Thales Alenia Space to develop satellite and provide platform for PRISMA Second Generation mission
The satellite will enhance image quality of Earth’s surface, vegetation, inland waters, and coastal areas
Rome, 29th July 2026 – Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has secured a contract with OHB Italia for the development of the PRISMA Second Generation Earth observation satellite on behalf of the Italian Space Agency (ASI). The satellite is poised for launch in 2031 and will be equipped with a hyperspectral instrument designed by Leonardo, which promises enhanced functional and resolution capabilities compared to its predecessor.
Focus on hyperspectral technology
One of the significant hurdles in hyperspectral technology is obtaining images that offer both high quality and spatial resolution, along with frequent revisit times and a high signal-to-noise ratio. The PRISMA Second Generation satellite aims to deliver improved spatial resolution with the enhanced agility of both the platform and the instrument, increasing spatial resolution down to at least 10 meters from the current 30 meters. Furthermore, it will bring forth new functional capabilities tailored to satisfy the varied needs of scientific and operational users.
About the Consortium
The industrial consortium will be spearheaded by OHB Italia, which will oversee the mission and manage end-to-end system activities. Thales Alenia Space will take charge of the satellite’s development and provision of the PRIMA-S platform, a product of the company designed to host the hyperspectral payload. The PRIMA-S platform derives from the HE-R1000 (High Efficiency Radar) product line, forming part of Thales Alenia Space’s Earth Observation product family and capable of accommodating both radar and optical payloads. The satellite’s payload will be sourced as a Customer Furnished Item (CFI) from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and supplied by Leonardo.
“This collaboration with the Italian Space Agency and OHB Italia presents a substantial opportunity for Thales Alenia Space to further its Earth Observation capabilities, benefiting the scientific community while aiding practical applications for improved environmental resource management and a better understanding of global phenomena,” stated Giampiero Di Paolo, Thales Alenia Space Deputy CEO and SVP of Observation, Exploration, and Navigation. “This contract underscores Thales Alenia Space’s established expertise in the fabrication of Earth observation satellites, such as the Copernicus and COSMO-SkyMed programs. Today’s milestone affirms our strategic investments in the PRIMA-S platform, recognized for its adaptability and ability to accommodate various types of payloads, addressing missions in both Low and Medium Earth Orbit.”
About Thales Alenia Space
Thales Alenia Space harnesses a unique blend of skills, technological expertise, and industrial capabilities to deliver cutting-edge solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, defense, exploration, science, and orbital infrastructures—built on 50 years of proven experience. Institutions, governments, and private industry count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that assure anytime, anywhere connectivity and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, explore our Solar System, and fathom the enigmas of the Universe. Guided by its Space for Life vision, Thales Alenia Space regards space as a new frontier, contributing to better and more sustainable living on Earth and beyond. As a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space collaborates with Telespazio in the Space Alliance, offering a comprehensive range of solutions, including services. The company reported consolidated revenues of €2.36 billion in 2025 and employs over 8,000 personnel across 7 nations with 14 facilities in Europe.
Source: Thales Group (2026-07-29 13:28:45)
