Distributed SAR imaging from space exploits the distribution of the key system resources, normally concentrated in a single, large and complex satellite, among many small-sized and simpler sensors, thanks to the proper combination of the signals from each single node of the swarm. The simultaneous operation of the satellites represents a Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output SAR system (MIMO-SAR), for which several concepts have been presented in the scientific literature, [1]–[6].Indeed, the theoretical maturity of this technique is significant, however the practical feasibility has not yet been demonstrated. In 2020, the demonstrative Mission SATURN [7] was proposed and is currently being studied with the support of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) being part of ALCOR programme promoting the development of the next generation Italian CubeSats. The main target of the SATURN mission is to demonstrate the key technology "Cooperative MIMO Swarms of SAR MicroSats" for innovative, low cost and versatile Earth Observation applications.In this work, we present the architecture and the implementation of a miniaturized SAR payload, called MiniSAR, suitable for operation in a MIMO SAR system. The paper reports the design solutions, the architecture and the qualification of the SAR Electronics by means of functional, performance and environmental testing in thermal-vacuum chambers and vibration facilities.

In a multienergy framework, power-to-heat technology is becoming increasingly attractive. This interest is mainly due to the possibility of exploiting excesses and unbalances of electricity, which are becoming more and more common with the increasing capacity of the renewable sources. An interesting option consists in using heat pumps to convert excess of electricity produced by photovoltaic systems (especially in the midday hours) into cold to be provided to district heating and district cooling networks. This article aims to propose a methodology to select the best heat pump location in district cooling system. The analysis is performed with the aim of minimizing the cost of network construction and pumping. The procedure includes the best heat pump location and the design of the pipeline. Results show that distributed heat pumps allow one reducing both the costs and the average pipeline diameters by about 50% with respect to concentrated production. Furthermore, the optimal location of distributed heat pumps allows reducing costs of about 7% with respect to a uniformly distributed production.