Creotech Instruments, a Polish space technology company, has unveiled the first Earth observation images captured by Mikroglob-1, a military satellite forming part of Poland’s Satellite Earth Observation System (SSOZ). The imagery demonstrates the capabilities of Poland’s domestically developed surveillance technology, according to a company statement.
The images were captured during the satellite’s acceptance testing phase after its launch on 7 July 2026. Before reaching full operational capability, the satellite must complete orbital adjustments, calibration of its imaging system, and precision positioning systems. Once these tests conclude, the system will be handed over to Poland’s Ministry of Defence.
Strategic sites under observation
Among the released images are views of Los Angeles International Airport, the wider Los Angeles metropolitan area, New Orleans airport, and the Chinese city of Dalian. The data was collected using both visible light and near-infrared (NIR) technology, showcasing the range of capabilities built into the Polish system.
One image shows Los Angeles International Airport captured on 23 September 2026, covering an area measuring 5.5 by 7.1 kilometres. A second, wider view spans roughly 24 kilometres in length and 7.1 kilometres in width, stretching from LAX to Torrance and revealing a refinery complex in detail.
According to Creotech Instruments, these examples demonstrate two complementary uses of satellite data: detailed observation of specific objects and analysis of extensive areas in a single frame.
The imagery of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and part of the Mississippi River, taken on 22 September 2026, covers 9.9 by 6.3 kilometres. The company explained that RGB images use three basic ranges of visible light – red, green and blue – enabling detailed observation of objects, infrastructure and their surroundings. For comparison, the same area was also imaged using NIR, which captures light invisible to the human eye and provides additional information about terrain characteristics, vegetation health and damage assessment from natural disasters or military action.
Chinese aircraft carrier under construction
Perhaps the most striking image shows the port of Dalian in China, specifically the Dalian Shipping Heavy Industry Group Company shipyard. The photograph reveals China’s fourth aircraft carrier, designated Type 004 by analysts, under construction. The vessel is expected to be equipped with two nuclear reactors, and the reactor compartments – not yet covered by the flight deck – are clearly visible in the satellite image.
Creotech Instruments emphasised that this image demonstrates the practical use of Polish technology for observing sites of strategic importance. The panchromatic imagery covers 5.3 by 7.4 kilometres, with relatively high detector exposure allowing detailed analysis of buildings, roads, bridges and port infrastructure.
Four satellites now in orbit
Mikroglob-1 is the first of four satellites in the SSOZ Mikroglob system, built by Creotech Instruments under contract from Poland’s Armament Agency. The system is based on the company’s proprietary HyperSat satellite platform.
The remaining three satellites joined Mikroglob-1 on 1 October 2026, launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-18 mission. The entire Mikroglob constellation is now operational in orbit.
In 2022, Poland signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space for two reconnaissance satellites with very high resolution, reaching approximately 30 centimetres. Their launch is planned for 2027, with the programme valued at €575 million net.
Mikroglob complements these capabilities. The programme is valued at 453 million zloty net (approximately €105 million), and the larger number of satellites increases the frequency of observation over selected areas, while the very high-resolution solution provides detailed imaging of individual objects.
The entire project was developed by Polish specialists, and system management has been entrusted to experts from the Geospatial Intelligence and Satellite Services Agency (ARGUS). The system includes a ground segment consisting of two components: Mission Control and Image Data Processing. The first handles two-way communication with satellites, telemetry management and image data reception through ground stations. The second component ensures rapid data processing and analysis, providing essential information for military operations.
What this means for Poles in Poland
The successful deployment of the Mikroglob satellite constellation marks a significant milestone in Poland’s defence and space technology sectors. For Polish citizens, this represents a tangible step towards greater national security independence, reducing reliance on foreign intelligence sources for monitoring threats and strategic developments in neighbouring regions.
The system, managed by ARGUS, will provide Polish armed forces with frequent, independent surveillance capabilities. With four satellites now operational, the constellation can revisit areas of interest more frequently than single-satellite systems, offering military planners timely intelligence.
Beyond defence, the technology developed by Creotech Instruments – Poland’s largest space sector company – signals growing expertise in high-tech manufacturing and engineering. The HyperSat platform may find future civilian applications in agriculture, environmental monitoring and disaster response, benefiting both public services and private industry across Poland.
