A View From Space

Deputy Minister of National Defence Cezary Tomczyk spoke late about plans to make the first Polish geostationary satellite. What kind of strategy is this?

Unlike the above mentioned, it is not related to Earth observation, but is intended to supply satellite communications. This strategy corresponds to MILSATCOM standards (military satellite communication – ed.), i.e. it will be better protected against any kind of interference than commercial solutions. We as ARGUS (The Agency for Geospatial designation and Satellite Services – ed.) mainly deal with reconnaissance. However, we will be liable for all satellites that the armed forces will get in the future: observation, communications, navigation – for their implementation into service, maintaining orbit and providing them with protection. We do not, on the another hand, usage all capabilities, because, for example, satellite communications are in the competence of the Cyberspace defence Army Headquarters.

Returning to reflection satellites, why does the Polish military make as many as 3 constellations composed of different systems?
First of all, due to the fact that they complement each other. We are talking about tiny microSAR radar satellites and optical microGlobs and large optical Polars satellites. Images obtained from optical systems are a basic origin of information, but we besides request radar photographs (Synthetic Aperture Radar, SAR). They are little precise and more hard to interpret, but let you to complement your cognition of information we cannot see in optical photographs. The highly valuable feature of radar systems is that SAR satellites “see” through clouds and after dark, due to the fact that unlike optical systems they do not request daylight.

Does that mean radar images are harder to interpret?

Even the layman, looking at the satellite optical photo, is able to make a basic analysis without major problems, describe what it represents. The image in the radar image is much more hard to interpret, depends on many factors, specified as the wave angle and setting of the observed object. The signature of military equipment is unobvious in specified a photograph, and an analyst frequently recognizes it “only” with large probability. Therefore, SAR photographs are usually an auxiliary material for analysts working on optical data supported by algorithms and artificial intelligence. However, radar images are irreplaceable erstwhile identifying characteristics of certain objects.

An example?

In the radar picture, metallic objects have a strong signature, it can be said that they are clearly “lighting”. The optical satellite will show us an object throwing a shadow, but thanks to SAR technology we can interpret it, for example, as a metallic fence. In the optical image we will see anti-aircraft defence systems, but only on the radar will the cables "light" connect the individual elements of the strategy that reflect the radar waves. Each satellite technology has its drawbacks and advantages. In order to have the fullest image of what we're seeing, we gotta connect it. The more different data, the signatures we get, the better the analysis we execute and the more effective we will work.

After 12 satellites have been sent into space, the Polish armed forces will have the top satellite reflection capability in Europe in just 2 years. It is clear that the US and China are unsurpassed powers, but how is it possible that Poland can overtake France, Germany and another developed countries that have invested in satellite technologies for years?

Polish plans to get capabilities in the space domain have existed for many years, but the essential systems are not cheap. Eventually, however, the decision to purchase, among others, satellites was made, which was evidently influenced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. As a consequence of this threat, we have greatly accelerated the modernization and expansion of our army. This active all kinds of armed forces. We started spending billions on rocket systems, tanks, aircraft, but besides satellite recognition, without which the operating capabilities of specified systems would be severely limited. 12 satellites are, on the 1 hand, very few, in full another European countries may have more systems for observation, communication and navigation. But in the field of satellite reflection of Earth, Poland, for at least the next fewer years, will have better capabilities than another European countries, even specified as France and Germany. This is due to our strategy, which is based on the construction of the 3 already mentioned, complementary constellations.

Don't others do that?

The French have an extended constellation of optical satellites, but they do not have SAR systems. On the another hand, Germany specializes in radar systems and exchange capabilities with the French. We proceed to usage data obtained from partners, but we focus on building our own capabilities. This will supply us with independency and a better position erstwhile exchanging data. A partner who has his own resources is treated completely differently and can offer them in return on equal terms. erstwhile entering into agreements with a commercial partner, we can never be completely certain that we will not be cut off from the origin for political reasons or at a time of crisis. It is apparent that an American or French service supplier will first act in favour of its national agency, not of a abroad user. In short, independency is of large importance erstwhile we want to be certain that we will receive timely data in a crisis situation and that no 1 will make problems with obtaining them.

Independence yes, but not at the expense of cooperation with partners – is this our strategy?

