29/11/2025
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The Italian programme IRIDE, which gives public sector companies primarily based on information from its fleet of Earth commentary constellations, has added eight satellites to its second constellation, Eaglet II.
The Eaglet II satellites lifted off on board a Falcon 9 rocket at 19:44 CET (10:44 native time), 28 November, from Vandenberg Area Power Base in California, US. All satellites have been positioned into orbit about one hour after launch. Acquisition of sign for all satellites was confirmed a number of hours later by OHB’s Mission Management Centre in Rome.
The launch was a rideshare carrying quite a few different satellites into orbit, together with HydroGNSS (ESA’s first Scout mission underneath its FutureEO programme) and two ICEYE satellites for Greece.
Knowledge from the IRIDE satellites, of which there are actually 16 in orbit, will assist merchandise resembling maps, monitoring companies and multi-temporal evaluation. The programme gives companies to Italy’s public authorities and helps Italy’s civil safety division. It additionally gives analytical information for startups, small and medium-sized enterprises and business sectors.
Eaglet II
Every satellite tv for pc within the Eaglet II constellation carries a multispectral, high-resolution optical instrument, in addition to an Automated Identification System (AIS) instrument. OHB Italia is the prime contractor for the satellite tv for pc.
They’ll orbit at an altitude between 467 km and 625 km above Earth’s floor and supply photographs with floor decision of about 2 m.
The mission life for the Eaglet II constellation is about three years and, when full, it is going to encompass 24 satellites. Every satellite tv for pc is the dimensions of a home microwave oven and weighs about 25 kg.
Eaglet II is the second of six constellations for IRIDE. The primary, Hawk for Earth Statement (HEO) was launched earlier this 12 months.
An additional 4 constellations will probably be launched as a part of the IRIDE programme with a complete of 68 satellites underneath growth. The opposite IRIDE satellites will probably be launched in a staggered method reaching full deployment by 2027.
Eyes within the sky for Italy
The IRIDE Earth commentary system is an initiative by the Italian authorities to ship complete satellite tv for pc information to assist the monitoring of a spread of phenomena – together with floor movement, land cowl, water assets, coastal areas and extra. The satellite tv for pc photographs and data are utilized in purposes and companies to assist public authorities in making choices primarily based on information from area, offering data for a variety of environmental, emergency and safety companies for Italy.
Whereas the identify IRIDE stands for ‘Worldwide Report for an Modern Defence of Earth’, the phrase ‘iride’ additionally means ‘iris’ in Italian, reflecting the observational nature of this mission, which carries superior optical devices, in addition to radar sensors.
Coordinated by ESA with assist from the Italian Area Company (ASI), the IRIDE programme is an bold area initiative funded by Italy’s Nationwide Restoration and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The PNRR is designed to modernise and revitalise Italy’s economic system within the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A brand new milestone due to teamwork
“The launch of the Eaglet II constellation represents one other essential step for the IRIDE programme,” stated Simonetta Cheli, ESA’s Director of Earth Statement Programmes. “The satellite tv for pc information acquired by these constellations will assist Italy’s monitoring and safety mechanisms in addition to contributing to the administration of assets and nationwide safety. Reaching this new milestone was attainable due to the contribution of all of the groups concerned. Particularly, I want to congratulate OHB Italia, Optec, Aresys and all the businesses concerned within the creation of this constellation, in addition to, in fact, my staff managing the programme’s implementation.”
Teodoro Valente, President of the Italian Area Company (ASI), famous, “The launch of the Eaglet II constellation additionally confirms the Italian area sector’s skill to satisfy the difficult timelines required to deploy PNRR funds. Due to the synergy between the European Area Company and the Italian Area Company, the far-sighted investments decided by the Italian authorities are delivering leads to the type of cutting-edge expertise.”
Roberto Aceti, CEO of OHB Italia, stated, “IRIDE represents a brand new method to Earth commentary: an built-in system serving residents, establishments and the scientific neighborhood. This achievement goes past expertise, representing the development of data and expertise that may assist Europe handle international challenges with higher consciousness and accountability.”
