An Italian Earth observation project funded by pandemic relief euros has ordered at least 34 satellites and a pair of Vega launches in recent months. More than 47 Italian companies have secured contracts for the 1.1 billion euro ($1.2 billion) IRIDE constellation, or International Report for Innovative Defense of Earth, as part of the Italian government’s National Plan for Recovery and Resilience.

The low Earth orbit network would use optical, radar, and other imaging payloads to monitor Italy’s critical infrastructure, air quality, and meteorological conditions. Arianespace has a contract from the European Space Agency, acting on behalf of the Italian government, for two Vega C rockets to start launching IRIDE satellites in late 2025, with an option for a third to complete the constellation in 2026. Italy-based Avio is the prime contractor for Vega launch vehicles.