New Launch Contract: Powering Portugal’s Atlantic Constellation
Big news from SEOPS 🚀 We’ve officially signed a launch services contract with N3O, alongside our alliance partner RIDE!, to launch the first two satellites of Portugal’s Atlantic Constellation—and we couldn’t be more excited.
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A major milestone for Portugal’s space ambitions
These aren’t just any satellites. The first-generation spacecraft are very high-resolution optical Earth Observation platforms, weighing in at around 250–300 kg each and capable of delivering sub-50 cm imagery in visible and near-infrared bands.
Designed for high revisit rates and on-demand tasking, they’ll play a key role in a wide range of critical applications, including:
- Defense and security
- Maritime surveillance
- Environmental monitoring
- Disaster response
Altogether, this mission marks a significant step forward for Portugal’s space industry and its role in Europe’s Earth observation ecosystem.
The satellites are being developed, integrated, and manufactured by N3O, Portugal’s mid-size satellite integrator. This program represents a major leap in national technological autonomy and strengthens Europe’s industrial capability for high-performance Earth observation systems.
Full-service launch, mission-focused approach
For this mission, SEOPS and RIDE! are delivering the complete launch services campaign, including:
- Launch capacity
- Mission management
- Integration services
- Orbital deployment
Our shared goal is simple: reliable, flexible, and efficient access to space, fully aligned with the operational needs of the customer.
What this means for SEOPS
As our CEO Chad Brinkley puts it: “Through our alliance with RIDE!, SEOPS is bringing its access-layer capabilities to support a growing number of European organizations with comprehensive launch services. We’re excited to partner with RIDE! on this mission for N3O, expanding access to space and supporting high-value missions with precision, confidence, and control.”
We’re proud to support this important breakthrough for the Portuguese and European space ecosystem—and we’re just getting started. Stay tuned for more updates as the Atlantic Constellation moves closer to launch. 🌍✨
