| Description: |
Small satellites are increasingly playing a
complementary role to high-performance satellites.
Technological advancements have enabled the
development of various classes (nano, micro, and
mini) with faster development times and reduced
budgets. Constellations of small satellites and
emerging satellite technologies are rapidly
transforming the space sector and seeking to
provide solutions for the last mile to the end
user. The main objective of ongoing evolutions in
the satellite services segment
(upstream/downstream) for telecommunications,
Earth observation, IoT, and resilient navigation
is the continuous improvement of performance and
the capacity to disseminate information to users.
The constellations of small satellites involve
stakeholders from different sectors (governmental,
industrial, research), and there is an ever-
growing need for rapid, secure, and highly
resilient data exchange to counter new threats.
For Earth Observation, the Italian Government,
with part of the funds from the National Recovery
and Resilience Plan (PNRR), is developing the
ambitious IRIDE program, which will be completed
by 2026 under the management of the European Space
Agency (ESA) and with the support of the Italian
Space Agency (ASI). This innovative constellation,
which will operate in conjunction with existing
national and European assets in orbit, will enable
better revisits of each Italian location and will
serve Public Administrations, starting with Civil
Protection, to combat hydrogeological instability
and fires, protect the coasts, monitor critical
infrastructures, air quality, and weather
conditions. The constellation will utilize
multiple observational techniques and will feature
state-of-the-art satellites serving both
institutions and national startups and industrial
entities.
In this context, the AFCEA Rome Chapter aims to
organize this conference on constellations of
small satellites and their applications, to
provide an overview of the studies and initiatives
underway at the national level and the state of
the art of technological developments in various
fields of application, with the collaboration of
the Defense sector and the most relevant
industrial and academic entities. |
