New concepts and innovative solutions of the COSMO-SkyMed “Seconda Generazione” system

Abstract

COSMO Second Generation (CSG) system has been conceived, according to the requirements stated by ASI and I-MoD, at the twofold need of ensuring operational continuity to the currently operating “first generation” COSMO-SkyMed (CSK) spacecraft constellation, while achieving a generational step ahead in terms of functionality and performance. The improved quality of the imaging service is among the foremost characteristics of CSG (see [5]), providing the End Users with new/enhanced capabilities in terms of higher number of images and increased image quality (i.e. larger swath, and finer resolution) with respect to COSMO-SkyMed (first generation) spacecrafts currently in operation, along with additional capabilities (e.g. full polarimetric SAR acquisition mode). The greater operative versatility in system resources management is one of the key aspects of the design approach. Some examples are the satellite agility both at platform and antenna level, used to increase the density of acquisitions in a fixed region, the capability to adapt operative profiles to system environment (e.g. sun illumination, downlink scenarios), service request planning process not only function of the priority but also able to maximize the system resources exploitation.