Sticker from the PLATO Mission Consortium featuring the flags of the participating countries: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Credit:
DLR
The PLATO Mission Consortium (PMC) is led by Prof. Dr Heike Rauer (DLR) and her local team and shares scientific and management responsibility with ESA and partners from 14 countries.
The DLR Institute for Space Research tasks included the selection of the instruments used for the search for and characterisation of planets. It is responsible for demonstrating and verifying the overall performance of the PLATO project during the various mission phases, as well as for instrument calibration and operation. The Institute developed and implemented the front-end electronics for the two fast high-speed cameras, which are required for the fine satellite control and precise measurement of very bright stars. The Institute is also responsible for developing, testing and verifying the complete Data Processing System (DPS) on board PLATO.
As a joint effort of ESA and PMC, the 26 flight model cameras were assembled, tested and delivered. The subsequent installation of the cameras on the optical bench was carried out by the main industrial contractor, OHB.
In the first half of 2025, the 26 cameras were installed on the optical bench and then integrated with the service module. The finished instrument was then transported to ESTEC, ESA’s technology centre, where it was fitted with solar panels and a protective shield.
