Third COSMO-Sky Med Second Generation Satellite Successfully Launched marking a major milestone for Italy’s advanced radar imaging constellation. This achievement underscores the strategic importance of satellite systems in modern applications ranging from environmental monitoring to defense surveillance. As space agencies around the world compete to enhance global observation capabilities, the COSMO-SkyMed program continues to demonstrate how sophisticated synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology can deliver high-resolution imagery day and night, in all weather conditions.
The successful launch of the third satellite in the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation series represents continuity and innovation for the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and its partners, notably the Italian Ministry of Defence. Building on the first and second satellites, the third unit—often referred to as CSG-3 or CSG-FM3—adds resilience and enhanced observation capabilities to the constellation while strengthening Italy’s leadership in space-based radar imaging.
This launch, carried out from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, further highlights the collaborative international nature of space missions in the 21st century. It also underpins the growing reliance on satellite data for civil applications such as environmental risk management, agricultural monitoring, and emergency response, as well as for national security and defense.
We will explore the broader significance of the third COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite’s successful launch, examine the technology behind the constellation, detail the operational advantages this addition brings, and consider its implications for global Earth observation. Along the way, we will also discuss the mission’s context within the evolving landscape of space infrastructure.
Third COSMO-SkyMed
The COSMO-SkyMed program—short for Constellation of Small Satellites for Mediterranean basin Observation—was conceived as a dual-use Earth observation system designed to serve both civilian and military needs. Originally developed by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Italian Ministry of Defence, this constellation has become one of the most sophisticated radar imaging systems in orbit.
The first generation of COSMO-SkyMed satellites, launched between 2007 and 2010, laid the groundwork for continuous and reliable radar data collection. These satellites utilized synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology to capture detailed images of the planet’s surface, regardless of weather or lighting conditions. Such capability made COSMO-SkyMed an invaluable tool for applications ranging from mapping and agriculture to disaster response and security.
However, as technology evolved and user demands increased, the need for a more advanced generation became clear. This led to the inception of the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation (CSG) program—a new set of satellites with enhanced performance, greater data throughput and more robust operational capabilities.
Objectives and Strategic Importance
The Second Generation constellation is designed to improve upon the achievements of its predecessor by offering higher quality radar imagery, broader territorial coverage and improved system resilience. The CSG program supports a wide range of applications that are critical to modern societies, including accurate environmental monitoring, rapid disaster assessment, security surveillance, and support for international initiatives like the Copernicus Earth observation network.
By maintaining a state-of-the-art constellation, Italy not only enhances its own space infrastructure but also contributes valuable data to global partners. This strategic satellite capability underlines the importance of international cooperation in space and demonstrates how sophisticated space technologies can be harnessed for both national and global benefit.
The Launch Event
The launch of the third COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite occurred on January 3, 2026, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This mission marked one of the early high-profile space activities of the year and was conducted aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, illustrating the growing role of commercial launch providers in national and international space missions.
Shortly after liftoff, the Falcon 9 booster successfully completed its mission, allowing for the deployment of the satellite into its planned sun-synchronous low Earth orbit (LEO)—an orbit ideal for Earth imaging and monitoring missions due to its consistent lighting conditions and repeat observation schedules.
The satellite, designated as CSG-FM3, separated from the launch vehicle roughly 17 minutes after liftoff and was acquired by the Fucino Space Center in Italy, initiating the first control operations that confirm its proper insertion and functionality.
Technical and Operational Success
The flawless initial phase following deployment reflects the meticulous planning and execution by the mission’s partners, including ASI, the Italian Ministry of Defence, SpaceX and industrial contractors such as Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio. These organizations managed both the spacecraft’s construction and the ground segment operations that ensure the satellite’s data is received, processed and delivered to users around the world.
The successful launch consolidates the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation constellation, which is expected to comprise four satellites once the final unit is launched—currently slated for early 2027. This expanded configuration will further enhance the system’s imaging frequency and resilience against potential system failures.
Enhanced Synthetic Aperture Radar Capabilities
A cornerstone of the COSMO-SkyMed program is its use of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)—a technology that captures high-resolution images by transmitting microwave signals toward Earth and analyzing the reflected signals. Unlike optical sensors, SAR can penetrate cloud cover and operate day and night, making it indispensable for continuous Earth monitoring.
The Second Generation satellites feature SAR systems with improved resolution and data through put compared to the original constellation. This means they can capture more detailed images over larger areas and transmit data more efficiently back to ground stations. Enhanced SAR capability enables quicker response times for emergency management and provides richer data for scientific and commercial users.
