The Italian Space Agency (ASI) under the "PLATiNO" multi-satellite constellation program have started the PLATiNO-3 and PLATiNO-4 payloads addressing Very High Resolution and Hyperspectral capabilities with small payloads under 100 kg, respectively. Proto-flight models of these instruments will be completed by 2024-2025. Under the same program, PLATiNO-1, a SAR mission in X-band and PLATiNO-2, a collaboration with NASA-JPL for the MAIA payload, will complete the constellation.In 2019 ASI launched the PRISMA instrument and from this baseline is developing a new "best-in-class" compact Hyperspectral payload (HYP-PL) that offers the same performance of its larger predecessor in a size and mass that can be adapted to multiple platforms in the small size range.In this article we present the main characteristics of the PLATiNO-4 payload.The HYP-PL is a <100Kg, single imaging spectrometer devoted to measure the spectral signature across the wavelength range 400-2500 nm by means of a diffraction grating as dispersing element. This spectral range matches many end-user requirements for environmental and commercial applications, such as water quality monitoring, oil spills, forest fire, soil protection, agriculture.The payload, after the successful development of breadboards and development models, is entering the D phase with the MAIT of the PFM.

This work is focused on the forthcoming ROSE-L mission, developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) as part of the Copernicus Expansion Programme. Among the different advanced engineering solutions that will be exploited by the system, we concentrate on the ScanSAR acquisition mode and show how to enable ROSE-L for a high gain two-look configuration. More specifically, we propose a solution aimed at achieving different goals.The first goal is focused on better tailoring the ROSE-L system, originally designed for a one-look ScanSAR mode configuration, to a more attractive two-look one. The second goal is to retain the azimuth resolution and the range swath of the original system design. The third goal is to be compliant with the main system specifications, with respect to the one- look mode configuration.To achieve these goals, we propose to properly shape the radiated azimuth beam, without upsetting the original design of the ROSE-L radar antenna and taking advantage of the degrees of freedom offered by its current layout.

In this study a novel architecture of Pulse Coupled Neural Network based on a multilevel topology with interconnected layers is presented. The model is applied to the solution of a segmentation problem of SAR images for the identification of man-made structures on urban landscapes. Thanks to the multilayer architecture, the unsupervised model can deal with dual polarization SAR data, as well as with combination of ascending and descending acquisitions. Such approach mitigates the issues in detecting artificial targets when their orientation with respect the satellite line of sight reduces the object backscattering with respect to the one of background. An example of application to two COSMO-SkyMed STRIPMAP data, acquired by ascending and descending orbits respectively is provided.The proposed approach, owing to their ability of efficiently processing voluminous datasets, can be effectively coupled with machine learning and deep learning to refine or validate their results.

This work shows that additional ScanSAR capabilities, with respect to those achievable through the current synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system of the forthcoming Radar Observation System for Europe at L-band (ROSE-L) mission, may be easily enabled through a proper shaping of the azimuth pattern of the TX radar antenna. In particular, we show that by properly acting only on the distribution of the input excitations of the elements of the currently designed TX antenna array, we can move from a single azimuth-look ScanSAR configuration to a more attractive two-look one. This result is achieved without upsetting the current system architecture and without changing the current mission parameters [such as azimuth resolution, range swath, and pulse repetition frequency (PRF)], all tailored to a one-look ScanSAR configuration. On the other hand, the proposed two-look mode requires to double the azimuth beamwidth with respect to the one-look mode, thus leading to an unavoidable antenna gain decrease, whose amount is approximately 3 dB. The presented analysis also shows that, by still acting on the distribution of the input excitations of the TX antenna array, the scalloping effect can be significantly mitigated with respect to that of the current system design, in both scenarios relevant to the original one-look ScanSAR configuration and the proposed two-look one.

PRISMA, in orbit since March the 22nd 2019, opened the user access two years ago, in spring 2020. Recently we break-out the one-thousand threshold of user accounts, which witness the high worldwide interest into this innovative mission. This paper shortly describes the results achieved in this period of full operational usage.

In the future ROSE-L mission, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) as part of the Copernicus Expansion Programme, different advanced acquisition techniques will be simultaneously experienced, namely, ScanSAR, Scan On Receive and Digital Beam Forming on receive. This work shows that additional ScanSAR capabilities with respect to those achievable through the current ROSE-L system design may be enabled through proper shaping of the azimuth pattern of the TX radar antenna. In particular, we show that without upsetting the current system architecture, and properly acting only on the distribution of the input excitations of the elements of the currently designed TX array antenna, we can obtain a significant mitigation of the scalloping effect and/or move from a single azimuth look ScanSAR configuration to a more attractive two-look one.

Over the past few years, ASI has devoted great attention to the development of technologies and strengthening of the supply chain aimed particularly at areas of excellence and the development of systems skills innovative. In the field of technologies, it supports initiatives dedicated to low TRL technologies (Technology Readiness Level), high TRL and In Orbit Validation (IOV - trend under development also at EU level in Horizon 2020 program) through national investment lines coordinated with the intervention in optional ESA programs and with the aforementioned H2020. With regard to system capabilities, there are several development initiatives dedicated to prototype and innovative programs in national excellence sectors, such as remote earth sensing; in particular, for SAR systems, is worth mentioning the launch of the first satellite of the second Generation of COSMO-SkyMed and, in the Hyperspectral field, the launch of the PRISMA satellite. Meanwhile there are a number of new developments related to the evolution of such systems, including also to the development of new capabilitiesthroughthe Small Satellites product line. In this paper an overview of the ASI roadmap in technology and programs for remote sensing is provided.

