Since December, the first satellite of the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation (CSG-1) has been enriching the constellation that, for over 10 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).
This satellite system is 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 Second Generation program, including the construction of two CSG satellites intended for use by the Italian space agency ASI and Ministry of Defence.
For this application, Smiths Interconnect provided Thales Alenia Space with high performance 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 size allows for a smaller, lighter, design of the main equipment and easy installation and replacement.
The company also provided high performance coaxial isolators for the equipment payload, as well as right angle spring probe connectors for the antenna harnessing connection. The products provide streamlined routing of the cable harnessing. The connectivity solutions are equipped with IDI spring probe contact technology, designed to optimise performance in high reliability, multi-cycle applications, while offering excellent resistance to shock and vibration.
The Second Generation COSMO-SkyMed programme (CSG-1) provides for the launch of four satellites, and is intended to provide further improved performance in terms of technology, services and operational life of the system. The new satellites of the constellation represent the top tier in radar observation from space in terms of precision, features and image quality.