The two satellites were launched on October 20, 2026, aboard SpaceX's Bandwagon-5 mission, from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Operated by the Air Force, they continue the project initiated with CA-01 in March 2026.
Built by ICEYE and integrated by Exolaunch, the CA-03 and CA-04 satellites feature Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology. This technology allows for the observation of the Earth's surface regardless of weather conditions or time of day, making it crucial for the surveillance and monitoring of national land and maritime spaces, as well as supporting emergency management.
After establishing communications, the satellites are undergoing routine operations for their commissioning. General Sérgio da Costa Pereira, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, stated, "With these two new satellites, Portugal strengthens its sovereign capacity to observe, understand, and protect what is its own. More capability in Space means greater freedom of action on Earth."
The enhancement of the Atlantic Constellation consolidates the Air Force's capability to operate space systems and transform data into relevant information. Rui Costa, CEO of ICEYE Portugal, highlighted, "Portugal's sovereign capability in SAR technology for the Atlantic takes an important step forward with the addition of these two satellites to its constellation. From Lisbon, we will continue to develop this capability in collaboration with CTI Aerospace and the Portuguese Air Force."
The initiative, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and part of the New Space Agenda, aims to modernize the Air Force, consolidate Portugal's presence in the space domain, and promote synergy between operational capability, scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and national industry.
