Avio S.p.A PLATiNO 2 Vega-C
About the PLATiNO-2 Mission
| Type | Earth Science |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Sun-Synchronous Orbit |
| Launch Cost | $48,000,000 |
PLATiNO-2 is an Earth observation satellite developed for the Italian Space Agency (ASI), making use of the PLATiNO minisatellite platform - a versatile and modular small satellite system - to support a variety of space missions for Earth observation, telecommunications, and scientific research. The platform offers a scalable and cost-effective solution for payload integration in support of diverse mission requirements and orbital configurations, with a focus on high performance, flexibility, and reliability, for both governmental and commercial applications.
The PLATiNO-2 mission carries a Thermal Infrared (TIR) payload, validating PLATiNO multi-applicability feature. Developed by Leonardo and SITAEL, PLATiNO-2 TIR will acquire images that will be used to provide valuable services for territories control and protection such as monitoring waters, glaciers, pollutants, state of crops and vegetation, energy consumption in urban areas. PLATiNO-2 is also equipped with the magnetically shielded HT 100, an improved version of SITAEL electric thruster, making PLATiNO-2 one of the first missions in the world to observe the Earth in the Thermal Infrared from a very low orbit – less than 400 km – and thus significantly improving the resolution of the acquired images.
The satellite also carries NASA’s Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols (MAIA) instrument, which will study how different types of particulate matter air pollution affect our health.
Launch Pad & Location
Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV)
Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
| Launches | 56 |
|---|---|
| Orbital Launch Attempts | 56 |
| Total Launches | 336 |
The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east.
Avio S.p.A Vega-C Rocket
Vega-C is a single-body rocket nearly 35 m high with that weighs 210 tonnes on the launch pad. As with Vega, its main elements are three solid-propellant stages, an upper stage powered by a reignitable liquid-propellant engine and a payload fairing. Vega-C's P120C first stage replaces Vega’s smaller P80 to provide a significant increase in thrust at liftoff. It is also used as boosters (2 or 4) for the Ariane 6 rocket.
| Length | 34.8 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 3.0 m |
| Stages | 4 |
| Launch Mass | 210.0 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 2,974.0 kN |
| LEO Capacity | 3,300 kg |
| SSO Capacity | 2,230 kg |
| Launch Cost | $48,000,000 |
| Maiden Flight | 7/13/2022 |
About Avio S.p.A
Avio S.p.A. is an Italian company operating in the aerospace sector with its head office in Colleferro near Rome, Italy. Founded in 1908, it is present in Italy and abroad with different commercial offices and 10 production sites.
| Total Launches | 2 |
|---|---|
| Successful | 2 |
| Pending | 23 |
| Consecutive Success | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Avio S.p.A Vega-C PLATiNO-2 launch scheduled?
The Avio S.p.A Vega-C PLATiNO-2 launch is currently scheduled for:
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Launch times are subject to change based on weather conditions, technical readiness, and range availability. Check back regularly for the most up-to-date launch time and status updates.
Where is the Avio S.p.A Vega-C PLATiNO-2 mission launching from?
The Avio S.p.A Vega-C rocket will launch from Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV) at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana. The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east. For viewing location recommendations and tips, check the launch location details above.
What rocket is being used for the PLATiNO-2 mission?
The PLATiNO-2 mission will launch aboard a Avio S.p.A Vega-C rocket. Vega-C is a single-body rocket nearly 35 m high with that weighs 210 tonnes on the launch pad. As with Vega, its main elements are three solid-propellant stages, an upper stage powered by a reignitable liquid-propellant engine and a payload fairing. Vega-C's P120C first stage replaces Vega’s smaller P80 to provide a significant increase in thrust at liftoff. It is also used as boosters (2 or 4) for the Ariane 6 rocket. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could delay the Avio S.p.A Vega-C PLATiNO-2 launch?
The Avio S.p.A Vega-C PLATiNO-2 launch can be delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites. Check the launch weather forecast above for current conditions and probability of favorable weather.
How can I get updates if the Avio S.p.A Vega-C PLATiNO-2 launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest Avio S.p.A Vega-C launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the PLATiNO-2 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official Avio S.p.A live streams for the most immediate range updates.
Last Updated
Last Updated:
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