Airbus Defence and Space has expanded its partnership with Hisdesat, agreeing to commercialize PAZ-2 radar satellite imagery and applications. The agreement, signed at the European Space Conference in Brussels, extends their long-standing collaboration in Earth observation, enhancing the international radar satellite market.
A Powerful Partnership for Earth Observation
This commercial agreement builds on the successful collaboration started in 2018, which involved the PAZ satellite and the German TerraSAR-X / TanDEM-X satellites. The partnership aims to push the boundaries of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, delivering cutting-edge solutions to both military and commercial sectors. Eric Even, Head of Space Digital at Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the potential of this collaboration to provide innovative radar imagery solutions for global users.
What Is PAZ-2 and How Will It Enhance Satellite Capabilities?
PAZ-2 is a next-generation radar Earth observation program funded by the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism. It consists of twin satellites designed to replace the current PAZ satellite, which has been in service since 2018. These new satellites will feature advanced technologies, improving image resolution to 10 cm and increasing coverage to 6.7 million km² per day per satellite.
With the ability to scan large areas and provide near-real-time services with just five minutes of latency, PAZ-2 will significantly enhance intelligence and surveillance capabilities for defense and security missions. It will also support civil applications like infrastructure monitoring, risk management, border control, and disaster assessment.
The Future of Earth Observation: PAZ-2’s Role
The PAZ-2 satellites, expected to enter service by mid-2031, will further strengthen Spain’s leadership in the space industry. This program is a testament to the growing capabilities of Spain’s space sector, with 65% national participation in the program under the direction of Airbus Defence and Space. The PAZ-2 satellites will provide high-quality radar imagery for a range of applications, making them crucial tools for monitoring and protecting the Earth’s ecosystems and infrastructure.
