Last Christmas Eve, a Falcon 9 rocket launched from California successfully deployed two spy satellites for Germany’s Bundeswehr into low-Earth orbit.

Manufactured by OHB, the SARah satellites were intended to complete a next-generation reconnaissance constellation.

Despite initial assurances of a successful deployment, the satellites have yet to become operational six months later due to issues with unfolding their antennas.

Attempts to resolve the problem—including software resets and mechanical maneuvers—have proven unsuccessful, as reported by ArsTechnica.

German lawmakers recently learned that the satellites may not become operational as planned.

The SARah constellation, costing $800 million and ordered in 2013, aims to enhance reconnaissance capabilities alongside the operational SARah 1 satellite launched in June 2022 without issue.

Written by B.C. Begley