Two new ICEYE radar satellites, launched on November 28, 2025 on the SpaceX Transporter-15 mission, mark the beginning of the operational phase of the Greek National Small Satellite Program. The project, with support from the EU RRF and ESA, brings high-resolution imagery for faster response to floods, fires, and security threats.
Eight Eaglet II satellites took off on November 28, 2025, on a Falcon 9 mission from Vandenberg, whereby IRIDE increased its optical fleet and overpass range over Italy and the Mediterranean. In play are ~2 m images and AIS for maritime surveillance; data goes to public services, alongside a rideshare with HydroGNSS and ICEYE payloads. A total of 16 IRIDE satellites are in orbit, and the status was confirmed by the OHB control center in Rome a few hours after separation.
ESA launched the first Scout mission HydroGNSS on November 28, 2025. A pair of small satellites in Sun-synchronous orbit uses GNSS-Reflectometry to measure soil moisture, freeze-thaw state, inundation, and above-ground biomass, supporting applications in flood forecasting, agriculture, and water risk management.
Ariane 6 launches Galileo L14 mission on December 17, 2025 with satellites SAT 33 and SAT 34, which will boost the precision, availability, and security of European satellite navigation. We bring an overview of the journey from factory to orbit, hydrazine fueling, SCAPE suits, and the strategic importance of the system for everyday users.
The ESA Ministerial Council CM25 in Bremen adopted a record budget of €22.1 billion, focused on Europe's technological sovereignty in space. Funding increases for GSTP, security components, and AI, quantum, propulsion, and sustainable technologies are reshaping industry, innovation, and geopolitics.
ESA's HydroGNSS mission, launched by a Falcon 9 as part of the Transporter-15 flight, brings a new generation of small satellites for global monitoring of soil moisture, floods, permafrost, and biomass, while the Italian IRIDE and Greek ICEYE strengthen European space infrastructure for climate risk management.