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New Launch Contract Signed to Launch the First Two Very High-Resolution Satellites of Portugal’s Atlantic Constellation

(Paris, December 17th, 2025) RIDE! announces the signature of an end-to-end launch mission contract with N3O, in collaboration with its trusted launch services partner SEOPS, for the two first-generation satellites of Portugal’s Atlantic Constellation.

These satellites are very high-resolution optical Earth Observation platforms, with a mass between 250 and 300 kg, capable of delivering sub-50cm imagery in the visible and near-infrared bands. Designed for high revisit and tasked acquisitions, they will support critical applications across defence, security, maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring and disaster response, marking a milestone for Portugal’s space industry.

Developed, integrated and manufactured by N3O, Portugal’s mid-size satellite integrator, these systems represent a major step forward in national technological autonomy and European industrial capability for high-performance Earth Observation systems.  

For this mission, RIDE! has partnered with SEOPS to deliver the full launch services campaign, including launch capacity, mission management, integration services and orbital deployment. Guided by a mission-driven approach, the shared objective is to provide reliable, flexible, and efficient access to space, fully aligned with the operational requirements of the customer.



Valentin Benoit, CEO of RIDE! commented on this mission:
”RIDE! is taking the next level! I am truly honored by the trust N3O has placed in us, allowing RIDE! to pioneer the launch of the Atlantic Constellation. Together with SEOPS, RIDE! is delivering end-to-end launch management, including pre-launch operations and the integration of two 250+ kg spacecrafts on Falcon 9. My sincere thanks to André Oliveira and Henrique Candeias — outstanding partners since day one of our collaboration. Long life to N3O, NewSpace Portugal, and the Atlantic Constellation!”

Chad Brinkley, CEO of SEOPS, added:
“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.”



RIDE! thanks N3O for their trust and looks forward to supporting this important breakthrough for the Portuguese and European space ecosystem.

About RIDE!

RIDE! is a leading provider of launch mission management services and launch opportunities. We combine precision, adaptability, and a global expert network to deliver fully personalized, reliable, and professional launch experiences for satellites of any size, from CubeSats to constellations.

About N3O

N3O is one of the most relevant companies of the new generation of space engineering in Portugal. Specialized in the design, manufacturing, integration and testing of Earth Observation satellites, the company stands at the forefront of European space technology, integrating very high-resolution systems capable of addressing critical needs in security, defense, environmental protection and global monitoring.

About SEOPS

U.S.-owned and operated, SEOPS delivers integration and launch solutions for small satellites to LEO, cislunar, and beyond. With expertise from more than 400 satellite deployments—including for the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and NRO—SEOPS ensures payloads reach orbit efficiently and reliably. From launch capacity procurement to mission design, orbital transfer, and integration services, SEOPS provides end-to-end solutions for educational, scientific, and national security missions.

Press Contact:

Miriam GARCIA ABAD
Marketing and Communication Manager at RIDE!
Email: miriam.garcia@ridespace.io
Phone number: +33 07 45 88 09 97