PRISMA, in orbit since March the 22nd 2019, opened the user access in spring 2020. After one year, many hundreds of users have gained the capability to program new acquisitions or download image products from the online archive containing more than 67k datasets, under a quasi-open & free data policy and licensing scheme. During this time frame and despite the COVID-19 related difficulties, PRISMA performed normal operations delivering not only nominal verified quality data to users but establishing collaborations with other space agencies, in order to enable and support synergies with other hyperspectral missions. This paper describes the mission and the results achieved in this first period of full operational usage.

PRISMA (PRecursore IperSpettrale della Missione Applicativa) is an ASI (Italian Space Agency) mission based on a technology demonstrator project, aimed at the in space qualification of an innovative hyperspectral payload and at the development of new Earth Observation products and applications.In the upcoming Earth Observation European scenario PRISMA is expected to be a good opportunity for science and users community to access hyperspectral data, both to develop new applications products and to explore technological innovative contribution of hyperspectral data to earth observation, in the perspective of a future hyperspectral operational mission.This paper will report the status of the PRISMA mission after the launch was on 22 March 2019 (VEGA launcher) and will present the commissioning phase and preliminary mission exploitation plan.

The Italian Space Agency (ASI) has recently entrusted CO.RI.S.T.A. with the development of a radar system that can be mounted onboard small airplanes or helicopters and may operate, at different frequencies belonging to the P-Band, either as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) or as Sounder. In this work, we present preliminary results of the helicopter-borne desert campaign carried out with this system in 2018 over the Erfoud area, Morocco, in the frame of a project that has involved different public Italian Research Institutes and Universities.

PRISMA (PRecursore IperSpettrale della Missione Applicativa) is an Italian Satellite Earth Observation hyperspectral mission led by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and planned for the launch in 2018. The payload is based on a high spectral resolution imaging spectrometer operating in the VNIR/SWIR (0.4-2.5 μm) optically integrated with a medium resolution Panchromatic camera (0.4-0.7 μm). The PRISMA Ground Segment includes the Mission Control Centre (MCC) and the Satellite Control Centre (SCC) both located at the Fucino station and the Instrument Data Handling System (IDHS) located at the ASI Space Geodesy Center in Matera. The IDHS is devoted to process the payload data downloaded using the X-Band antenna of the CNM (National Multimission Center). The IDHS data processing function generates Level 0, Level 1 and Level 2 products archived and distributed by the CNM. This paper defines the detailed PRISMA product types, specifying the content and process of the products generation.

PRISMA (PRecursore IperSpettrale della Missione Applicativa) is one the most important investments of Italian Space Agency (ASI) in the field of Optical Remote Sensing for Earth Observation. The PRISMA Space Segment consists of a single spacecraft embarking a state-of-the-art hyperspectral/panchromatic payload using pushbroom scanning technique. The PRISMA Ground Segment inlcudes the Fucino facilities for satellite/mission control and Matera CNM (Multimission National Center) systems, mainly devoted to data acquisition, products archive/delivery and user management. The IDHS facilty processes the payload data downloaded using the CNM X-Band antenna. The launch is scheduled in 2018 (VEGA Launcher) for a five years operational lifetime. This paper reports an overview of the mission and program development.

PRISMA (PRecursore IperSpettrale della Missione Applicativa) is an Italian Earth Observation hyperspectral mission, fully funded by the Italian Space Agency (ASI - Agenzia Spaziale Italiana) and scheduled for launch in 2018. The PRISMA system will be composed of a Space Segment, consisting in a single satellite, embarking a state-of-the-art hyperspectral and panchromatic payload, a Launch Segment in charge of placing the satellite into the appropriate orbit and a Ground Segment geographically distributed in Italy between Fucino and Matera, devoted to satellite/mission control, user management and product delivery. An overview of the main characteristics and current status of the PRISMA mission is provided, with a focus on the space and ground segments.

PRISMA (PRecursore IperSpettrale della Missione Applicativa) is an innovative Italian Earth Observation mission using a Hyperspectral/Panchromatic instrument based on a pushbroom scanning technique. The PRISMA mission development is completely funded by ASI (Italian Space Agency) and includes the system development program and the related applications and research activities. The system program is in the development phase (ECSS standard C/D phase) in the framework of a contract signed between ASI and an Italian Industries Consortium, including also the system on orbit commissioning. The launch is planned for the beginning of 2018. Thanks to the Low Earth, Sun Synchronous orbit placement, PRISMA will acquire up to 200.000 km2of daily Panchromatic/hyperspectral images within an Area of interest bounded by 180°W÷180°E - 70°S÷70°N, supporting many earth observation applications with relevant data. The Italian Science Community has been involved both in supporting the system development program, mainly for Calibration and Validation activities and algorithm developments, and in promoting research and applications based on Panchromatic/Hyperspectral remote sensed data.

This work aims to describe the characteristics and the status of development, including the results of a first preliminary testing campaign, of a low frequency airborne imaging radar developed in Italy for the Italian Space Agency.

This letter deals with the design, realization, and validation of a multimode/multifrequency airborne radar designed for both surface and subsurface prospections. The system operates in the frequency band from very high frequency (VHF) to ultrahigh frequency (UHF) and works in two different modes: 1) a nadir-looking sounder in the VHF band (carrier frequency of 163 MHz); and 2) a side-looking imager (i.e., synthetic aperture radar) in the UHF band with two channels at 450 and 860 MHz, respectively. The system validation has been carried out for the “sounder” mode due to helicopter-borne surveys carried out over an area in the Campania region, Southern Italy. The surveys have provided a first proof of system capability in obtaining useful information about the surface and shallower subsurface layers over a large scale and in a relatively short time. In particular, the data collected by the sounder have been processed by means of a microwave tomographic reconstruction approach, and features consistent with tunnels buried at a depth of 15 m have been identified.