SSCAM: Micro-satellite platform for Earth observation

Thanks to recent technological advances in space component miniaturization, small spacecraft can assure a fast and affordable access to space, while providing a level of performance similar to larger ones. Nevertheless, only a few Earth observation micro-satellite have been demonstrated in orbit so far. This paper presents a small commercial platform concept tailored to the bservation of the Tuscany Region (Italy) area. A preliminary mission analysis is performed and some potential applications are discussed. In particular, it is shown that several state-of-the-art imaging devices can be considered as the payload of the proposed platform.