Involve

Involve Space is an Italian aerospace company that designs, develops, and launches intelligent, zero-emission, reusable stratospheric platforms for Earth observation, defense, flight validation and research.

The proprietary technology allows for persistent Earth observation, eliminating satellites revisiting time, enabling constant, real-time monitoring and delivering very high resolution data distributed through the geospatial platform Clear.

Based in Como, with presence in Europe and the USA, Involve Space aims to be a global reference point in the High Altitude Platforms market, with a clear vision: to bring strategic data from near-Earth space that generate concrete impact and facilitate effective decision making.

Flying above commercial air traffic and weather disturbance, Involve Space stratospheric balloons bridge the gap between satellites and drones, enabling persistent, very high resolution observation and near real‑time data acquisition over precisely defined areas of interest.

Stratospheric balloons can carry advanced optical, multispectral and radar payloads, achieving ground resolutions of just a few centimetres per pixel across wide areas, while maintaining continuous observation for extended periods. Their rapid deployability allows activation within a few hours, making them particularly suited to emergency scenarios such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes and industrial accidents. In parallel, their persistent observation capability supports defence and security applications, including border and maritime domain monitoring, as well as continuous oversight of critical infrastructure such as pipelines, energy networks, ports and transport corridors.

At the core of Involve Space’s offering are two complementary stratospheric systems: Stratostats® and Stratorelay®.

Stratostats® is designed for long‑endurance missions, remaining in the stratosphere for weeks. Guided by proprietary AI‑based station‑keeping algorithms, it can maintain a quasi‑stationary position over a defined area of interest by intelligently navigating wind layers at different altitudes. This capability is particularly valuable for applications requiring continuous monitoring, such as critical infrastructure protection, environmental surveillance, disaster response, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Stratorelay® is optimised for rapid deployment and cost‑effective mapping. Using predictive trajectory modelling and wind forecasts, it enables fast, on‑demand data acquisition over target areas. Proven mapping campaigns over metropolitan regions demonstrate its ability to cover large areas of interest in a matter of hours, making it ideal for periodic surveys, rapid situational awareness, and one‑shot observation missions.

Together, these platforms form a flexible stratospheric architecture capable of supporting both persistent and situational Earth Observation use cases, and serve both mission-specific customers and those seeking scalable, real-time environmental intelligence.

Currently Involve Space has active collaborations with ASI, ESA, NASA, the Italian Ministry of Defence, and corporate customers and partners in a number of verticals, including strategic infrastructures, energy and bio-technologies.

Involve’s core offerings are built around its proprietary Stratostats®—stratospheric pseudo-satellites that utilize helium-filled balloons to transport scientific payloads to altitudes up to 40 km. These platforms provide vital services, including Earth observation, defense applications, atmospheric research, and telecommunications. The Stratostats® system is noted for its innovative station-keeping capability, offering real-time, high-resolution data (1 m/pixel) superior to traditional satellites, enabling continuous monitoring where satellites pass intermittently​​​.

The company’s activities extend to atmospheric and environmental research, employing AI-driven software like Neurostar® to optimize flight paths, enhancing mission precision and data quality. Through these technological advancements, Involve Space supports various industries by facilitating experiments related to nanosatellite testing, environmental monitoring, disaster response, and infrastructure oversight​​.

With a focus on sustainability, Involve commits to eco-friendly practices, offering emission-free, reusable balloon systems that align with global standards of social and environmental responsibility. This dedication is underscored by its pursuit of B-Corp certification and collaboration with humanitarian and educational initiatives​​. In addition to its research and development, the company is actively engaged in global expansion, building strategic partnerships in Europe and planning entry into the U.S. market to bolster its influence in high-altitude platform station technology​​.

Involve complements its primary stratospheric missions with pioneering projects like Da Vinci Caelum® and LoonHive®, which align with its vision for future growth. Da Vinci Caelum® provides educational launch kits designed for schools and research centers, enabling small-scale stratospheric experiments and fostering scientific engagement and practical learning​.

LoonHive® represents a major leap in near-space technology, featuring a constellation of stratospheric balloons capable of covering extensive areas, such as the U.S., with only 40 units. This initiative supports high-resolution Earth observation and extends internet connectivity, enhancing network resilience in remote and emergency-prone regions. Unlike traditional satellites, LoonHive® uses AI for precise station-keeping, offering continuous data collection and improved positioning​​.

These projects reflect Involve Space’s commitment to sustainable, forward-thinking innovation, supporting a future where advanced stratospheric solutions contribute to global connectivity, research, and environmental monitoring.