It is known that we will proceed to usage the services of our abroad partners. As I mentioned, the more data we collect, the more effective our actions will be. This besides applies to the frequency of imaging of a given area. For this it takes many systems due to orbital mechanics. If at a given minute our satellite cannot take the desired picture, we will usage the partner's data – and vice versa. This solution is beneficial for each party.

In March the beginning ceremony of the Centre for Satellite Operations (COS) was held. Who is this unit?

It is simply a command and relay cell that is part of ARGUS, which is liable for planning and conducting operations in space. So far, we haven't developed these abilities due to the fact that we didn't have our own satellites. 1 of the core tasks of COS is to observe space and prevent our satellites from interacting with another objects, specified as space debris or another satellites. specified a threat is usually detected and monitored respective days in advance.

Is this frequently the case?

Space is an utmost environment where many dangers request to be dealt with. Like with alleged cosmic weather, mainly associated with the cyclic activity of the Sun. Most threats can be predicted by mathematical calculations and avoided by utilizing satellite maneuvers, excluding any systems, etc. This protection is partially automatic, but the safety of satellites is constantly being supervised by operators from the Satellite Support Centre. due to the fact that COS is simply a commanding, planning and CWS is an executive. What skills do you gotta work on this kind of operation? The staff's staff squad serving in ARGUS sub-units are officers after the Military method Academy, specialising in various fields: image recognition, computer science, and communications. erstwhile they come to us, they are trained from scratch on specialized courses. To a large extent, thanks to their cooperation with abroad partners and equipment manufacturers.

Is the Polish military an attractive employer for those who want to start a career in the space industry?

The opportunities we offer young people present in terms of access to space technologies have not yet been available in our country. And I don't think there's going to be much outside of the army. If individual dreams of dealing with satellite systems, it's a good time to effort to enter our structures, due to the fact that we're expanding all the time. It is worth noting that in fresh years space has become more accessible thanks to the miniaturization of satellites. shortly we'll be talking about constellations made up of hundreds or thousands of satellites like Starlink. Service in our Agency is so a very forward-looking career.

Speaking of the future, how do you think military operations in space will develop?

NATO in 2019 considered space to be a 5th domain, which obliged all members of the Alliance to build capacity in space operations. There are more and more satellites with more and better parameters. We are witnessing a cosmic arms race that takes place not only between the powers – the US and China. Many smaller countries are besides developing their capacity, because, thanks to miniaturization of systems, the acquisition of satellites is no longer as large and costly as it utilized to be.

What is the importance of having specified abilities for modern military operations?

Observation, connectivity, satellite navigation play a key function in modern conflicts. This is shown perfectly by the war in Ukraine. erstwhile the Russians were cut off by Starlinks, their combat activity declined due to the fact that they could not execute many operations. In turn, erstwhile the Ukrainians gained extended access to this communication system, for any time they had an advantage over the Russians. The same applies to the navigation utilized by weapon systems. The conflict in the space domain continues all the time, so you gotta have tools and on Earth, and in space, which will defend you from disrupting our resources and, if necessary, disrupt enemy systems.

The negative impact on satellites can take place in cyberspace or electromagnetic space and defence capabilities must be built in this respect. There are besides kinetic capabilities to combat the opponent, specified as the ability to shoot down satellites, but they are not profitable for anyone due to the fact that they make space debris. However, investigation and improvement on methods of fast disposal or disposal of specified waste is ongoing.

Due to the war going on behind our east border, we should observe the actions of the Russian Federation in this domain. Are the Russians a threat?

They have any potential, but through the war in Ukraine the improvement of their space programs has slowed down. The highest number of satellites are done present by Americans, but these are mainly commercial activities, specified as Starlink. The Chinese are in second place and they are clearly expanding their abilities. Russia has not achieved many satellites in fresh years, and it has had problems with its systems achieving their assumed orbits. Clearly, she lacks money and access to the right technologies. It focuses on disrupting the enemy's systems. For us, it is simply a clear signal that we must be ready to fight in space in different dimensions and not only with satellites.

Since June 2024, Colonel Leszek Paszkowski has been head of the Geospatial designation and Satellite Services Agency (ARGUS) in Warsaw. He was 1 of the officers liable for forming the Imaging designation Centre he commanded between 2019 and 2020. He besides gained experience internationally – as a national expert at the European Union Satellite Centre and the Head of the EU Staff of Operation ALTHEA in SHAPE.