description COSMO-SkyMed 2 Overview
COSMO-SkyMed 2 is an Earth observation satellite launched in December 2007 as part of the Italian Space Agency's COSMO-SkyMed constellation. It operates in a sun-synchronous polar orbit and is equipped with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) operating in the X-band. The constellation supports dual civil and military applications, including environmental monitoring, resource management, territory mapping, and maritime surveillance.
insights Ranking position
COSMO-SkyMed 2 ranks #91 of 187 in the Satellite ranking, behind NOAA-19, ahead of COSMO-SkyMed 1.
help COSMO-SkyMed 2 FAQ
When was COSMO-SkyMed 2 launched?
COSMO-SkyMed 2 was successfully launched in December 2007, serving as the second spacecraft in Italy's Earth observation constellation. It was launched just a few months after the first satellite to rapidly expand the network's global coverage.
What kind of orbit does COSMO-SkyMed 2 operate in?
The satellite operates in a sun-synchronous polar orbit, which keeps its solar panels constantly illuminated by the sun while allowing it to scan the entire globe. This specific orbit is optimal for consistent environmental and military surveillance.
How does COSMO-SkyMed 2 contribute to the constellation?
Working alongside COSMO-SkyMed 1 and later satellites, it drastically reduces the revisit time over specific targets on Earth. By sharing the same X-band SAR capabilities, it ensures that disaster zones can be mapped rapidly and frequently.
Is COSMO-SkyMed 2 a military or civilian satellite?
It is a dual-use satellite managed jointly by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Italian Ministry of Defense. This means its radar imagery is shared for both civil protection (like earthquake monitoring) and national security operations.
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