Third COSMO-SkyMed CSG Satellite Enters Orbit

The third satellite of the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation (CSG) constellation has been successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, reinforcing the continuity and performance of Italy’s space-based radar observation capabilities.

Launch and early operations
The satellite, built by Thales Alenia Space, was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and is owned by the Italian Space Agency and the Italian Ministry of Defense. Approximately 59 minutes after separation from the launcher, the satellite’s signal was acquired by Telespazio at its Fucino Space Center in Abruzzo, Italy.

Telespazio is managing the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP), which is expected to last around nine days, before progressing through in-orbit testing, commissioning, and routine operations.

Strengthening COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation
With this third satellite now in orbit, the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation constellation further enhances its Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) services, ensuring operational continuity while progressively replacing the first-generation system. The original constellation comprised four satellites, two of which remain operational.

The second-generation system introduces updated technologies and engineering solutions that improve image quality, revisit time, and area coverage. Once the final configuration of four second-generation satellites is complete, the system will significantly expand the range of civil and defense applications supported by COSMO-SkyMed.

Role in European and global monitoring
Since the launch of the first COSMO-SkyMed satellite in 2007, the constellation has acquired and archived approximately 4.3 million radar images. These data have been used extensively for environmental and territorial monitoring, security applications, and emergency management.

As a contributing mission to the European Copernicus programme, COSMO-SkyMed provides critical inputs to the European Commission’s Emergency Rapid Mapping service, operated by e-GEOS. This service delivers satellite-derived maps of areas affected by natural disasters or humanitarian crises within hours of an event.

Industrial responsibilities
Italian industry plays a central role in the COSMO-SkyMed programme. Thales Alenia Space is responsible for the overall second-generation programme, including satellite development, manufacturing, and the design, integration, and commissioning of the end-to-end system.

Telespazio leads the design and development of the ground segment and provides integrated logistics and operational services. From the Fucino Space Center, it manages LEOP, in-orbit testing, commissioning, and routine mission operations.

Leonardo contributes key subsystems, including attitude control equipment and advanced electrical power management and distribution units, supported by a broad network of Italian small and medium-sized enterprises.

Context and outlook
With the third CSG satellite operational, COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation continues its transition toward a fully renewed four-satellite constellation. The system, combining space and ground segments, is positioned as a reference in radar Earth observation in terms of accuracy, image quality, and flexible user services, supporting both national and European space and security objectives.