German Earth-observation startup Marble Imaging and IT services firm msg systems ag have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for strategic cooperation on Multi-Source Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), the companies announced on September 21. The deal was signed at the Intergeo 2026 trade show in Munich and pairs Marble Imaging's satellite-based Earth observation with msg's expertise in AI validation, cybersecurity and safety-critical IT systems.
Under the MoU, Marble Imaging will supply very high-resolution Earth observation data and satellite-based information services, while msg's Defense & Aerospace division contributes system integration, threat intelligence and the operation of safety-critical information systems. The partners say the goal is to build ISR solutions for armed forces, government authorities, critical-infrastructure operators and defense-industry customers, framed as a step toward "sovereign" and "timely" situational reporting for Europe.
"The demand for timely and trustworthy situational information is continuously growing, in Germany, in Europe, and beyond," said Alexander Epp, Chief Business Development Officer at Marble Imaging. "By combining our Earth Observation and analysis capabilities with the security expertise of msg, we create the basis for powerful ISR solutions that make our customers more independent and capable."
Andreas Höher, head of msg's Defense & Aerospace division, said: "The ability to quickly convert large amounts of data from different sources into reliable insights is becoming increasingly important for security and defense organizations. Together with Marble Imaging, we want to build the bridge between Earth observation, Artificial Intelligence, and sovereign situation-picture platforms and thus contribute to the technological sovereignty of Europe."
Marble Imaging, based in Bremen, describes itself as developer of Germany's first commercially operated satellite constellation for optical reconnaissance. The company plans to launch its first very-high-resolution satellite in the first quarter of 2027, with a goal of operating a 30-satellite constellation by 2030.