Radar can sense features through cloud, even at night when the target area is dark. It sees what other imaging systems can't. This much has been

Iceland's spectacular volcano tracked from space

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2021-07-07 11:00:05

Radar can sense features through cloud, even at night when the target area is dark. It sees what other imaging systems can't.

This much has been true since the first radar satellites were launched decades ago. What's changing is the number of spacecraft we now have at our disposal.

Low-cost, high-fidelity components and access to cheaper rocket launches means we're entering the era of constellations - of large networks of spacecraft.

The biggest of these Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellations is operated by Iceye, a young company based in Helsinki, Finland.

This configuration ensures they come back over exactly the same spot each day, looking at the scene from the same height and angle.

It gives the satellite train's pictures "coherence". They can be run smoothly together, to pick out the smallest of changes.

We all saw the spectacular fountains of lava from ground level, but the Iceye imagery gives the overhead view of Fagradalsfjall and tracks the molten rock as it spreads away from the primary volcanic cone. You see other cones forming along a distinct fissure line.