Cosmo-SkyMed 1-4 satellite imagery

Cosmo-SkyMed 1-4 dual-use satellites (Constellation of Small Satellites for Mediterranean basin Observation) are being engineered by the ASI Italian Space Agency jointly with the Italian Ministry of Defense. The satellite is slated for launch in the coming 2-3 years. The first of two satellites were launched on June 8 and December 9, 2007 correspondingly and were set into orbit at the altitude of 619.6 km and 97.86Ўг declination. Cosmo-SkyMed 1-4 satellites are going to be launched in 2008 and 2009.

All related satellites will be equipped with synthetic aperture radar providing interferometric surveying with unique spatial resolution (better than 1m afield).  The radar will enable earth surveying in X-band, 3.1 cm wave length, modified radiation polarization - HH, VH, HV, VV, in 20 ЁC 50Ўг angular range. Active life of each satellite of Cosmo-SkyMed 1-4 is about 5 years.

The satellites will be operated by Telespazio.

Cosmo-SkyMed 1-4 satellite imagery applications

• Implementation of defense and security facilities, both for Italy and other countries.
• Creation and refreshing of topographical maps and special plans up to 1:10 000 scale
• DEM and DSM high resolution creation (up to 2-4 meters height accuracy)
• All-weather survey of natural and anthropogenic catastrophes (floods, desertisation, earthflows, crashes).
• Estimating of seismic hazard, earthquake and volcanic explosion forecasting.
• Crop mapping, detection of the plantings condition, precision farming.
• Growing stock mapping, remote identifying the species composition of stand, assessing of forest condition and deforestation.
• Low compliance control.