On October 1, 2026, SpaceX’s Transporter-18 rideshare mission carried the final eight Eaglet II satellites into orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The European Space Agency (ESA) said the launch completed the 24-satellite Eaglet II constellation and brought Italy’s wider IRIDE Earth-observation programme to 39 satellites in orbit.
Eaglet II reaches 24 satellites
Transporter-18 launched on a Falcon 9. The eight spacecraft completed Eaglet II’s final deployment, following two earlier launches of eight satellites each, on November 28, 2025, and March 30, 2026, according to ESA’s launch history.
The 24-satellite figure belongs to Eaglet II. IRIDE’s 39-satellite total covers the broader programme, which Italy’s government initiated and ESA develops for the Italian Space Agency (ASI).
What the satellites are designed to observe
Eaglet II satellites carry multispectral sensors, which capture images of Earth’s surface, and Automatic Identification System (AIS) equipment for maritime monitoring and safety services.
IRIDE is intended to support Italian public services, research and economic development. ESA lists potential programme applications including monitoring ground movement and land cover, fires, coastal protection, air quality, weather and critical infrastructure.
Deployment is not the same as commissioning
OHB Italia developed and tested the Eaglet II spacecraft. Several hours after launch, its Rome Mission Control Centre received the first in-orbit communication signal from each satellite.
ESA says the satellites are to be handed over to ASI for operations after full commissioning.
