Vandenberg, California (USA), 30 March, 2026 – OHB has reached another major milestone in Italy’s IRIDE Earth observation programme with the successful launch of eight new Eaglet II satellites. Designed, integrated, tested, and operated by OHB Italia, the satellites lifted off aboard SpaceX’s Transporter‑16 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

Following separation operations, the OHB Italia Mission Control Center in Rome successfully acquired the satellites’ signals, initiating the in-orbit commissioning activities. The Eaglet II constellation now consists of 16 satellites, forming a key component of IRIDE, an initiative funded by the Italian Government and coordinated by the European Space Agency (ESA), with the support of the Italian Space Agency (ASI).

Each 25‑kg satellite combines optical imaging capabilities with AIS signal reception for maritime tracking, supporting rapid-response Earth observation services for environmental monitoring, infrastructure protection and national security.

“This new launch represents a further tangible step towards the full deployment of the Eaglet II constellation and confirms the strength of OHB Italia’s industrial contribution to Italy’s flagship national space programme, IRIDE,” said Ing. Roberto Aceti, Managing Director of OHB Italia. “The continuity of launches, adherence to the schedule and the satellites’ performance demonstrate the technological maturity achieved and our ability to turn a strategic vision into an operational system serving the country. This challenging objective has also been made possible thanks to the outstanding professionalism of our entire network of partners and subcontractors, who have supported and worked alongside us throughout the implementation process. IRIDE is not merely a space mission, but an enabling infrastructure for Italy’s security, sustainability and competitiveness, both today and in the long term.”

Full deployment of the Eaglet II constellation is planned for 2026.

The IRIDE programme is funded through an investment of over one billion euros from Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and national funds. In addition to providing services to the Italian public administration, IRIDE aims to support Civil Protection and other authorities in mitigating hydrogeological risks and wildfires, safeguarding coastlines, monitoring critical infrastructure, air quality and weather conditions. The programme will also deliver analytical data to foster the development of commercial applications by startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and industry players.