Italy Enhances Earth Observation with Launch of Eight New Satellites in IRIDE Program

Italy has bolstered its Earth observation capabilities with the successful launch of eight satellites as part of its IRIDE program. The Eaglet II satellites were deployed aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on November 28, 2025, at 19:44 CET. Approximately one hour post-launch, all satellites achieved orbit, and confirmation of their operational status was received by OHB’s Mission Control Centre in Rome several hours later.

This launch, which was part of a rideshare mission, also included other notable satellites such as HydroGNSS—European Space Agency’s inaugural scout mission under its FutureEO initiative—and two additional ICEYE satellites for Greece. With this latest addition, the IRIDE constellation now features 16 satellites, significantly enhancing the program’s offering of services, including detailed mapping, monitoring, and multi-temporal analysis. This data is especially valuable for Italy’s public institutions, particularly the civil protection department, and is also leveraged by startups and small to medium-sized enterprises across various sectors.

Each Eaglet II satellite is features an high-resolution optical instrument and an Automatic Identification System (AIS) for maritime tracking. They are designed to operate at altitudes ranging from 467 km to 625 km and provide imagery with a ground resolution of approximately 2 meters. The constellation’s estimated operational lifespan is around three years, and eventually, it will comprise 24 satellites. The Eaglet II is the second of six planned constellations in the IRIDE initiative, following the earlier launch of the Hawk for Earth Observation. In total, 68 satellites are in various stages of development, with further launches scheduled to achieve complete deployment by 2027.

The IRIDE program aims to provide comprehensive satellite data for monitoring diverse environmental factors, including land use, water resource management, and coastal areas, thereby aiding public authorities in effective decision-making. This initiative, funded as part of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), is positioned as a key component of the Italian government’s strategy for revitalizing the economy post-COVID-19.

Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes at ESA, emphasized the significance of this launch for Italy’s monitoring capabilities and national security. She credited the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved, including companies like OHB Italia, Optec, and Aresys, for their roles in advancing the program. Teodoro Valente, President of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), remarked on the Italian space sector’s capacity to meet tight deadlines, demonstrating the effectiveness of the coordination between the European and Italian space agencies in delivering cutting-edge tech. Roberto Aceti, CEO of OHB Italia, highlighted IRIDE’s innovative approach to Earth observation, signifying a step forward in knowledge and skills that will enable Europe to tackle global challenges more responsively.