*Cover photo: Left Ian Carnelli (ESA), Middle: Dr. Marco Esposito (cosine), Right Roberto Aceti (OHB Italia)
At ILA Berlin 2026, cosine Italia marked a historic moment with the live signing of the contract with OHB Italia for the development of HAMLET, the spectral imager selected for ESA’s RAMSES mission to asteroid Apophis. Together with another recent contract awarded by Telespazio Iberica for three TSCOUT instruments supporting the Canary Islands Constellation, the announcement highlights cosine Italia’s growing contribution to both planetary exploration and Earth Observation from its facilities in Benevento.
These two agreements cover both deep-space exploration and Earth observation, demonstrating the breadth of capabilities being developed by cosine Italia from its facilities in Benevento, Campania.
The announcement follows an interview given by Dr. Marco Esposito, managing director at cosine, to SpaceWatch.Global during ILA Berlin 2026, where he outlined cosine Italia’s vision for growth, innovation, and collaboration within the Italian and European space sectors.
Supporting ESA’s RAMSES mission to Asteroid Apophis
The first contract, awarded by OHB Italia, concerns the development and delivery of HAMLET, an advanced spectral imaging instrument that will fly aboard the European Space Agency’s RAMSES mission.
HAMLET is being developed by cosine Italia in collaboration with INAF-IAPS in Rome and the INAF Astronomical Observatory of Capodimonte in Naples.
RAMSES will rendezvous with asteroid Apophis ahead of its historic close approach to Earth in 2029. The mission will provide an unprecedented opportunity to study how Earth’s gravity affects the surface and physical properties of a near-Earth asteroid.
HAMLET will play a key role in characterizing the asteroid’s composition and monitoring changes occurring during this unique celestial event.
“This mission represents a remarkable scientific opportunity and a tremendous vote of confidence in the capabilities developed by our team,” said Marco Esposito, Managing Director of cosine Italia. “We are proud to contribute to a flagship ESA mission alongside some of Italy’s most prestigious scientific institutions.”
cosine’s Dr Marco Esposito & signing the contract with OHB Italia’s Roberto Aceti for the development of HAMLET at ILA 2026
Three TSCOUT instruments for the Canary Islands Constellation
The second contract was awarded by Telespazio Iberica and covers the delivery of three TSCOUT Earth Observation instruments for the Canary Islands Constellation. The payloads will be integrated aboard satellites manufactured by AVS and will support environmental monitoring activities across the Canary Islands region.
The project reflects cosine’s long-standing commitment to developing innovative Earth Observation solutions that contribute to environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management.
“Earth Observation has always been part of cosine’s DNA,” Esposito commented. “We are particularly proud to support a mission whose primary objective is the protection of the environment and the generation of information that can directly benefit society.”
cosine’s Dr. Marco Esposito and Miguel Angel Carrera (AVS)
Benevento at the heart of International Space Programmes
Together, the two contracts demonstrate how advanced space technologies developed in Benevento are contributing to some of the most ambitious international space programmes currently under development.
The achievements also underline the importance of continued support from institutions such as the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the European Space Agency (ESA), whose investments help create high-value industrial capabilities and skilled employment within Italy. “These contracts show that world-class space technologies can be conceived, developed and produced in Southern Italy,” said Esposito. “As someone born in Benevento, I am particularly proud to see our territory playing a role in missions that range from planetary exploration to environmental protection. Remaining loyal to your roots can be a powerful driver for innovation and growth.”
Scaling up across Europe
The announcements also reflect cosine’s broader growth strategy. While cosine in the Netherlands is expanding its activities in larger-class optical payloads and advanced Earth Observation systems, cosine Italia is establishing itself as a centre of excellence for compact, intelligent instruments optimized for constellations and small-series production.
The company expects further growth through increased collaboration with industrial partners, research organizations, universities, and institutions throughout Campania and across Italy. “The future of the European space sector depends on strong ecosystems and strong partnerships,” Esposito concluded. “We look forward to working even more closely with Italian industry, research institutes and public organizations to create new opportunities and continue building space technologies that make a difference both on Earth and beyond.”
About cosine and cosine Italia
cosine develops advanced optical payloads and Earth Observation instruments for space applications. cosine Italia is operating from Benevento, the company contributes to programmes spanning Earth Observation, environmental monitoring, planetary exploration, security, and defence. As part of the cosine group, it combines scientific excellence, innovation, and industrial capabilities to deliver next-generation space instrumentation for institutional and commercial customers worldwide.
