Argentina to launch SABIA-Mar satellite in 2027 for ocean monitoring

Argentina will launch its new SABIA-Mar satellite in 2027, a 650 kg spacecraft designed to monitor the ocean, support fisheries, and combat illegal fishing in the Mar Argentino. The government has ordered the launch tender, with a budget of 26.5 million USD for the launch service Source: La Voz.

Mission and capabilities

SABIA-Mar is an Earth observation satellite that will orbit at 702 km in a sun-synchronous orbit, passing over any point on Earth at the same local time every 99 minutes Source: La Voz. Its advanced optical cameras measure ocean color, estimating chlorophyll-a concentration to detect phytoplankton, which is key for marine productivity and fisheries Source: Infobae. The satellite also supports security by monitoring maritime traffic and illegal fishing.

The project is led by Argentina's space agency CONAE, with INVAP as the main contractor building and testing the satellite in Bariloche. VENG contributed to operations and data reception Source: Infobae.

Project status and timeline

The satellite is in final integration and testing at INVAP. The launch window is set for April–May 2027, though the project timeline is tight: only nine months remain for launch preparation, compared to the usual 18–24 months Source: La Voz.

• Weight: 650 kg; with solar panels, 9 m long Source: La Voz.
• Launch cost: 26.5 million USD (25–30% of total mission cost) Source: La Voz.
• Operations: The satellite will be controlled from CONAE's Teófilo Tabanera Space Center in Córdoba Source: La Voz.

Despite the tight schedule, team members express excitement. Martín Álvarez, project chief, said: "It's a stress we will enjoy" Source: La Voz. Carolina Tauro, principal investigator, called the launch announcement "an enormous energy boost" Source: La Voz. Secretary Darío Genua highlighted that the satellite will "strengthen security and boost production" Source: Infobae.