IRIDE constellation, the new space sentinel that protects Italy

The new assets placed in orbit represent new generation modular platforms with a mass of approximately 70 kg. Equipped with multispectral optical sensors, these satellites guarantee a resolution of 2.6 meters per pixel, operating on different wavelengths for high-precision image acquisition.

To date, the system has already processed over 3,000 GB of data, covering a total surface area of ​​approximately 9 million km². The final objective of the HEO segment involves putting 25 satellites into orbit, a configuration necessary to guarantee an almost real-time revisit time over the entire national territory.

Operational control is managed centrally by the Mission Control Center at Argotec’s SpacePark in Italy, which confirmed signal acquisition of all units after separation from the launcher.

The integration of this data with ground infrastructures allows the generation of geospatial information intended for both the Public Administration and the private sector.

IRIDE is configured as a “constellation of constellations”, a heterogeneous ecosystem financed with over one billion euros between PNRR funds and national resources. Applications range from monitoring hydrogeological instability and fires to the management of coasts and critical infrastructures. The system also provides tools for the analysis of air quality and weather conditions, enabling the development of innovative services for startups and SMEs in the industrial sector.

“The launch of another seven satellites of IRIDE’s HEO constellation marks a new milestone for the entire program”, says Simonetta Cheli, Director of the Earth Observation Programs of the European Space Agency (ESA) and Head of ESA / ESRIN“With this result, the Earth observation program that ESA develops in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency for the Italian Government, IRIDE reaches a total of 31 satellites in orbit, continuing the planned constellation launch plan started in 2025 and expanding the system’s capabilities. This milestone was reached several months ahead of the PNRR times. The completion of the system will continue with further launches of the Eaglet II, HEO satellites and other scheduled constellations, developed by different industrial players, further strengthening the overall capabilities of the project and Italian industrial Earth Observation expertise”.

“The IRIDE constellation continues to grow in line with the objectives of the program, confirming its central role in the development of advanced national capabilities for Earth Observation.”, declares Teodoro Valente, president of the Italian Space Agency. “The program demonstrates the effectiveness of the Government’s investments through the PNRR dedicated to the space intended to strengthen the industrial and technological competitiveness of the country, while at the same time contributing to providing Italy with increasingly autonomous and strategic tools for the management and protection of the territory. In this context, the collaboration with the European Space Agency and the involvement of the national industrial chain represent key elements for enhancing skills and innovation, confirming the capacity and expertise of the Italian space system in the international scenario”.

“It’s a great satisfaction“, says David Avino, CEO and founder of Argotec“see the HEO constellation and the entire IRIDE program grow. By the third time you go through this program, you might think that the activities will become routine and the adrenaline will subside, but this is absolutely not the case. Every time we see a piece of Italy flying in space it is a great achievement, a challenge with many unknowns that we can only face with the commitment of an entire team of highly qualified professionals with a strong common passion. Today our program is more than halfway done: the satellites for the next launch are already ready in our Clean Room, while those in orbit have already produced concrete data and information, a tangible value for administrations and our country. We will soon complete our constellation, further reducing the latency between one piece of information and another and offering practically real-time coverage of the entire Italian territory.”