MetaSensing is proud to announce significant progress in the IRIDE program, particularly within the NOX mission, where D-Orbit serves as the Prime Contractor and MetaSensing takes the lead as the Payload Prime Contractor.
The NOX mission represents a key step in the development of the IRIDE constellation, leveraging advanced X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology to enhance Earth observation capabilities. The SAR payload is designed to provide high-quality images up to 25 centimeter resolution, ensuring all-weather, day-and-night monitoring for a wide range of applications, including environmental surveillance, disaster response, and national security.
MetaSensing has been actively engaged in key qualification procedures, including vibration, thermal vacuum, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing. These assessments simulate the extreme mechanical stresses during launch, the thermal cycling of space conditions, and the electromagnetic environment of the satellite bus. The vibration tests confirm that the SAR payload can withstand the launch loads, while thermal vacuum testing validate its performance under prolonged exposure to the vacuum and temperature fluctuations of low Earth orbit (LEO). The EMC tests ensure that the payload operates without interference from or to other onboard systems, maintaining signal clarity and operational reliability.
Following the mechanical and thermal validation campaigns that confirmed the steady progress of the mission, a milestone was reached during the successful deployment test of the payload SAR antenna, which was conducted at D-Orbit facilities. The deployment test, as shown in the video below, demonstrates the flawless mechanical implementation of the SAR antenna and its structural stability upon full deployment. This qualification test is crucial as it ensures that the antenna, once in orbit, will achieve optimal planar configuration stability, thereby guaranteeing maximum radar performance and signal integrity.
MetaSensing and D-Orbit remain committed to delivering a cutting-edge spaceborne SAR solution and ensuring the success of the IRIDE program. The achievement of these results is also made possible thanks to the strong support and dedication of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI), which play a key role in coordinating the program and ensuring compliance with the highest standards of quality and technological innovation. Their oversight is essential for the progress of the NOX mission and the overall success of the IRIDE constellation.
With testing progressing positively, the NOX mission is advancing towards completion, with platform and particularly the payload now in its finalization phase. The strong synergy between the payload and platform is evident during integration, reinforcing the mission’s role in enhancing the capabilities of the IRIDE constellation. This milestone underscores the technological excellence of the MetaSensing and D-Orbit team in space-based Earth observation.
Stay tuned for further updates as the NOX mission progresses toward integration and launch, bringing cutting-edge SAR technology to the IRIDE constellation.