Poland Plans to Enhance Earth Observation with New Satellite Launches

Poland is set to enhance its earth observation capabilities with plans to launch a constellation of at least four civil-use satellites by 2027, alongside two defence and security satellites expected in 2028. The Ministry of Defence will oversee the defence project, which has secured a contract with Airbus for the construction and launch of the satellites. While the civil project is anticipated to foster a more open data access environment, concerns linger regarding the accessibility of data from the defence initiative. Waldemar Franczak, CEO of spectator.earth, emphasizes the potential impact of the Camila project on the Polish space technology ecosystem. He notes that the constellation will likely be designed by Polish companies, which could enhance local expertise and data accessibility. Franczak advocates for government-oriented projects that support local industries, enabling both startups and established firms to innovate and grow. The dual-use nature of the satellite data is highlighted, with applications extending beyond defence to sectors like agriculture, urban planning, and renewable energy. Marek Wilgucki, CEO of Four Point, a startup focused on satellite surveillance for the mining industry, expresses interest in the data from the new constellation, indicating its potential utility for various industries. Overall, the collaboration between the Polish Space Agency and the government is reportedly improving, fostering a more robust space ecosystem. Wilgucki calls for increased private investment to further develop this burgeoning sector, underscoring the importance of both defence and commercial applications in Poland's space ambitions.