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 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 is part of IRIDE, one of Europe’s largest space programs for Earth observation, funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU and by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic. Initiated by the Italian government, the program leverages national competencies and responsibility, with the support of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and carried out under an European Space Agency contract.
NOX - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Spacecraft mass: < 580 kg
Lifetime: > 5 years
SAR antenna instrument:
- 3.2 m deployable RF-TX antenna
- Single-pol
SAR Imagining modes and quality:
- Stripmap: 3 m range resolution, 30x50 km swath
- Spotlight: 10x10 km swath
- ScarSAR: 6 m range resolution, 50x100 km swath
About the IRIDE Constellation. The IRIDE constellation is a programme of the European Union – Next GenerationEU funded by the Presidency of the Council of Ministries of the Italian Republic, pursuant to Article 1, paragraph 254, of the Italian Law 160/2019’ and ‘Funded by the Presidency of the Council of Ministries from the Complementary Fund carried out under an ESA Contract for the purposes of EO PNRR IRIDE PROGRAMME.
Disclaimer. Views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion the European Union/European Commission/ESA/Presidency of Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic. Views and opinion expressed are those of the author(s) only and the European Union/European Commission/ESA/Presidency of Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
