# ICEYE X1

> prototype synthetic aperture radar satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111471028](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471028)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iceye-x1

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **ICEYE X1**:

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## Summary  
ICEYE X1 is a prototype synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite developed by ICEYE as a technology demonstrator. Launched in 2018, it is a small satellite weighing 70 kg and carries experimental SAR technology for Earth observation. It marked Finland's entry into the commercial SAR satellite sector.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** January 12, 2018, at 03:59 UTC ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Mass:** 70 kg (launch weight) ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/iceye-x1.htm))  
- **Operator/Manufacturer:** ICEYE ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/iceye-x1.htm))  
- **Country of Origin:** Finland ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/iceye-x1.htm))  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-C40) ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **COSPAR/NSSDCA ID:** 2018-004D ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/iceye-x1.htm))  
- **Class:** Synthetic aperture radar satellite, small satellite, technology demonstration spacecraft ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/iceye-x1.htm))  
- **Alias:** ICEYE POC1  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the purpose of ICEYE X1?  
A: ICEYE X1 is a prototype satellite designed to demonstrate synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology for commercial Earth observation applications.  

### Q: Who built and operates ICEYE X1?  
A: It was developed and is operated by ICEYE, a Finnish company specializing in SAR satellite technology.  

### Q: How was ICEYE X1 launched?  
A: It was launched aboard India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-C40) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on January 12, 2018.  

## Why It Matters  
ICEYE X1 represents Finland's first foray into commercial SAR satellite technology, showcasing the potential for small, cost-effective satellites to perform advanced Earth observation. Its success laid the groundwork for ICEYE's subsequent satellite constellation, which provides high-frequency radar imaging for applications like disaster monitoring, maritime surveillance, and environmental tracking. By proving that SAR capabilities could be miniaturized, ICEYE X1 contributed to the democratization of space-based radar data, enabling faster and more affordable access for both commercial and governmental users.  

## Notable For  
- **First Finnish SAR Satellite:** Pioneered Finland's entry into commercial SAR technology.  
- **Small Satellite Innovation:** Demonstrated SAR capabilities on a 70 kg platform, challenging traditional large satellite designs.  
- **Technology Demonstrator:** Validated key systems for ICEYE's later operational satellites.  

## Body  
### Overview  
ICEYE X1 is a prototype synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite developed by ICEYE. It serves as a technology demonstrator for compact SAR systems.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass:** 70 kg (launch weight)  
- **Instrument:** Carries a synthetic aperture radar payload  
- **Class:** Small satellite, technology demonstration spacecraft  

### Launch Details  
- **Date:** January 12, 2018  
- **Launch Site:** Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad  
- **Vehicle:** Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-C40)  

### Mission Significance  
- Validated ICEYE's SAR technology for future commercial deployments.  
- Demonstrated the feasibility of lightweight SAR satellites for Earth observation.  

### Operator and Development  
- **Manufacturer/Operator:** ICEYE  
- **Country of Origin:** Finland  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material without fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/iceye-x1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report