The first satellite of the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation (CSG-1) was launched and has been orbiting since 18 December 2019, enriching the constellation that, 
for over ten years, has made an important international contribution to emergency management, environmental monitoring and national security. The signal has been regularly acquired by the antennas of the Fucino Space Centre managed by Telespazio (Leonardo-Thales).
The COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation constellation is a satellite system designed to ensure operational continuity for the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) observation services supplied by the satellites in the first generation of COSMO-SkyMed. Thales Alenia Space is responsible for the overall COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation programme, including the construction of two CSG satellites, intended for use by the Italian space agency ASI and the Ministry of Defence.
Smiths Interconnect provided Thales Alenia Space with microstrip circulators embedded into the active antenna transmitter/receiver modules, as well as low profile solderless interposers for the core electronics of the satellite. The interposer’s reduced size adapts well to limited space constraints, allowing for a smaller, lighter design of the main equipment, and easy installation and replacement.
The supply also includes coaxial isolators for the equipment payload, as well as right angle spring probe connectors for the antenna harnessing connection. These connectors provide streamlined routing of the cable harnessing, simplifying the antenna mechanical structure and allowing for a plug-in modular approach.
“We are proud to have contributed to the launch’s success,” said president Karen Bomba: “We congratulate Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio and wish them every success on the second generation of COSMO-SkyMed satellites”.
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