Status, results, potentiality and evolution of COSMO-SkyMed, the Italian Earth Observation constellation for risk management and security

COSMO-SkyMed is a Dual-Use program, devoted to produce both civilian and military applications, and as such it is required to have a fast response time, to manage conflicts and to optimize resources. In order to provide operational continuity to COSMOSkyMed mission, the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and Italian Ministry of Defense (It-MoD) are conceiving the next generation of the system. The new system, called COSMO-SkyMed Seconda Generazione (CSG), starting from the well established design of the first generation, will provide the end user with outstanding characteristics consolidating its position in the frame of SAR Systems. After a description of the current COSMO-SkyMed unique in-orbit performances, functionalities and Dual-Use operations, with examples of data already acquired in the last few years, the paper will introduce the CSG mission describing the main features and capabilities that will drive the design of the new system.