The first COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite enters the operational phase. In fact, the testing and in-orbit qualification phase of the first element of the new Earth constellation of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Ministry of Defense has been successfully concluded. This result also confirms the exceptional skills of the Italian industry (Leonardo and its joint ventures Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio, and several SMEs) which built the system
The CSG operational phase will ensure the operational continuity of the entire COSMO-SkyMed mission, in orbit for more than ten years, and will increase its 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 various operative modes of the Synthetic Aperture Radar sensor (SAR) both in narrow field with ultrafine resolution and wide field.
The Genoa Airport taken by CSG. COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation © ASI. Processed and distributed by e-GEOS.
e-GEOS, a joint venture between Telespazio (80%%) and ASI (20%), is the exclusive global commercial provider for both COSMO-SkyMed's generations data and services and thanks to the unique performances offer by CSG system will continue its mission in developing and launching new SAR products and applications
CGS assures to e-GEOS the continuity and improvement of the supply of SAR services through data and products, to preserve and enhance the ability of Customers and operational Users to fulfil their needs.
CSG represents the state of the art of radar Earth Observation systems and, thanks to the techno-logical innovations and new solutions introduced in the space and ground segments, it can guarantee significant improvements to the first generation (still in operation) in terms of performance, image quality, efficiency of services and increased operational lifetime. The high agility of the system, combined with a generational technological leap, make possible a significant expansion of possible applications; that include security and territory surveillance and the prevention and analysis of disasters due to natural or anthropogenic causes.
The pyramid of the Louve Museum in Paris in a CSG image. COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation © ASI. Processed and distributed by e-GEOS.
The CSG System is funded by the Italian Space Agency and the Ministry of Defence. The contribution of the national industry, including the Leonardo Group, to the development of this country's excellence is fundamental. Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%) is responsible of the End-to-End system and of the manufacturing of the 4 radar satellites, while Telespazio, a joint venture between Leonardo (67%) and Thales (33 %) is re-sponsible of the Ground Segment, logistics and operations. Leonardo also contributes to the pro-gram providing stellar attitude sensors, photovoltaic panels, and electronic units for the electrical power subsystem.