ESA-backed study under the InCubed programme to design a compact X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite for Arctic and North Atlantic monitoring.
Builds on TEKEVER’s decade-long heritage in space and radar technology to deliver responsive, all-weather Earth Observation for maritime, environmental and security applications.
Strengthens Europe’s space autonomy by ensuring sovereign control over tasking and data access.
TEKEVER Space, a leading European developer of advanced communications and sensing technologies, has launched a new Earth Observation initiative with the European Space Agency (ESA). The project, named ATLARCTIC, was developed under InCubed, an Earth Observation Programme managed by ESA Φ-lab. ATLARCTIC, explores the design of a compact, wide-swath Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite to strengthen Europe’s ability to monitor the Arctic and North Atlantic regions.
The ATLARCTIC study addresses a pressing need for continuous and responsive surveillance over Europe’s northern waters, where illegal fishing, unauthorised mining, and unregulated natural resource exploration pose growing environmental and economic risks. The region’s melting sea ice is also opening new Arctic navigation routes that shorten distances between Europe and Asia, creating new opportunities but also intensifying geopolitical and environmental challenges.
ATLARCTIC will draw on TEKEVER’s expertise in compact X-band radar systems, capable of capturing detailed images in any weather, day or night, to demonstrate how Europe can deliver real-time situational awareness across some of the world’s most remote and strategically significant regions.
Designed for public authorities, maritime operators and environmental agencies, ATLARCTIC supports missions ranging from illegal fishing and oil spill detection to ice monitoring, navigation safety, and border protection. Its compact radar payload and onboard data processing will enable faster image delivery and mission responsiveness compared to traditional Earth Observation systems.
“ATLARCTIC represents a step-change in how Europe monitors and protects its northern waters,” said Pedro Rodrigues, Business Development Director for TEKEVER Space. “By bringing together proven radar technology from our airborne systems with an agile space platform, we can deliver real-time insights that directly support maritime safety, environmental protection and European sovereignty.”
By moving from abstract research to operationally focused missions, ATLARCTIC shows how space-based sensing can directly enhance maritime safety, crisis response and environmental resilience across the North Atlantic and Arctic.
The initiative reflects Europe’s ambition to strengthen autonomy and resilience in space. Unlike many commercial SAR systems, ATLARCTIC is designed from the outset for sovereign tasking and institutional control, ensuring that European public authorities retain full ownership of their data and mission priorities.
ATLARCTIC is currently in its feasibility phase, running through early 2026. The activity includes user engagement across European maritime, defence and environmental agencies, with a goal of developing a roadmap toward a future demonstration mission later in the decade.
“ATLARCTIC is consistent with the mission of InCubed programme, where innovative European companies work hand in hand with the Agency to address pressing operational needs,” said Daniele Romagnoli, ESA InCubed Officer. “By integrating TEKEVER’s radar expertise, this study helps pave the way for a new generation of responsive, European-led Earth Observation missions.”
ATLARCTIC aligns with Europe’s strategic priorities in maritime domain awareness, Arctic governance, and environmental sustainability, demonstrating how innovation in space technology can deliver tangible benefits for climate resilience, economic security and international cooperation.
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