German defence group Rheinmetall, together with its Italian subsidiary Argotec, successfully placed the first reconnaissance satellite developed under their partnership into Earth orbit on 1 October, according to a Rheinmetall press release.
The satellite was launched using a SpaceX Falcon 9 carrier rocket from the US Space Force’s Vandenberg base in California.
“The successful launch of our first satellite marks an important milestone in strengthening national security and space capabilities. Integrating space data into existing defence architectures is a critically important step in addressing the challenges posed by the changing security environment,” Rheinmetall chief executive Armin Papperger said in comments on the launch.
With the launch, the company, through its subsidiary Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A., is beginning the targeted development of an independent satellite constellation for military needs. The focus is on airspace surveillance.
The satellite’s sensors detect signs of potential airborne threats, providing early warning and delivering the data required for air defence.
The situational awareness information and satellite imagery obtained will be processed using artificial intelligence.
The system combines space-based surveillance, ground nodes and tactical networks, which will be managed via a command post.
“Together with Rheinmetall, we are turning space technologies into a valuable operational asset – scalable, networked and ready to support complex defence scenarios,” said Argotec chief executive David Avino.
Going forward, this initial presence in space is expected to be gradually expanded into a more fully fledged satellite constellation.