Contracts for two COSMO-SKyMed Second Generation (CSG) satellites have been signed with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Ministry of Defense. Satellites 3 and 4 will complete the second generation of the Italian earth observation program, guaranteeing continuity and high performance of the planet's monitoring services.
Leonardo's CEO Alessandro Profumo commented "COSMO-SkyMed is a success story of the Italian system, a driver of technological research, new applications, industrial competitiveness and employment, as well as a fundamental infrastructure for the protection and safety of our country and Europe. A system whose potential in terms of reliability, precision and flexibility are known internationally thanks to the skills demonstrated in the management of emergency situations related to sudden events, capabilities further enhanced in the second generation of the program, thanks to continuous technological research. Like Leonardo we are proud of the contribution made in all phases of the COSMO-SkyMed program, a role that gives us credibility and prestige with our customers around the world ”.
COSMO-SkyMed is an Earth observation satellite system of ASI and the Ministry of Defense, a flagship of Italian technology and innovation, built by Leonardo and its joint ventures Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio. Dual-use constellation, with its "eyes" SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) capable of monitoring the phenomena of the Earth in any weather condition, COSMO-SkyMed has changed the way of observing the planet, ensuring essential information for safety and understanding of phenomena that affect everyday life. With the innovations of the second generation, among the numerous benefits, COSMO-SkyMed becomes the first SAR space system in the world capable of simultaneously acquiring two images of two areas hundreds of kilometers apart and thus serving two requests that would conflicting for any other satellite system.
COSMO-SkyMed images are used to provide support to populations affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes and fires, but they can also aid in the monitoring of cultural and artistic heritage, critical infrastructure, glacier retreats, ocean oil spills and the optimisation of agricultural techniques.
The first Second Generation satellite was launched a year ago. The second satellite will be launched aboard a VEGA-C rocket. To these will be added the next two.
