Ukraine reveals how satellite funded by public donations helps wipe out Russian assets worth billions of dollars

Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) has received more than 5,900 radar satellite images since September 2022 via the ICEYE satellite acquired by the Serhii Prytula Foundation using donations from Ukrainians as part of an initiative known as the "people's satellite".

Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine

Details: DIU space intelligence units receive fresh satellite imagery daily, which is used to track objects in occupied territories and in Russia, identify military targets, plan strikes and assess the results of attacks.

DIU satellite images show Russian military facilities, aircraft, air defence positions and fuel and weapons depots.

"For modern warfare, access to space technologies plays a critically important role, and the 'people's satellite' has become Ukraine's first reliable eyes in orbit – we can see where to aim, we understand what weapons to use and we can monitor the results of strikes," said DIU spokesperson Andrii Yusov.

Yusov said the "people's satellite" has contributed to what he described as Russia's "multi-billion-dollar losses", adding that it strengthens Ukraine's resilience. He said Ukraine continues to press ahead with its efforts.

DIU explained that SAR radar observation technology enables imaging regardless of time of day, weather conditions or cloud cover. The resolution of individual images can reach 0.25 metres per pixel, and a single frame can cover an area of up to 225 sq km.

For reference: "People's satellite" is a project implemented in 2022 by the Serhii Prytula Charitable Foundation. Under the initiative, DIU received operational control of a satellite belonging to Finnish aerospace company ICEYE and access to the ICEYE constellation's satellite imagery database.

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