SkyLabs as a partner in the IRIDE constellation
We are very proud to be one of few selected suppliers by OHB-Italia to contribute Italian IRIDE constellation program in the frame of PNRR.
In December 2022 OHB-Italia signed an important contract with ESA for the production and deployment of the first batch of 12 satellites for the IRIDE constellation. The signing of the contract is very important for SkyLabs, which will equip the satellites with essential satellite avionics, such as NANOobc, NANOif for RTU functions, our flagship NANOlink-boost S-band communication subsystem with integrated diplexer and the fully fledged all-in-one NANOeps providing remarkable 172Wh of battery capacity and PCDU with more than two dozen of protected output channels. Finally, the NANOeps will be charged through NANOamppt units, to provide the most optimal charging conditions.
“It is really an honour to be a selected supplier by such prominent prime as is OHB-Italia. Contract signature for IRIDE programme between OHB-Italia Srl and SkyLabs d.o.o. further strengths our already established collaboration between both companies. It is strategically important for SkyLabs to further deploy our products in the market of micro-scale satellites. This proofs of being a valuable partner with the leading-edge solutions and keeping high standards in the domain of quality and reliability. We are.“
– stated Dejan Gačnik, CTO of SkyLabs.
As reported by OHB-Italia, the IRIDE constellation will be a unique and innovative constellation designed to observe what is happening on Earth from space. It will be composed of satellites of different types and sizes combining SAR, optical, panchromatic, hyperspectral, and infrared sensors. IRIDE is considered to be one of the most important European space programs for Earth observation in Low Earth Orbit. SkyLabs is honoured to participate since the IRIDE constellation represents a fundamental component of the Next Generation EU dedicated to the development of space activities that support the ecological and digital transition. IRIDE will include all components (upstream, downstream and services) to provide geospatial data at national and European level, both to the public administration and to private customers.
“IRIDE represents the key know-how development essential to meet increasingly difficult challenges in the global space system. OHB Italia is very proud to offer its more than forty years Space-heritage to take part to this ambitious and all-Italian project. It will help the Civil Protection Department and other administrations to manage hydrogeological instability and fires, to protect coastlines and to monitor critical infrastructure, air quality and weather conditions. Moreover, it will provide analytical data for the development of commercial applications, all fundamental activities for a modern space-faring nation.”
– declared Roberto Aceti, Managing Director of OHB Italy.
The IRIDE satellite constellation will be implemented in Italy and ready for launch by 2026 under the supervision of ESA and ASI (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana) in the frame of PNRR (“Piano Nazionale Ripresa e Resilienza” or NRRP “National Recovery and Resilience Plan”). The mentioned plan includes milestones and targets devoted to space activities for Earth Observation. Even though IRIDE will be the Italian Satellite Constellation, it is intended to be the most important in Europe.
The initial batch of 12 satellites is planned to be delivered by November 2024, with an option for a second batch of 12 satellites to be delivered by November 2025. SkyLabs will supply radiation-tolerant, space-proven essential satellite avionics for the first batch of satellites.
Photo Courtesy: OHB-Italia