Poland enters orbital independence: four military satellites to launch on November 11, 2025

On November 11, 2025, a date resonating deeply with national significance, four Polish military satellites are set to lift off into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This mission, coinciding with Poland’s National Independence Day, represents more than a technological achievement; it is a symbolic step toward a new form of sovereignty—digital and orbital. For the first time in history, Poland will possess its own satellite systems capable of independent optical and radar reconnaissance of Earth.

security equipment and technology news

10 november 2025   |   07:07   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. ICEYE

Three PIAST satellites and one radar scout

Among the payload are three satellites of the PIAST constellation (Polish Imaging Satellites), developed by a consortium of Polish institutions led by the Military University of Technology (WAT), including Creotech Instruments S.A., Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CBK PAN), PCO S.A., Institute of Aviation – Łukasiewicz Research Network, and the Wrocław-based Scanway. Their primary mission is to deliver high-resolution optical imagery for infrastructure and terrain monitoring, capable of a ground resolution of around five meters.

The PIAST satellites are built on the HyperSat platform, a fully Polish modular satellite bus designed by Creotech Instruments. HyperSat supports the development of nanosatellites and microsatellites for observation and scientific missions. “HyperSat is our proprietary product, designed to enable Poland to design, integrate, and operate its own space systems. The PIAST mission is the first operational use of this platform for defense purposes,” said Dr. Grzegorz Brona, CEO of Creotech Instruments, in an official statement.

Alongside the three PIAST units, the launch will carry the first satellite from the MikroSAR constellation, ordered by the Polish Ministry of National Defense from ICEYE. These satellites feature synthetic aperture radar (SAR), allowing them to observe the Earth regardless of day-night cycles or weather conditions. Poland has ordered three units with an option for three additional satellites, with the contract valued at approximately €200 million. The ground segment, including mobile receiving stations, is developed by Military Communications Works No. 1 (WZŁ-1).

- The SAR system will provide Poland with a unique capability for sovereign reconnaissance, independent of commercial or allied data sources. This is the foundation of informational sovereignty, stated Rafal Modrzewski, CEO of ICEYE, after the contract signing.

Launch on a symbolic date

The choice of November 11 for the launch is deliberate. Beyond an optimal launch window in SpaceX’s schedule, the date carries national symbolism. On the anniversary of regaining independence in 1918, four national satellites will ascend into space, affirming that modern independence extends beyond territory to information and orbit.

This milestone has both political and economic dimensions. For the first time, Poland is not merely a consumer of satellite data but also a producer and owner. In an era where information superiority is critical to national security, the ability to autonomously acquire radar and optical imagery is a tangible strategic asset.

Birth of Poland’s space industry

While the PIAST program falls under the SZAFIR defense program, its impact extends beyond military applications. Domestic satellite development drives industrial growth, technology transfer, and skills in system integration, mission control, communications, and data processing.

The PIAST project, funded at over PLN 70 million by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR), represents a landmark achievement. For Creotech, this follows the success of the EagleEye satellite mission in 2024, the largest Polish observational satellite to date. For Scanway, it validates Poland’s capability in satellite optics. For WAT and CBK PAN, it establishes infrastructure for mission operations and future programs.

Simultaneously, Poland has been increasing its involvement in the European Space Agency (ESA). By 2025, contributions exceed €200 million, with most funding returning to Polish companies and institutions. As POLSA President Prof. Grzegorz Wrochna notes:

- Poland’s participation in ESA programs translates almost one-to-one into investments in the domestic space industry, laying the foundation for a sustainable Polish presence in orbit.

From the sea to space

Though space may seem distant from maritime affairs, the two domains increasingly intersect. Earth observation satellites are vital for shipping safety, monitoring vessel traffic, detecting pollution, assessing port infrastructure, and crisis management in the Baltic. While PIAST and MikroSAR primarily serve military purposes, they will also support civilian applications—from border security to marine environmental monitoring—enhancing both Poland’s maritime economy and port security.

Technological and orbital sovereignty

The November 11, 2025 launch is not just a technological event; it is a declaration of ambition. For the first time, Poland owns and operates its reconnaissance system, built and controlled domestically. This marks a departure from full reliance on allied or commercial data sources.

- This is a breakthrough moment. Poland is now among the nations capable of independently designing, building, integrating, and operating space systems, said Dr. Grzegorz Brona at the HyperSat presentation. Experts note that such independence is as strategically vital today as energy or military sovereignty.

Poland in the orbit of the future

Following the launch, Poland will join a select group of countries operating a fully integrated Earth observation system. Future expansion may include additional SAR satellites and civilian observation components under the Copernicus program. The domestic space sector also holds export potential, both in satellite technology and data analytics. Once a nascent industry, Poland’s space sector is now one of the fastest-growing high-tech domains in the country.

Symbolic independence—now in orbit

In 1918, Poland regained independence on Earth. In 2025, it asserts independence in the technological domain—in information and space. The launch of four satellites on November 11 symbolizes that sovereignty in the 21st century extends to orbital space.

For Poland, this marks a new chapter: from consumer to creator of data, from participant in European missions to owner of a national satellite segment. The launch on November 11, 2025, is therefore not only a technological milestone but a statement of modern, orbital independence.

Buy us a coffee, and we’ll invest in great maritime journalism! Support Gazeta Morska and help us sail forward – click here!

polskie satelity wojskowe suwerenność technologiczna Polski polskie satelity polskie satelity w kosmosie polska agencja kosmiczna

comments

---

enter content

COMMENT

nick

Add the first comment