EOLEOMilitary

MDA Is Sharing Satellite Imagery with Kyiv

Image: MDA

Image: MDA

MDA, a Canadian satellite developer and geospatial analytics provider, announced Tuesday that it is supplying satellite imagery to Ukraine. The move follows a similar announcement the same day from Satellogic and Astraea.

In a statement, MDA said it “secured special authorization” from the Canadian government “to collect synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite imagery over restricted areas in Ukraine.”

  • “We’re honored that we are able to use our radar satellite capabilities to contribute to these international efforts, and will continue doing everything in our power to help the government of Ukraine protect its citizens,” MDA CEO Mike Greenley said. 
  • “We can deliver intelligence reports and people can make determinations of what’s going on the ground, or on the sea, from our radar imagery,” Greenley told Reuters
  • On MDA’s website, marketing materials for its geospatial analytics tools state the company can help governments “keep an eye on military mobilization,” among other things.

Takeaway: The satellite imagery situation is changing quickly. MDA told Reuters it secured a license on Friday and that is now communicating intelligence in conjunction with Western agencies. Asked about possible Russian cyber reprisals, Greenley told Reuters that MDA has implemented a “slightly heightened security posture.” 

Related Stories
EO

Muon Wins Stage II Contract from NRO

Muon collects IR data, an area in which US commercial providers lag behind Chinese competitors.

Military

DIU Awards 14 Companies Hybrid Space Architecture Contracts

The Hybrid Space Architecture (HSA), which was established in 2022, aims to bridge military and commercial space assets and to speed up how quickly troops can access data—while also maintaining critical cybersecurity requirements.

EOEuropeInternationalMilitary

ICEYE and Rheinmetall Form Sat Production Partnership

The new venture, called Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions, will split ownership 60/40 between Rheinmetall and ICEYE, respectively, and expects to begin production of SAR sats in the second quarter of next year.

MilitarySatcomScience

IonQ Buys Capella Space For Quantum Comms Gambit

The all-stock deal valued Capella at $311M, according to SEC filings and yesterday’s $IONQ closing price.