Milan, Italy – 25 June 2025

Leaf Space is proud to support the next phase of the IRIDE constellation, new Earth-observation satellites launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-14 mission. Built by Argotec, a leading company in the space sector, these satellites are part of Italy’s flagship Earth-observation program led by ESA (European Space Agency) in cooperation with ASI (Italian Space Agency), and funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

Leaf Space will provide uplink/downlink for telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) and high-throughput payload data using its global network of 35+ ground stations and the Leaf Line smart scheduling platform.

“With Transporter-14, the IRIDE constellation enters full stride—and Leaf Space is here to make data delivery effortless,” said Cristina Zanchi, CEO of Leaf Space. “We handle the ground segment so ESA, ASI, and Italy’s civil and scientific teams can focus on what truly matters—climate action, disaster response, and innovation.”

IRIDE

IRIDE’s mission takes high-frequency Earth imaging with SAR, optical, hyperspectral, and multispectral sensors for land, sea, and atmosphere is paired with fast, reliable data delivery via Leaf Line’s automated pass scheduling to ensure rapid satellite-to-user turnaround, providing critical infrastructure insights for environmental risk assessment, national safety, and urban planning.

ABOUT ARGOTEC 

Argotec is an Italian space company based in Turin, with offices in Maryland and Florida (USA). Its core business includes the development of high-reliability small satellites. In 2022, it was the only company in the world with two operational microsatellites in deep space, as part of NASA’s DART and Artemis I missions. Argotec is currently involved in several projects, including the HEO Earth Observation constellation under the IRIDE programme. In 2024, the company inaugurated its new 17,000 m² SpacePark—an advanced, automated production facility with integrated green areas—further consolidating its role as a leader in space innovation.

ABOUT LEAF SPACE

Leaf Space operates a fully owned, globally distributed network of ground stations, offering satellite operators flexible and reliable spacecraft communication. Its Ground Segment-as-a-Service model streamlines TT&C and payload data transmissions through an intuitive user interface, proprietary autonomous scheduling software, and worldwide coverage. Founded in 2014, Leaf Space supports over 100 satellites in low Earth orbit.

Media contact: press@leaf.space | +39 023 6714624