3 January 2026 year Fr. 02:09 (UTC) from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, USA, using a launch vehicle «Falcon 9 Block 5» the launch of KA Italy was carried out «CSG-3».
Satellite «CSG-3» – it is the third satellite of the second generation as part of the COSMO-SkyMed program, which is implemented by the Italian Space Agency (BUT). It was created to replace and develop the capabilities of satellites of the first series, providing higher quality radar observations of the Earth in the X-band.
The second generation system is based on two advanced satellites, each of which uses the upgraded PRIMA Bus platform. The main tool of the device is the updated CSG-SAR radar, which provides higher spatial resolution, improved sensitivity and greater flexibility in shooting modes compared to the first generation system.
CSG-3, like other satellites in the series, operates in a sun-synchronous orbit with an altitude of approx 619 km and a slope of 97.86°, thanks to which the device provides a stable view of the terrain and optimal conditions for radar observations. Satellites of the second generation are placed in the same orbital plane, which allows to increase the frequency of repeated visits and expands monitoring possibilities.
The main tasks of CSG-3 include observation of natural and man-made processes, control of the state of the infrastructure, monitoring of coasts and agriculture, emergency monitoring, as well as ensuring the defense and government needs of Italy and partner countries.
According to the CCS