COSMO-SkyMed

The COSMO-SkyMed system is a constellation of four radar satellites for Earth observation for dual (civil and military) use. Its purpose is to monitor the globe for the sake of emergency prevention (management of environmental risks), strategy (defence and national security), and scientific and commercial purposes, providing data on a global scale.

Two satellites were launched in 2007, the third in October 2008 and the fourth satellite needed to complete the constellation will be launched by the end of 2009.

Cosmo-SkyMed Spotlight mode Etna, Italy ©Copyright ASI	COSMO-SkyMed-1 HIMAGE Offshore oil rigs in Maracaibo Bay, February 2, 2008 ©Copyright ASI 2008