SPOCK-1

SPOCK-1 [Rheinmetall ICEYE]

The Rheinmetall–ICEYE SAR Reconnaissance Constellation is a planned low Earth orbit satellite system developed by Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions for Germany. The satellites are manufactured by Rheinmetall in cooperation with ICEYE, with the German Bundeswehr as the customer and operating beneficiary. Within Bundeswehr, the Project is known as SPOCK-1 (SAR-Spacesystem for Persistent Operational traCKing Stufe 1).

The constellation is intended to provide the Bundeswehr with continuous, space-based reconnaissance data using synthetic aperture radar. It is designed to deliver high-revisit, all-weather, day-and-night imaging to support military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks.

A central objective is to close an identified information-gathering gap in Germany’s existing space reconnaissance architecture. The system is expected to significantly increase temporal coverage compared to current assets and to enable near real-time situational awareness over areas of interest.

The constellation will complement Germany’s existing SARah (SARah 1 / SARah 2, 3) system, which consists of three larger SAR satellites. While SARah provides high-resolution imagery, the new small-satellite network emphasizes revisit rate and coverage density, thereby enhancing autonomous national observation capabilities.

To deliver the capability, Rheinmetall and ICEYE have established the joint venture Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions, headquartered in Neuss, Germany. The company will own the satellite constellation and provide reconnaissance data as a managed service to the Bundeswehr.

ICEYE contributes its established ICEYE-X-based small-satellite SAR technology, including radar payloads and constellation operations expertise. Rheinmetall provides systems integration, industrial scaling, and secure service delivery, drawing on its defence sector experience.

The service model includes satellite operations, ground segment management, and an initial AI-supported analysis of SAR imagery before delivery to military users.

The constellation is planned to comprise approximately 40 small synthetic aperture radar satellites in low Earth orbit. Operating in LEO allows short orbital periods and frequent revisits of target areas.

Each satellite carries a compact X-band SAR instrument capable of imaging independently of daylight and weather conditions. The distributed architecture prioritizes coverage continuity and responsiveness rather than relying on a small number of large platforms. The satellites are optimized for high production rates and standardized design, enabling rapid deployment and replacement if required.

Operations will include dedicated ground stations managed by Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions. Data downlink, processing, and dissemination are integrated into a single service framework.

Automated and AI-assisted preprocessing is intended to accelerate the availability of usable reconnaissance products while maintaining secure handling of sensitive information.

Satellite manufacturing is planned to take place in Germany at Rheinmetall’s Neuss facility. A former automotive components plant is being converted for satellite production, combining ICEYE’s space hardware designs with Rheinmetall’s industrial manufacturing processes.

This approach is intended to establish a domestic production capability for military reconnaissance satellites and reduce dependence on foreign manufacturing.

If approved, the joint venture aims to begin operational activities before the end of 2025. Satellite production is expected to ramp up in 2026, with deployment of the full constellation targeted for 2026–2027.