Italy completes IRIDE Eaglet II satellite constellation

The Italian IRIDE Earth observation program has reached a major milestone with the completion of the Eaglet II satellite constellation. Following a launch on October 1 from Vandenberg Base in California via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the final eight satellites were successfully placed into orbit.

Developed by OHB Italia, the Eaglet II constellation now consists of 24 satellites. These units are equipped with multispectral sensors for Earth surface imaging and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) to support maritime monitoring and security services. Initial high-resolution images, including views of Gibraltar, have already been received by the OHB Italia Mission Control Center in Rome.

The IRIDE program, supported by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the European Space Agency (ESA), aims to provide critical data for monitoring ground movement, land cover, hydrogeological resources, wildfires, air quality, and critical infrastructure. Once the commissioning phase is complete, the satellites will be handed over to ASI for operational use.