Improved System Resilience and Coverage
The CSG satellites are designed with advanced technologies that bolster overall system resilience. Improved onboard computing, enhanced power systems, and more robust communication links ensure that the constellation can maintain reliable service even when individual satellites undergo maintenance or face technical anomalies.
Additionally, the expanded constellation will enable more frequent revisits over areas of interest, allowing users to monitor dynamic events—such as natural disasters, environmental changes or security incidents—in near-real time. This improved globe-spanning coverage underscores how the COSMO-SkyMed system supports both national priorities and international data needs.
Supporting Civil and Scientific Initiatives
The data provided by the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation constellation extends far beyond military applications. Scientists and civil authorities use this information to track environmental changes, assess natural disasters and manage land and water resources more effectively.
For example, detailed SAR imagery can be used to map soil moisture levels, monitor forest health, and analyze the extent of flooding or landslides following storms. This kind of data is invaluable for developing strategies for climate adaptation and disaster mitigation, particularly in regions prone to extreme weather events.
Moreover, the COSMO-SkyMed data stream contributes to global observation frameworks such as Copernicus, the European Union’s Earth observation program. By feeding high-quality radar data into multinational systems, the constellation supports broad scientific research and international policy development that addresses planetary-scale challenged.
Security and Defense Monitoring
The satellite’s capabilities serve vital roles in security and defense. High-resolution SAR imagery enables accurate monitoring of borders, maritime zones and sensitive infrastructure. This type of surveillance is essential for national security missions, counter-terrorism operations and strategic planning.
Given its dual-use design, the COSMO-SkyMed system is uniquely positioned to deliver timely and actionable intelligence that supports both military operations and civil requirements, making it an integral part of Italy’s space-based defense capabilities as well as an asset for allied partners.
Completing the Constellation
With the successful deployment of the third satellite, attention now turns to the final unit of the second generation, expected to be launched in early 2027. Once operational, this fourth satellite will complete the planned constellation, strengthening imaging frequency, redundancy and data availability for users worldwide.
The completed constellation will offer a more robust and responsive system capable of delivering near-continuous Earth observation services. This will be particularly valuable for monitoring rapidly evolving phenomena such as natural disasters, environmental degradation and geopolitical events.
Continued Innovation and International Collaboration
Looking ahead, the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation project exemplifies how national space programs can leverage international collaboration to achieve ambitious goals. By partnering with commercial entities like SpaceX for launch services and tapping into multinational data networks such as Copernicus, the program enhances its impact and extends its reach.
In addition, the ongoing integration of advanced technologies—including enhanced SAR systems, on-orbit data processing and improved satellite autonomy—will likely influence future satellite missions and Earth observation strategies globally. As space becomes an increasingly crowded and competitive domain, the ability to innovate and collaborate will remain critical for maintaining strategic advantage.
Conclusion
The successful launch of the third COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite is a defining moment in the evolution of Italy’s Earth observation capabilities. Bolstering the COSMO-SkyMed constellation with this advanced radar imaging satellite enhances global monitoring capabilities across civil, environmental and security domains. By leveraging cutting-edge SAR technology and international partnerships, this mission reflects the growing importance of space-based data infrastructure in addressing complex planetary challenges.
As the constellation nears completion with future launches, the value of timely, high-resolution Earth observation data will only continue to grow. The COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation program stands as a testament to the power of strategic vision, technological excellence and global cooperation in space exploration and observation.
FAQs
Q. What is the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite program?
The COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation program is an advanced Earth observation initiative developed by the Italian Space Agency and the Ministry of Defence to provide high-resolution radar imaging for both civil and military applications.
Q. Why is the launch of the third COSMO-SkyMed satellite significant?
The successful launch of the third satellite strengthens the constellation’s resilience, expands imaging coverage and enhances system performance for global Earth observation activities.
Q. How does synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology benefit the COSMO-SkyMed system?
SAR systems provide detailed Earth imagery regardless of weather or lighting conditions, enabling consistent monitoring for environmental, security and scientific purposes.
Q. What applications does COSMO-SkyMed data support?
COSMO-SkyMed data supports emergency response, environmental monitoring, land and water management, security surveillance, and feeds into international observation programs like Copernicus.
Q. When is the final satellite of the Second Generation expected to launch?
The fourth and final satellite in the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation constellation is expected to launch in early 2027, completing the planned radar observation network.
