Integrated Logistics Support and operations: Concepts and methodologies in space based programs, the COSMO-SkyMed experience

Primary mission objective of the COSMO-SkyMed system is the provision of an operational Earth Observation Endto- End Service able to fast answering to the user needs. End-To-End Service is based on a reliable, secure and flexible system capable of generating and distributing that service in terms of basic products and value added products. COSMO-SkyMed is a complex System, composed by a Space Segment, a distributed Ground Segment and an Integrated Logistic Support & Operations (ILS&OPS) Segment. In order to achieve the mission objectives, guaranteeing the overall system operability in accordance to Mission/Customer Requirements, reducing operational costs and optimizing system performances, an integrated concept between "Overall Operations" and "Logistics Support", has been developed (ILS&OPS). ILS&OPS definition process applies a top-down approach that, starting from system level requirements analysis, proceeds toward the lower levels, justifies the choices on the basis of system design trade-off and brings to the fulfillment of the mission objectives. ILS&OPS concepts includes also Integrated Logistic support activities related to maintenance, overall life cycle support (sustaining engineering, etc), that will contribute to the overall mission execution. This paper provides a description of the COSMO SkyMed Integrated Logistics and Operations overall concept (Mission operations, Staffing, etc) focusing on the system level integrated ILS&OPS concept; presenting the topdown approach, the development process and the advantages in terms of cost optimization and end-to end performance achievement. © 2006 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved.