COSMO-SkyMed

COSMO-SkyMed is an Italian Earth observation constellation of first- and second-generation satellites carrying X-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR), funded by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Italian Ministry of Defence. Because radar does not depend on sunlight or clear skies, the satellites image the Earth day and night regardless of weather, which matters when cloud or darkness blocks optical imagery during an emergency.

e-GEOS, owned 80% by Telespazio and 20% by ASI, holds exclusive worldwide rights to market COSMO-SkyMed data and operates the Italian civilian user ground segment at its Matera Space Centre. The multi-resolution, multi-polarisation radar acquires in Spotlight, Stripmap and ScanSAR modes, with resolutions down to sub-metre. Standard products run from single-look complex and detected images to geocoded ellipsoid- and terrain-corrected images (Levels 1A to 1D) delivered in HDF5, alongside higher-level co-registered, interferometric, DEM and mosaicked products. Buyers order archive imagery or new acquisitions through e-GEOS's CLEOS marketplace, and a network of more than 12 Commercial User Terminals around the world gives near-real-time direct access.

e-GEOS cites applications in risk and emergency management, landslide and critical-infrastructure monitoring, forest and environment protection, natural-resources exploration, land management, defence and security, maritime surveillance and agriculture. The first-generation satellites, designed for a five-year life, have delivered imagery for some 15 years; ASI has since deorbited CSK-3 (2022) and CSK-1 (2025). Published contracts include supply to the Japanese government through Japan Space Imaging and a 2025 COSMO-SkyMed licence award from the European Maritime Safety Agency.