Equipment

From photovoltaic panels to power distribution systems, from attitude sensors to orbital micropropulsion and atomic clocks, Leonardo equipment supplies and optimises energy on board satellites, controls their attitude, guides them to their destinations and measures time with precision.

>50

atomic clocks on board the Galileo constellation

>800

attitude sensors produced

>60

satellites and space probes equipped with photovoltaic panels and electric power control and distribution units

85m sq

of photovoltaic panels supply the JUICE probe of the European Space Agency (ESA)

Solutions

Atomic clocks

Leonardo’s hydrogen and rubidium atomic clocks guarantee absolute precision in satellite navigation and time distribution. A Passive Hydrogen Maser (PHM) is installed on board all the satellites in the European satellite navigation system, Galileo.

Photovoltaic panels

Design and production of photovoltaic systems to supply electric power to satellites, probes and space vehicles. Produced for numerous national and international space programmes and missions, including PRISMA (ASI), ExoMars (ESA), Artemis (NASA) and JUICE (ESA), the largest ever built for an interplanetary mission.

Power distributors and amplifiers

Power control and distribution units (PCDUs) for correct conditioning of energy sources on board satellites and distribution of power supply lines to their equipment.

Attitude sensors

Systems capable of determining with precision the orientation and attitude of satellites and probes in space based on observation of the stars. Resistant to radiation, they are characterised by particularly low mass and energy consumption.

Orbital micropropulsion

System based on a cold gas thruster producing micropropulsions that enable ultra-precise control of satellites’ attitude and position. On board scientific missions such as GAIA, LISA Pathfinder, Microscope, and Euclid.