Earth observation, the Italian constellation of the Iride space fleet grows

Eight more eyes in space to observe the earth and guarantee services for both civil protection and Italian public authorities. The Italian Earth observation programme Iride is growing. And it benefits from eight more satellites added to its second Eaglet II constellation. The launch took place on board a Falcon 9 rocket at 7.44pm on 28 November from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. All satellites were put into orbit about an hour after the launch.

Data from the Iride satellites, of which there are now 16 in orbit, will support maps, monitoring services and multi-temporal analyses. 'The programme,' the ESA says, 'provides services to Italian public authorities and supports the Italian civil protection department. In addition, analytical data for start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises and industries'. The satellites will orbit at an altitude of between 467 and 625 kilometres above the earth's surface and provide images with a ground resolution of approximately two metres. The mission duration of the Eaglet II constellation is approximately three years and, when completed, will consist of 24 satellites. Each satellite is the size of a household microwave oven and weighs about 25 kilograms.

Among the objectives of the Iride Earth observation system is the provision of comprehensive satellite data to support the monitoring of a range of phenomena, including land movement, land cover, water resources, and coastal zones. "Satellite images and information are used in applications and services to support public authorities in decision-making based on data from space, providing useful indications for a wide range of environmental, emergency and security services for Italy," Esa emphasise.

Co-ordinated by Esa with the support of the Italian Space Agency, the programme was funded by the Italian Pnrr.

"The launch of the Eaglet II constellation represents another very important step for the Iride programme," commented Simonetta Cheli, Director of ESA's Earth Observation Programmes. "The satellite data acquired by these constellations will support Italy's monitoring and protection mechanisms, as well as contribute to resource management and national security. The achievement of this new milestone was possible thanks to the contribution of all the teams involved. In particular, I would like to congratulate OHB Italia, Optec, Aresys and all the companies involved in the creation of this constellation, as well as, of course, my team managing the implementation of the programme.