Noosphere Ventures’ space portfolio company EOS Data Analytics (EOS) has revealed plans to create its own radar microsatellite constellation.

Under the project, which is called EOS SAR, the company will build its own synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors for constellations, enabling high revisit time.

EOS is currently developing a low-cost high-performance SAR payload suitable for small satellites.

EOS SAR microsatellites will be designed with the ability to operate in stripmap spotlight and interferometric modes to support several applications.

Noosphere Ventures managing partner and EOS CEO Max Polyakov said: “EOS learned that the remote sensing market has strong demand for high-resolution high-quality SAR data, but low supply of such data.

“The choice of SAR technology is driven by the need to image Earth’s surface through dense cloud cover, in any season and all weather. It is critical for users to have access to uninterrupted, persistent situational awareness.”

The SAR payload will feature light-weight deployable reflector antennas with high resolution down to 25cm.

The launch year for the first satellite is expected to be 2022 while commercial constellation operations will commence in 2023.

The company is also planning to deploy dual-frequency operation in X and S bands on a single satellite.

Polyakov added: “EOS is strategically leveraging deep expertise and diverse capabilities within Noosphere Ventures portfolio including radar electronics, deployable antennas, propulsion systems, batteries and data analytics in order to create a SAR payload technology, which delivers unsurpassable performance at an unbeatable price.

“At the same time, we are open to cooperation and are currently looking for bus providers and a constellation owner to deploy and monetise the constellation. The constellation will be part of a fully US owned and operated commercial remote sensing enterprise.”