Second Generation COSMO-SkyMed Satellite Successfully Launched

Fifteen minutes after the separation from its launcher, the satellite was acquired and controlled by Telespazio's Space Centre based in Fucino.

The second-generation COSMO-SkyMed (COSMO-SkyMed - COnstellation of Satellites for the Mediterranean basin Observation) is a constellation financed by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) with funds allocated by the Italian Ministry of University and Research alongside the Italian Ministry of Defence. It will guarantee the operational continuity of SAR (Synthetic-Aperture Radar) Earth observation services currently provided by the four first-generation COSMO-SkyMed (CSK) satellites launched into orbit between 2007 and 2010 and still operational.

“The success of this launch represents a key milestone for the entire COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation constellation. In its final configuration of 4 satellites, it will ensure a real leap in terms of technology and performance, consolidating the worldwide leadership of Thales Alenia Space in space Radar Earth Observation infrastructure. Today, the second generation aims to define the performance standard for all radar observation systems from Space. - commented Massimo Comparini, Deputy CEO and SEVP Exploration, Observation and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space- COSMO-SkyMed is an industrial success story and demonstrates our ability to deal with dual use programs, meaning collaborating at the same time with different customers like the Italian Space Agency and the Italian Defense Minister. Keeping the entire constellation COSMO-SkyMed at the forefront of the future, is essential to preserve the primacy of the entire industrial supply chain in a space market in continuous evolution. It will also allow the ensure the continuity of data serving both security and sustainability needs”.