New COSMO-SkyMed satellite set for launch
The first Constellation of Satellites for the Mediterranean basin Observation (COSMO)-SkyMed Second Generation (CSG-1) satellite is to be launched today, 13 December, from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
CSG-1 is a dual civil and defence constellation of two satellites dedicated to ensuring the operational continuity of the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) observation services provided by the four satellites of the COSMO-SkyMed first generation, operating in orbit since 2007 and 2010.
The programme is financed by the Italian Space Agency and the Ministry of Defence. Thales Alenia Space is responsible for the overall COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation programme, including the design and development of the two CSG-1 satellites and the end-to-end system design, integration and commissioning.
Thales Alenia Space is principal contractor in the Industrial Consortium RTI with Telespazio, which is responsible for designing and developing the CSG ground segment and providing the integrated logistics and operations services. Leonardo supplies the attitude sensors for the orientation of the satellite, solar panels, and the units that process and distribute electric power throughout the satellite.
COSMO-SkyMed satellites monitor the entire surface of the Earth from space, day and night, under any weather conditions, using high-resolution X-band radars.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family]()
AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.
-
![BAE Systems gets go-ahead for second phase of mission communications programme]()
BAE Systems gets go-ahead for second phase of mission communications programme
DARPA’s Mission-Integrated Network Control (MINC) programme was set up to develop an autonomous tactical network and enable critical data flow in contested environments.
-
![Just Released: Space Technology Report]()
Just Released: Space Technology Report
Why space is an essential part of modern military capabilities
-
![Work-from-home warfare: the power of mixed reality]()
Work-from-home warfare: the power of mixed reality
Defence-secure mixed reality headsets can save hours, or even weeks, of travel time to fix defunct equipment or get subject experts effectively “on-site” where they are needed.
-
![Northrop Grumman receives follow-on contract for CUAS and C-IED systems]()
Northrop Grumman receives follow-on contract for CUAS and C-IED systems
The Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW) counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) and Drone Restricted Access Using Known Electromagnetic Warfare (DRAKE) counter-UAS (CUAS) systems are mounted and dismounted RF jammers.
-
![Adarga’s Vantage AI software selected for UK Strategic Command’s Defence Support]()
Adarga’s Vantage AI software selected for UK Strategic Command’s Defence Support
Adarga’s Vantage information analysis tool is in service with the UK MoD and individual UK forces. It builds on the company’s Knowledge Platform which processes, organises and analyses open source material, as well as information held by the user’s military, security and intelligence services.
