📋 Tender Overview
Today, an agreement has entered into force, under which Poland will gain its own constellation of observation satellites. They will start operating as early as 2027. Poland will gain access to high-resolution Earth observation data, and domestic companies will gain knowledge in the field of production and integration of satellite systems.
Satellite data are used today in spatial management, agriculture, crisis management and environmental protection, among others.
This is an extremely important agreement that gives us new tools to increase safety and improve the quality of life for all of us. The data obtained thanks to the satellites will be used, among others, to record, assess and monitor the effects of climate change and environmental pollution, as well as to assess safety, or, for example, to determine the amount of state support for farmers and entrepreneurs. Currently, Poland does not have its own satellites, and the demand for high-resolution data is very high – says Waldemar Buda, Minister of Development and Technology.
The launch of a set of complementary Polish satellite systems will eliminate the limitations related to insufficient technical parameters. It will create a real opportunity for a much wider implementation of satellite data for the implementation of public tasks related to environmental and civilization challenges.
An equally important goal of the agreement is the possibility for Polish entities from the satellite systems industry to acquire unique knowledge. The competences gained by the Polish companies will result in new contracts, ensure their place in European supply chains and participation in key ESA projects – adds Deputy Minister of Development and Technology Kamila Król.
It is planned to build at least 4 satellites (3 optoelectronic satellites and 1 radar satellite). The systems will be operational in 2027. The cost of their construction is 85 million euros.
The contract for the Polish satellites is part of a broader MRiT activity aimed at increasing our long-term involvement in ESA programmes.
Use of satellite data
The growing importance of space continues to influence technological and scientific progress in many sectors of the economy and, indirectly, the lives of all of us.
Spatial planning uses satellite data for spatial planning and management. In agriculture, remote sensing can be used to estimate crop area, identify crop species and predict yields, or analyze and forecast the effects of drought.
For the purposes of road infrastructure, satellite data can be used to analyse changes in pavement properties, i.e. to assess its wear, anticipating potential threats in the form of damage.
As part of water management, e.g. flood risk is assessed and anti-crisis measures are developed using satellite data. Monitoring of inland waters, seas and oceans is also carried out.
In crisis management, in addition to the above-mentioned activities, satellite data can be used to analyze the effects of dangerous events such as floods, fires, storms or to monitor border security. This data is also the basis for actions during the ongoing war in Ukraine. In addition to supporting the current operations of the troops, they are also used to estimate economic losses, including predicting the decline in crop yields due to hostilities.
