Launched on the 15th of June 2006, the PAMELA satellite-borne experiment has been collecting data since July 2006 providing accurate measurements of the energy spectra and composition of the cosmic radiation in a wide energy range. Furthermore, PAMELA is an excellent instrument for solar energetic particle (SEP) observations filling the energy gap between the highest energy solar particles measured in space and the ground-based domain. In this talk the status of the mission and of the detectors will be reviewed. Moreover, the future development of the data analysis will be illustrated especially on the PAMELA capabilities in observing and studying solar modulation and solar flares.
