Agnikul Cosmos, ICEYE Partner To Build, Launch SAR Earth Observation Satellites From India

Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos and Finland’s ICEYE have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the development, launch, and operation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Earth observation satellite systems from India.

The partnership aims to build an end-to-end sovereign SAR space capability , combining satellite manufacturing, launch services, and operations within a single integrated ecosystem. Under the agreement, satellites will be manufactured in India using ICEYE’s proven SAR technology, while launches will be executed through Agnikul’s upcoming responsive launch vehicles .

ICEYE operates the world’s largest constellation of SAR satellites , which are capable of capturing high-resolution Earth images regardless of cloud cover, weather conditions, or time of day . These capabilities make SAR technology highly valuable for disaster response, defence monitoring, maritime surveillance, and critical infrastructure tracking .

Agnikul Cosmos is currently developing its Agnibaan launch vehicle , a fully reusable and on-demand rocket system designed to place small satellites into orbit with high flexibility and reduced turnaround time. The company aims to strengthen India’s position in the small satellite launch market .

According to Agnikul Cosmos Co-founder and COO Moin SPM , the collaboration brings together manufacturing, launch, and operational capabilities under one ecosystem, enabling a repeatable and scalable model for satellite deployment.

He noted that such integrated infrastructure is increasingly demanded by the global space industry, particularly for customers seeking faster deployment cycles and cost-efficient space solutions .

The partnership is expected to enhance India’s role in the growing global Earth observation market , while also supporting the development of sovereign space capabilities through private-sector innovation.