COSMO-SkyMed is one of the most innovative Earth Observation programmes, financed by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Education, University, and Scientific Research.
The system is based on a configuration of four satellites equipped with SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) sensors that watch the Earth day and night under any weather conditions.
COSMO-SkyMed was developed for dual use and satisfy both civil and military needs.
The system was set up gradually. From 2007 to 2010, all four first-generation satellites were launched and are still in service.
In December 2020 and February 2022, the constellation was enhanced by the first two second-generation elements (CSG) which, together with two other satellites coming in the next few years, will fully replace the first generation of COSMO-SkyMed.
The Second Generation was designed to guarantee operational continuity of the radar observation services provided by the four first-generation satellites. It will ensure further improved performance in terms of technology, services, and the system's service life.
The two new satellites represent the pinnacle of radar observation from space in terms of precision, characteristics, and image quality.
The CSG will ensure further improved performance in terms of technology, services, and the system's service life. All these characteristics will enable the development of new applications in areas of increasing strategic value.
