The FlatSat-1 stratospheric flight, scheduled by CSHARK for September 19, 2025, represents an advanced test bed for the high-altitude qualification of a satellite fully
integrated on a PCB platform.

The system, a functional replica of the orbital version, will be used for a strategic experiment: the operational test of the NanoSiPM particle detector, developed in collaboration with INFN, for assessments of cosmic backgrounds and environmental radiation at high altitudes. The mission will also validate communications, sensors, EPS, OBC of our picosatellite, and PONGO®️ onboard software in a near-space environment. The balloon will reach an altitude of 30–35 km, offering pressure and temperature conditions similar to those in orbit, with payload recovery expected at the end of the flight via GPS tracking.  

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to INFN Rome 1 and, in particular, to Francesco Iacoangeli and Valerio Bocci, who conceived and designed the entire mission. Heartfelt thanks also go to the Directorate-General for Digital and Telecommunications of the MiSE for issuing the licenses and providing constant support in administrative procedures. Finally, a key partner in the implementation of the project was Antonino Brosio, CEO of ABIProject Space, who oversaw the development of the stratospheric balloon and with whom we plan to consolidate a fruitful and lasting collaboration.