has changed, there is more threat. This satellite turns all over the world and that means we have ears and eyes everywhere.”
Other Defense Satellites
The 4 SAR satellites are not the first satellites of the Dutch armed forces, but the first operational satellites. Previously, Defense already launched 3 experimental satellites:
- In June 2021 the first nanosatellite: Brik-II.
- In January 2023 two small satellites: Milspace2 (De Birkeland and the Huygens).
Lifetime
The SAR satellites-like other satellites-last about 5 years. After the launch it takes a few months before the satellite is operational. In that period the satellite folds out its solar panels and the systems are activated. If the satellite is operational, all armed forces will use it.