SARah: Does the Bundeswehr shoot into space

The first of a total of three satellites from the SARah satellite program was successfully launched into space on June 18, 2022 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA. The three satellites, which were procured together with a ground segment by the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw), ensure the Bundeswehr's ability for worldwide, day and weather-independent imaging reconnaissance. At the same time, they support in early crisis detection and crisis management. The term SARah is a wordplay, consisting of the abbreviation for Synthetic Aperture Radar (an imaging radar technique) and the attached "ah".

The approximately four-ton Phased-Array satellite was launched into orbit with a Falcon 9 rocket from SpaceX and features a special radar antenna. In combination with the two reflector satellites, which are scheduled to launch into space later this year, the SARah system can fully meet user requirements independently of the time of day and weather conditions in the observation area. Together with the associated ground segment, which is connected to two ground stations, they complete the SARah system.

The three satellites will replace the current reconnaissance system SAR-Lupe, which has been successfully serving in space since 2007. Just like SAR-Lupe, the three SARah satellites are also intended to ensure operational service for at least ten years.

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