The Italian Space Agency (ASI) has contracted with SpaceX to conduct a mission at short notice to ensure a civilian/military SAR satellite is launched this year. The satellite in question is the second COSMO SkyMed Second Generation unit known as CSG-2. This mission is scheduled for 18 November, and will utilise a Falcon 9 rocket to carry the over 2,000 kg satellite to a Sun-synchronous, low Earth orbit.
CSG-2 had previously been planned to launch last year on a European – built by Italian company Avio – Vega-C rocket. However, the development and maiden launch of this upcoming design has encountered significant delays due to launch failures suffered by the preceding Vega rocket and the COVID-19 pandemic. The result being that the maiden launch of the Vega-C is now not expected until NET Q1 2022. It seems that this was too much of a delay for the customers/users of CSG-2 which has forced the ASI to alter its plans and change launch vehicle.
A computer rendering of a COSMO SkyMed SG satellite in-orbit. Courtesy of ASI (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana)
In order to soften the blow of losing this satellite contract for European launch provider Arianespace, the ASI has at the same time contracted with it for the launch of the next satellite, CSG-3, on a Vega-C in 2024.
