Eaglet II’s final eight satellites make contact from orbit
Mission control in Rome received the first signals from the final eight Eaglet II satellites after their launch from California. The arrival completes Italy’s 24-satellite constellation within the IRIDE Earth observation programme. The spacecraft carry imaging and maritime monitoring equipment, with commissioning preceding their operational handover to the Italian Space Agency. The mission now has 39 satellites in orbit.
Science··Night
The final launch completes a twenty-four-satellite constellation
The final eight Eaglet II satellites reached orbit on SpaceX’s Transporter-18 rideshare mission, completing the 24-satellite constellation within Italy’s IRIDE programme. The launch departed Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on 1 October aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft were developed by OHB Italia. Their arrival added another batch of Earth observation satellites to the Italian programme’s orbital deployment.[1], [2]
Rome receives first signals before operational handover
OHB Italia’s mission control centre in Rome received the first in-orbit signal from every spacecraft in the final batch several hours after launch. The satellites were developed and tested by the company and are due to pass to the Italian Space Agency for operations after full commissioning. Initial contact and commissioning are distinct stages in preparing the newly launched spacecraft for their intended services.[1]
Eaglet II carries multispectral sensors that capture Earth’s surface across several wavelength bands. The spacecraft also carry Automatic Identification System equipment for maritime monitoring and safety services. The first eight satellites launched on 28 November 2025, followed by another eight on 30 March. The latest launch completed that sequence, while the broader IRIDE programme also includes a separate constellation built by Argotec.[1]
IRIDE combines orbital data with public-service applications
IRIDE is Italy’s national Earth observation initiative, developed by the European Space Agency for the Italian Space Agency and funded through Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. It combines satellites, ground infrastructure and digital capabilities for turning observations into applications. The programme now has 39 satellites in orbit. Intended uses include ground-motion and land-cover monitoring, water resources, fires, coastal protection, air quality, weather and critical infrastructure. The satellite system supports planned environmental, emergency and security services. IRIDE’s other orbital vehicles belong to Hawk for Earth Observation, developed by Argotec. That constellation carries high-resolution optical instruments working across multiple wavelengths. Pathfinder Hawk launched on 14 January 2025; seven more spacecraft followed on 23 June 2025 and another seven on 3 May. Eaglet II and Hawk together form part of the programme’s network of constellations.[1]
