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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.
About IRIDE
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: