IAC 2021 - PLT-1 SAR mission: PLATiNO multi-mission platform approaching first flight

The paper presents the development status of PLATiNO platform and its first SAR mission (namely PLT-1), after design phase completion and during its system qualification phase. PLATiNO is an Italian Space Agency (ASI) program, led by the industrial consortium composed by SITAEL, Thales Alenia Space in Italy, Leonardo and AirbusItalia. PLATiNO platform is a new all-electric propulsion small platform product in the mini-satellites class with total mass in the range of 250-350 kg (S/C launch mass), designed to be compatible with a wide range of applications (multi-applicability feature). The platform design aspects and state-of-art technological solutions (i.e. electric propulsion for V-LEO orbits, mini-CMG for agile re-pointing, ISL for formation flying/constellations, high data rate active antenna for EO Data management) are strictly linked to the multi-purpose feature in order to provide a standard product compatible with several payloads/missions (EO - SAR, Optical - TLC - Science). PLATiNO platform consolidated (CDR) design is presented, with a focus on each subsystem (Thermo-structure, Power System, Avionic, Electric Propulsion, Communication), showing the main performances and multi-mission capabilities (Platform-to-Payload I/F,solar array configurations, optional equipment). It is also described the upcoming first mission PLT-1, a high resolution SAR mission, based on Thales Alenia Space in Italy small-SAR, that will fly by begin of 2023. PLT-1 SAR can performstripmap bi-static and monostatic imaging, this last exploiting also Spotlight modes. © 2021 International Astronautical Federation, IAF. All rights reserved.