Sweden's first military satellite has begun delivering images from space. Launched on May 3, it now shows Gotland from 515 kilometers altitude.
The satellite was manufactured by American company Planet Labs and launched by SpaceX from California along with two others. It reached orbit nearly two weeks ago and has now started sending data home.
Planet Labs initially shares the images and handles operations. Full control will later transfer to the Swedish defense forces.
Around ten more military satellites are planned in the coming years. Some will come from Planet Labs and others from Finnish manufacturer ICEYE. Launches from Esrange in Kiruna are not yet possible.
