Italian Space Agency Partners with Leonardo to Secure Payloads for Next-Gen Earth Observation Minisatellites in PLATiNO Missions

Leonardo will provide the high-definition optical camera for PLATiNO 3 and the hyperspectral device for PLATiNO 4. These payloads will assist in monitoring the territory, natural assets, and the atmosphere, promoting a more sustainable and secure management of the ecosystem. Leonardo’s instruments are at the technological core of the forthcoming PLATiNO missions, a crucial component of the ASI technological blueprint aimed at consolidating national dominance in Earth observation from Space.

The Italian Space Agency (ASI) has entered into two agreements with Leonardo amounting to approximately 33 million euros for the design and production of the PLATiNO 3 high-resolution camera and the PLATiNO 4 hyperspectral camera. These two cutting-edge optical instruments are at the technological core of the impending PLATiNO missions (mini high-tech space platform), ASI’s initiative to support, via mini satellites, a diverse array of operations in Earth observation, telecommunications, and science.

In the case of the PLATiNO 3 mission, Leonardo will develop a very high-resolution, ultra-compact camera with low operating expenses, capable of capturing exceptional quality images with a spatial resolution of at least 50 cm on the ground. The images procured by the device will facilitate the surveillance of the territory and infrastructures, also for civil protection objectives.

For PLATiNO 4, Leonardo will furnish a state-of-the-art compact and lightweight hyperspectral camera. This device, a product of the expertise obtained in the development of PRISMA, will have dimensions and weight less than half of PRISMA itself, while ensuring comparable performance. With hyperspectral technology, it is feasible to execute the chemical-physical analysis of the observed region from Space, delivering crucial data to aid in the prevention of natural and anthropogenic threats, monitoring of cultural heritage, agricultural practices, natural assets, and the atmosphere, along with the utilization of mineral resources. PLATiNO 4 will collaborate with PRISMA Second Generation, a development program currently underway, also led by the Italian Space Agency.

Both instruments, for which Leonardo is also accountable for the data processing, play a vital role in ASI’s technological strategy aimed at bolstering upcoming missions of the Agency, from an evolutionary perspective, reinforcing Italy’s prominence in Earth observation from Space.

The delivery of the initial flight models of the PLATiNO 3 and 4 instruments is anticipated by the conclusion of 2024; their development will utilize the latest generation technologies and components, and will also engage small and medium-sized enterprises throughout the Italian supply chain.