The second COSMO-SkyMed second generation satellite of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Ministry of Defense is accessible to users. The program thus reaches the important goal of having a fully operational CSG constellation, in line with the objectives set by the Italian Space Agency and the Ministry of Defense, which have promoted, financed and directed, in the role of clients, the entire development program. This result confirms the exceptional skills of Italian industry.
The operation of the second generation satellites will ensure the full operational continuity of the entire COSMO-SkyMed mission, gradually replacing the first generation satellites put into orbit 15 years ago. A step that has allowed a significant increase in overall capabilities.
CSG’s primary objective is to provide dual users, civil and military, with Earth Observation services through a wide portfolio of products, obtained in the different operating modes of the SAR sensor (Synthetic Aperture Radar), both narrow field and ultra-fine resolution and wide field.
The CSG today represents the state of the art of Earth Observation systems based on radar technology, thanks to the technological innovations and cutting-edge solutions introduced in the space and terrestrial components. The recent satellites are able to guarantee significant improvements compared to the first generation, still operational today, in terms of performance, image quality, efficiency of services provided to civilian and government users and longer operational life. The high agility of the system, combined with a generational leap in technological terms, allows a considerable expansion of possible applications; which include the security and surveillance of territories and the prevention and analysis of calamitous events due to natural or anthropogenic causes.
The contribution of the national industry, together with the Leonardo Group, to the development of this excellence of the country is fundamental. In particular, Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), is responsible for the construction of the space segment (old and new generation radar satellites) and the End to End system, Telespazio, a joint venture between Leonardo (67%) and Thales (33%), is responsible for the Ground Segment, logistics and operations, Leonardo contributes to the space segment by providing stellar attitude sensors for satellite orientation, photovoltaic panels and electronic units for the management of electrical power.e-GEOS, a company formed by Telespazio (80%) and ASI (20%), is the exclusive concessionaire of ASI for the marketing of COSMO-SkyMed and COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation products and services worldwide.