PLATO (PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars) is a mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI). It will use 26 cameras to study terrestrial exoplanets in orbits up to the habitable zone of Sun-like stars.
PLATO will provide the key information (planet radii, mean densities, stellar irradiation, and architecture of planetary systems) needed to determine the habitability of these unexpectedly diverse new worlds. PLATO will answer the profound and captivating question: how common are worlds like ours and are they suitable for the development of life? Understanding planet habitability is a true multi-disciplinary endeavour.
The launch is planned for January 2027
HST managed the complex alignment and integration of 31 telescopes for the PLATO instrument (26 Flight plus 5 Spare Models). Our contribution centered on the high-reliability qualification of bonded lens junctions and micrometric-precision assembly. By implementing a specialized high-rate production line, we delivered Flight Models to LEONARDO at a cadence of three units every two months, in full compliance with ESA’s stringent quality standards. All units have now been integrated into the final payload and have passed all planned performance and environmental tests.
