New Delhi | Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos and Finland's ICEYE have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the potential to build, launch, and operate SAR Earth observation satellite systems from India.

ICEYE operates the world's largest constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites.

Under the partnership, the two companies aim to develop an end-to-end sovereign SAR earth observation capability, with satellites to be manufactured in India using ICEYE's technology and launched through Agnikul's responsive launch capability to send them to space.

SAR is a special type of imaging radar deployed in space where large dish-like radars, similar to those installed on the ground, cannot be sent. SARs use sophisticated technologies and algorithms to mimic the power and resolution of large ground-based radars. They can be used for disaster response, sensitive area monitoring, and security purposes.

Agnikul is currently developing fully reusable launch vehicles -- Agnibaan -- that will be capable of carrying satellites to orbit on demand.

In a statement, the company's co-founder and COO, Moin SPM, said, "By combining manufacturing, launch and operational capabilities under one ecosystem, we can create a repeatable model that can support long-term deployment programmes for customers in India and around the world." "This is the kind of integrated infrastructure the global space industry increasingly demands," he added.