Simonetta Cheli welcomes the launch of new IRIDE satellites

Simonetta Cheli, ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, welcomes the second successful launch for IRIDE’s Eaglet II constellation. Following launch on 30 March 2026 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, eight new satellites join the Eaglet II constellation in orbit, bringing the total number of satellites to 16.

Part of Italy’s IRIDE programme, Eaglet II data will be used to provide core services for Italian public authorities, from monitoring Italy’s coastal areas, to land use and cover, and providing maps during emergency situations.