Rheinmetall and Argotec Launch First Satellite for Air Defence Surveillance
Rheinmetall Italia and the Turin-based satellite maker Argotec have launched their first satellite for military airspace surveillance on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Rheinmetall announced the launch on October 2, 2026; the release gives the launch date as October 1.
The spacecraft lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Rheinmetall said it is the first step towards a larger constellation, with a second satellite planned for 2028.
Rheinmetall and Argotec Launch Details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Companies | Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A., Argotec |
| Launch vehicle | SpaceX Falcon 9 |
| Launch site | Vandenberg Space Force Base, California |
| Launch date | October 1, 2026 (per press release) |
| Announced | October 2, 2026 |
| Mission | Airspace surveillance and military air defence |
| Next step | Second satellite planned for 2028 |
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said integrating space-based data into existing defence architectures is “a critical step” in addressing security challenges and achieving technological sovereignty. David Avino, Argotec’s CEO, said the companies are turning space technology into an operational asset that is “scalable, connected, and ready” for defence use.
How the Satellite Supports Air Defence
According to the companies, the satellite is designed to identify ground-based indicators of airborne threats. Its data will be processed with AI and fed into existing national defence systems. Neither company has published sensor details, orbit parameters or the customer nation, so the system’s performance cannot yet be assessed.
The effort sits alongside Rheinmetall’s ground-based air defence work. For comparison with European ground systems, see our explainer on IRIS-T SLM.
Who Is Argotec?
Argotec designs and builds satellites in Turin, Italy. In 2022 it operated two microsatellites at the same time for NASA’s DART and Artemis I missions. The company expanded into the United States in 2026 with a facility in Melbourne, Florida and a telecommunications hub in California, Rheinmetall said.
| Item | Rheinmetall | Argotec |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Air defence and systems integration | Satellite design and manufacturing |
| Base | Düsseldorf, Germany; Rheinmetall Italia in Italy | Turin, Italy |
| Past work | Ground-based air defence, Skyranger | NASA DART and Artemis I microsatellites (2022) |
Rheinmetall Company Profile
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Düsseldorf, Germany |
| Founded | 1889 |
| CEO | Armin Papperger |
| Known programmes | Boxer, Lynx, Skyranger, Panther, 155 mm ammunition |
Rheinmetall Argotec Satellite FAQ
What was launched?
The first satellite built by Rheinmetall Italia and Argotec for airspace surveillance and military air defence.
What rocket carried it?
A SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Is more planned?
Yes. A second satellite is planned for 2028, and the companies describe the first as the foundation for a larger constellation.
Who is Argotec?
A Turin-based satellite designer and manufacturer.
Which customer will use it?
No customer has been named.
- Rheinmetall – “Rheinmetall and Argotec launch their first satellite into space with SpaceX” (press release, October 2, 2026): rheinmetall.com
- Wikipedia – Rheinmetall (company data)
