Thales Alenia Space Supports PRISMA Second Generation

The Italian Space Agency (ASI) has commissioned the PRISMA Second Generation Earth observation mission through an industrial consortium led by OHB Italia. Within the project, Thales Alenia Space will develop the satellite and provide its PRIMA-S platform, while Leonardo will supply the hyperspectral payload to support environmental monitoring and scientific observation.

Consortium Combines Complementary Expertise
The PRISMA Second Generation programme brings together several Italian aerospace companies with clearly defined responsibilities. OHB Italia leads the consortium and is responsible for mission management and end-to-end system integration. Thales Alenia Space will develop the satellite bus and deliver its PRIMA-S platform, which hosts the observation payload. Leonardo is responsible for the hyperspectral instrument, supplied to the programme through the Italian Space Agency as a Customer Furnished Item (CFI).

The cooperation combines satellite platform development, payload engineering and mission integration to deliver an advanced Earth observation system capable of supporting scientific research and operational monitoring.

Improved Hyperspectral Earth Observation
The satellite will carry a next-generation hyperspectral instrument designed to capture detailed spectral information from Earth's surface. Target applications include monitoring vegetation, inland waters, coastal environments and land resources, supporting environmental management and scientific analysis.

Compared with the first PRISMA satellite, the new mission is designed to improve spatial resolution from approximately 30 metres to at least 10 metres. This improvement is enabled through increased platform agility together with enhanced instrument capabilities. The mission also aims to achieve higher image quality, improved signal-to-noise ratio and additional observation functions for a broader range of users.

Platform Development and System Integration
Thales Alenia Space will supply the PRIMA-S platform, derived from its HE-R1000 product line within the company's Earth observation portfolio. The platform is designed to accommodate both optical and radar payloads, providing flexibility for Low Earth Orbit and Medium Earth Orbit missions.

OHB Italia will oversee system engineering, satellite integration and mission implementation, ensuring that the spacecraft platform, payload and ground segment operate as an integrated system. Leonardo's hyperspectral instrument will be integrated onto the satellite during the development programme.

Expected Mission Impact
The satellite is scheduled for launch in 2031. Higher spatial resolution and enhanced hyperspectral imaging are expected to improve the quality of environmental data available for scientific research, land monitoring and resource management. The modular platform architecture also demonstrates how reusable satellite platforms can support different Earth observation missions while simplifying system integration and future mission development.

"This collaboration with the Italian Space Agency and OHB Italia represents a significant opportunity for Thales Alenia Space to advance its capabilities in Earth Observation, benefiting the scientific community and supporting practical applications for improved environmental resource management and better understanding of global phenomena,” said Giampiero Di Paolo, Thales Alenia Space Deputy CEO and SVP Observation, Exploration and Navigation.

Edited by Sucithra Mani, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

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