Second Portuguese military satellite launches early this morning; Satellite will orbit earth from distance of 600 kms A second Portuguese military satellite was launched into space early this morning. It left the state of Nebraska, in the United States, on board a Falcon 9 of Elon Musk s private aerospace initiative SpaceX. As the Air Force has already explained, this is a satellite focused on vigilance and reconnaissance. The information it gathers, due to the satellite s 600 km low altitude proximity to earth, will allow for rapid response and images of high resolution. This is the second so-called SAR satellite of the Atlantic Constellation to be launched into orbit. In December 2025, an agreement was signed with ICEYE, a global leader in the sector, for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite and an optical satellite from CEiiA (the Centre for Engineering and Product Development, based in Évora). The Air Force stressed at the time the SAR s “unique capabilities”, allowing Earth observation in all weather conditions, day and night, with high revisit rates, contributing to persistent and reliable monitoring. “This project represents, more than ever, a significant milestone in strengthening national Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (IVR) capabilities from space,” said a statement issued pre-launch. Just over a month after the launch of the first SAR satellite (CA-01) of the Atlantic Constellation, which took place on March 30, this was the moment for CA-02. The constellation will eventually consist of a total of 26 satellites (12 SAR and 14 optical), capable of providing high and very high resolution images, with intraday revisit, allowing continuous and detailed observation of the planet from space. Says the Air Force, the launch marks “another important step for Portugal, with the Air Force consolidating its commitment to a new dimension of Earth observation from space, continuing the path begun with the launch of the first satellite. The investment in the space domain is part of a broader strategy for developing new air and space capabilities, based on partnerships with industry and the national scientific and technological system. “This set of projects allows the Air Force to keep pace with technological evolution and respond to emerging challenges, positioning itself at the forefront of innovation and contributing to Portugal s affirmation in the fifth domain, Space”, the Air Force concluded in its pre-launch statement. Sources: SIC Notícias/EMFA.pt