Düsseldorf / Turin, — German defence technology group Rheinmetall and Italian space company Argotec have successfully launched their first jointly developed military surveillance satellite. The spacecraft lifted off on October 1 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, as part of the Transporter-18 rideshare mission, which carried approximately 130 payloads into low Earth orbit.
The launch was managed through Rheinmetall’s Italian subsidiary, Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A. The programme aims to develop an independent satellite-based capability to provide national security forces and military institutions with space-based situational awareness.
Satellite Designed for Air Defence
Unlike conventional observation satellites focused on mapping ground objects, the satellite is designed to support intelligence gathering and air defence. Its specialised sensors are intended to detect ground-based indicators of emerging airborne threats and provide early-warning information to military personnel.
The collected imagery and situational data will be processed using artificial intelligence (AI) and integrated into existing national defence and air defence systems. The wider architecture connects space-based observation equipment with ground-based nodes and tactical networks, coordinated through a Command and Control Post to support near-real-time information delivery and operational decision-making.
Partnership Combines Defence and Space Expertise
The partnership combines Rheinmetall’s defence systems integration expertise with Argotec’s spacecraft manufacturing experience, including work on NASA programmes and other international space projects. Rheinmetall Italia is responsible for integrating satellite data with command-and-control systems and the wider defence network.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said the launch was an important milestone in strengthening national security and space capabilities. He highlighted the importance of integrating space-based data into existing defence architectures to improve technological sovereignty and resilient, networked situational awareness.
Argotec CEO and founder David Avino said the project would turn space technology into a scalable, connected operational asset designed for complex defence scenarios. He also emphasised the role of near-real-time satellite information in supporting decision-makers and increasing technological autonomy.
Second Satellite Planned for 2028
The programme follows a modular development approach. The first satellite will help the companies validate their technologies in orbit and establish a technical foundation for future development and funding stages.
Rheinmetall and Argotec plan to expand the initial capability into a larger satellite constellation over the medium to long term. A second satellite launch is scheduled for 2028, according to the programme roadmap.
Rheinmetall announced the successful launch in a press release issued on October 2, 2026.
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