# PRIMA

> model of spacecraft bus manufactured by Alenia Spazio, and, later, Thales Alenia Space

**Wikidata**: [Q125698747](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q125698747)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/prima-q125698747

## Summary
PRIMA is a model of spacecraft bus manufactured by Alenia Spazio and later by Thales Alenia Space. It serves as the Italian Multi-Application Reconfigurable Platform, a standardized infrastructure for building various spacecraft. The bus entered service in June 2007.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of:** spacecraft model
- **Subclass of:** spacecraft bus (a class of infrastructure providing locations for payloads like space experiments)
- **Manufacturer:** Alcatel Alenia Space (from 2005 to 2007), Thales Alenia Space (from 2007 onward)
- **Developer:** Alenia Spazio
- **Funder:** Italian Space Agency
- **Service Entry:** June 8, 2007
- **Country of Origin:** Italy (until 2005), France (from 2005 onward)
- **Aliases:** PRIMA Bus, PRIMA (spacecraft bus), Italian Multi-Application Reconfigurable Platform

## FAQs
**What is the PRIMA spacecraft bus?**
PRIMA is a model of spacecraft bus that functions as a standardized platform or service module for constructing satellites. It provides the core infrastructure, such as power and propulsion, onto which mission-specific payloads are integrated.

**Who developed and manufactures the PRIMA bus?**
The bus was developed by Alenia Spazio. Manufacturing was initially handled by Alcatel Alenia Space between 2005 and 2007, after which Thales Alenia Space became the manufacturer.

**When did the PRIMA bus first enter service?**
The PRIMA bus entered operational service on June 8, 2007. This date marks its first use on a mission.

## Why It Matters
The PRIMA bus is significant as a reconfigurable platform that standardizes satellite construction, reducing cost and development time for various missions. By providing a reliable, proven base infrastructure, it allows space agencies and commercial entities to focus resources on the unique payloads and experiments a spacecraft is designed to carry, rather than rebuilding the core systems from scratch for each new mission. This approach enhances the efficiency and scalability of satellite manufacturing.

## Notable For
- Being a multi-application reconfigurable platform designed for flexibility.
- Its manufacturing history reflects corporate evolution in the European aerospace sector, transitioning between Alenia Spazio, Alcatel Alenia Space, and Thales Alenia Space.
- Having distinct countries of origin associated with different periods of its development and production.

## Body
### Overview
PRIMA is a specific model of spacecraft bus. A spacecraft bus is a general class of infrastructure that forms the foundation of a spacecraft, typically providing a service module that houses standard systems and locations for the payload.

### Development and Manufacturing
The development of the PRIMA bus was led by the Italian company Alenia Spazio. The manufacturing of the bus has been handled by two primary entities over time, reflecting corporate changes in the aerospace industry.
- **Alcatel Alenia Space** was the manufacturer from 2005 until 2007.
- **Thales Alenia Space** became the manufacturer starting in 2007 and is the current producer.

### Operational History
The PRIMA bus platform entered into service on June 8, 2007. This date signifies the beginning of its operational use on spacecraft missions.

### Origin and Funding
The platform's country of origin shifted over time, initially being Italy until 2005, after which it became associated with France. The primary funding for the development of the PRIMA bus was provided by the Italian Space Agency (ASI).

### Classification and Aliases
- PRIMA is classified as an instance of a 'spacecraft model' and is a subclass of the broader category 'spacecraft bus'.
- It is also known by several aliases, including "PRIMA Bus", "PRIMA (spacecraft bus)", and its full title, the "Italian Multi-Application Reconfigurable Platform".

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sat/alenia_prima.htm)
2. PRIMA: A new, competitive small satellite platform