IRIDE is a space-based observation program initiated under the framework of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), that will leverage national competences and responsibility with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA), which will manage the project, and the Italian Space Agency (ASI); D-Orbit will provide one SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellite, called NOX, and will manage its flight operations segment on behalf of the end user. The SAR sensor will be implemented by MetaSensing, an Italian company specializing in advanced radar technologies.
IRIDE is a 26-million euro satellite contract that includes an option for an additional SAR satellite, worth €24 million.
The IRIDE program will consist of a satellite constellation, ground operational infrastructure, and services for the Italian public administration. The satellite constellation, which will be launched between 2025 and 2026, will use various detection techniques and technologies, including microwave and optical imaging in different frequencies, and will provide data for applications in commercial startups, SMEs, and industry.
NOX - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Spacecraft mass: < 580 kg
Lifetime: > 5 years
SAR antenna instrument:
- 3.2 m deployable RF-TX antenna
- Single-pol
- Stripmap: 3 m range resolution, 30x50 km swath
- Spotlight: 10x10 km swath
- ScarSAR: 6 m range resolution, 50x100 km swath