Italy's IRIDE Earth observation programme has achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of seven new satellites, bringing the total number of satellites in orbit to 31. This expansion of the Hawk for Earth Observation (HEO) constellation marks a substantial advancement in the programme's capabilities, enhancing the strategic data it provides for Italy's environmental, emergency, and security services.
The launch, which took place on Sunday, May 3, 2023, at 09:00 CEST, was a collaborative effort between the Italian government, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Italian Space Agency (ASI). The programme is funded by Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), a post-COVID-19 initiative aimed at modernizing the country's economy.
The HEO constellation, developed by Argotec for the IRIDE programme, carries multispectral, high-resolution optical instruments that capture image data across multiple wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. This data is crucial for monitoring coastal and maritime areas, land cover and use, and managing emergency and security services for Italy.
The seven newly launched satellites join the HEO Pathfinder and the seven satellites launched in June 2025, bringing the total number of operational satellites to eight. These satellites are already producing valuable data and images, including high-resolution views of Rome and central Italy.
The IRIDE programme is a comprehensive initiative by the Italian government to deliver satellite data for monitoring ground motion, land cover, hydrogeological resources, fires, coastal protection, air quality, weather, and critical infrastructure. It also provides ground infrastructure for processing geospatial data and supports public authorities in managing environmental, emergency, and security issues.
Additionally, the IRIDE programme includes the Eaglet II constellation, which has 16 satellites in orbit and plans to launch eight more later this year. The Eaglet II satellites carry multispectral sensors and an Automatic Identification System (AIS) to support vessel traffic services, further enhancing Italy's Earth observation capabilities.
The successful launch of these satellites is a testament to the effectiveness of Italy's investments through the PNRR, as noted by Teodoro Valente, President of ASI. It strengthens the country's industrial and technological competitiveness and provides strategic tools for managing and protecting the territory.
David Avino, CEO and founder of Argotec, expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting the commitment of the team and the tangible value the programme brings to governments and the country. The expansion of the IRIDE programme not only enhances Italy's Earth observation capabilities but also demonstrates the power of international collaboration in space exploration and data management.
