Moving ahead with Italys constellation of Earth observation satellites
Today, during the 75th International Astronautical Congress taking place in Milan, Italy, ESA signed the extension of contracts with Argotec and Thales Alenia Space Italia (TASI) for the production of the second batch of IRIDE satellites ? a future Earth observation constellation designed to monitor environmental changes and support critical services in Italy.
The contracts were signed by Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes at ESA, Giampiero di Paolo, CEO of Thales Alenia Space Italia, and David Avino, founder and CEO of Argotec.
Argotec will deliver 15 satellites, while TASI will contribute six NIMBUS Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites, with the combined value of the two contracts exceeding ?140 million.
Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes at ESA, stated: "I am extremely pleased with the signing of the contracts with Argotec and Thales Alenia Space Italia, which represent a further step forward in the development of the IRIDE Italian constellation.
"Thanks to the synergy between the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency, the programme is progressing according to plan. 2025 will be a crucial year for the completion of the programme's development and the launch of the first IRIDE satellites into orbit."
Teodoro Valente, President of Italian Space Agency (ASI), commented, "The contracts related to the IRIDE satellite constellation, signed during the International Astronautical Congress, are of paramount importance, due to their relevance in completing this initiative.
"IRIDE undoubtedly represents a crucial asset for Italy, offering amazing benefits which will be deployed in the domains of Earth observation, resource management and sustainability for our planet ? all issues that are at the core to this Italian edition of IAC. Today's signings also mark a step forward, within the framework outlined in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which provides funding to ESA and ASI for the constellation's implementation."
The innovative IRIDE constellation will feature a variety of sensing instruments and technologies, ranging from microwave radar imaging to optical sensors, offering diverse spatial resolutions and operating across different frequency ranges, becoming a pioneering space programme in Earth observation.
IRIDE will provide critical information for both land and sea, including maps and multi-temporal analysis. The satellites will provide valuable data to researchers studying the evolution of the environmental conditions of Italy and will support public authorities such as the Civil Protection, helping them to address challenges like hydrogeological instability, wildfires, coastal protection, critical infrastructure monitoring, air quality, weather conditions, and much more.
IRIDE stands as one of Europe's foremost space programmes in the field of Earth observation. Initiated by the Italian Government, the programme's development is centred in Italy, leveraging resources from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) along with funding from the National Complementary Plan (NCP).
It is expected to be operational by June 2026, within the 4.5-year timeline set by the PNRR milestones, following its launch in December 2021. Coordinated by ESA and with the participation of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), the programme involves 73 companies from across Italy, with a strong focus on SMEs, significantly boosting the country's space industry.
Mid-term evaluations of the IRIDE programme have shown its positive impact on both the Italian industry and public sector. It has led to increased national expertise, with the first optical satellite constellation entirely developed in Italy, and Europe's first hyperspectral constellation.
IRIDE has also introduced new capabilities, such as a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation in an inclined orbit, which allows for more precise measurement of North-South displacement, improving interferometry analysis.
The programme's influence on the Italian industrial space ecosystem is substantial. It has created over 400 new jobs and doubled the country's capacity to produce low Earth orbit (LEO) mini satellites. These advancements are opening new global market opportunities, fostering international collaborations and driving growth in Italy's space sector.
For more information, the IRIDE digital brochure can be found here:
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