Portugal Defence operates two new ICEYE satellites
Defence & Space News Europe - Portugal Defence is now operating two new ICEYE satellites within the Atlantic Constellation to strengthen the country´s sovereign capacity. The two Finnish satellites, that were acquired by Public Private Partnership CTI, were launched by SpaceX on October 20th from Cape Canaveral in the United States. Portugal´s Aerospace Technology and Innovation Center (CTI Aeroespacial ) was founded to help elevate Portugal's position in the aerospace industry and defense sectors. CTI originated from a partnership between the Portuguese Air Force, GEOSAT, and CEiiA, providing valuable collaborative capabilities in the 5th operational domain that is Space. Portuguese Space company CTI has already launched several satellites into orbit, with more on the way to form the Atlantic Constellation.
Portugal´s two new ICEYE satellites, CA-02 and CA-03, were launched aboard the SpaceX Bandwagon-5 mission, using a Falcon 9, from Space Launch Complex 40, in Cape Canaveral. The satellites, that were built by Finnish company ICEYE, are equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, allowing them to observe the Earth's surface regardless of weather conditions and time of day, and will be operated by the Portuguese Air Force through CTI Aeroespacial. Portugal´s two new ICEYE satellites complement the two other satellites that were launched at the beginning of 2026. Finnish satellite manufacturer ICEYE raised one billion euros in a funding round led by US private equity firm General Atlantic, raising the company's valuation to around 10 billion euros in June 2026.
Satellites made in Portugal
Portugal has invested 15 million euros, funded by the EU PRR, in its two Space Hubs in Santa Maria in the Azores and in Alverca in the Lisbon district. The Alverca Space Hub is where Finnish satellite manufacturer ICEYE will build satellites in a project with the Portuguese Air Force and CTI Aerospace. The ICEYE Hub in Lisbon will develop R&D in software, systems integration and AI, creating skilled jobs and recruiting local talent.
¨Bringing together satellite manufacturing, AI data analysis, and our natural disaster solutions in Lisbon - in collaboration with Portuguese talent and partners - strengthens both the country and European capability as a whole,” - Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and co-founder of ICEYE.
The first ICEYE satellites to leave the 600-square-meter production unit in Lisbon are planned for the end of 2026 and are funded by the European SAFE program. It is a tangible result of the deepening of the Portugal-Finland bilateral cooperation in Defense and dual-use technologies, reinforced by Finland's accession to NATO.
¨This is a long-term commitment to developing critical technology from Portugal to the world” - Rui Costa, ICEYE Portugal.
