This grant funds the Development of DRAGO‑3 Payloads for Satellite Platforms project over a two‑year execution period (1 July 2025 – 1 July 2027). The IAC will design, validate and assemble eight DRAGO‑3 payloads optimised for operation within satellite constellations, covering the optical system, acquisition electronics, data processing and spacecraft integration, all in compliance with ECSS (European Cooperation for Space Standardization) standards to ensure on‑orbit reliability. Key goals are to enhance DRAGO‑2’s resolution, sensitivity and thermal stability; pass laboratory and environmental space tests; qualify the payloads on satellite platforms; and optimise the design for multispectral short‑wave infrared (SWIR) observation.

Purpose: To design, validate and assemble eight DRAGO‑3 payloads optimised for satellite constellations. The work covers the optical system, acquisition electronics, data processing and spacecraft integration, all in compliance with ECSS standards to ensure reliability in space.

Key objectives:

1. Enhance DRAGO‑2 performance in resolution, sensitivity and thermal stability.
2. Validate the system through laboratory and environmental space testing.
3. Assemble, integrate and qualify the payloads on satellite platforms.
4. Optimise the design for constellations, enabling multispectral short‑wave infrared observation.