The PICARD microsatellite mission will provide 3 to 4 years simultaneous measurements of the solar diameter, differential rotation and solar constant to investigate the nature of their relations and variabilities. The major instrument, SODISM, is a whole Sun imaging telescope of circle divide 110 mm which will deliver an absolute measure (better than 4 mas) of the solar diameter and solar shape. Now in Phase B, PICARD is expected to be launched by 2005. We recall the scientific goals linked to the diameter measurement with emphasis on the Helioseismology g-mode interest, present the instrument optical concept and present design, and give a brief overview of the program aspects.

The PICARD microsatellite mission will provide 3 to 4 years simultaneous measurements of the solar diameter, differential rotation and solar constant to investigate the nature of their relations and variabilities. The 110 kg satellite has a 42 kg payload consisting of 3 instruments: SODISM, which will deliver an absolute measure (better than 4 milliarcsec) of the solar diameter and solar shape, SOVAP, measuring the total solar irradiance, and PREMOS, dedicated to the UV and visible flux in selected wavelength bands. Now in Phase B, PICARD is expected to be launched by 2005. We review the scientific goals linked to the diameter measurement with interest for Earth Climate, Space Weather and Helioseismology, present the payload and instruments' concepts and design, and give a brief overview of the program aspects.