# COSMO-SkyMed 2

> Italian reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3648863](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3648863)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmo-skymed-2

## Summary
COSMO-SkyMed 2 is an Italian reconnaissance satellite launched on December 9, 2007, as part of the COSMO-SkyMed constellation. It is equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for covert data collection, supporting military and intelligence applications. The satellite was built by Alenia Spazio and operates in a sun-synchronous orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Reconnaissance satellite and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite
- **Mass**: 1,900 kilograms
- **Launch Date**: December 9, 2007, at 02:31:42 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta II (model D-330)
- **Operator**: Italian Space Agency
- **Country of Origin**: Italy
- **Part of**: COSMO-SkyMed satellite constellation
- **Predecessor**: COSMO-SkyMed 1
- **Successor**: COSMO-SkyMed 3
- **Spacecraft Bus**: PRIMA
- **Power Source**: Two spacecraft solar arrays
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **COSPAR ID**: 2007-059A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2007-059A
- **Aliases**: SkyMed-2, COSMO-2

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is COSMO-SkyMed 2?
A: COSMO-SkyMed 2 is a reconnaissance satellite equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for covert data collection, primarily used for military and intelligence applications.

### Q: When was COSMO-SkyMed 2 launched?
A: COSMO-SkyMed 2 was launched on December 9, 2007, at 02:31:42 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West.

### Q: Who operates COSMO-SkyMed 2?
A: The satellite is operated by the Italian Space Agency.

### Q: What is the mass of COSMO-SkyMed 2?
A: COSMO-SkyMed 2 has a mass of 1,900 kilograms.

### Q: What is the orbit of COSMO-SkyMed 2?
A: COSMO-SkyMed 2 operates in a sun-synchronous orbit.

## Why It Matters
COSMO-SkyMed 2 is part of Italy's COSMO-SkyMed constellation, which provides high-resolution radar imagery for military and civil applications. The satellite's synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capability allows it to operate independently of weather conditions and daylight, making it valuable for reconnaissance and surveillance. Launched in 2007, it supports Italy's defense and intelligence needs, contributing to national security and disaster monitoring. The constellation, which includes COSMO-SkyMed 1, 2, and 3, ensures continuous coverage and data collection for various strategic purposes.

## Notable For
- **First Italian SAR Satellite**: COSMO-SkyMed 2 was part of Italy's first dedicated synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation.
- **Military Reconnaissance**: Equipped with SAR, it provides high-resolution imagery for intelligence and defense applications.
- **All-Weather Capability**: Operates effectively regardless of weather or lighting conditions.
- **Part of a Constellation**: Works alongside COSMO-SkyMed 1 and 3 to ensure continuous coverage.
- **Advanced Technology**: Uses the PRIMA spacecraft bus and Delta II launch vehicle for reliable performance.

## Body
### Overview
COSMO-SkyMed 2 is the second satellite in Italy's COSMO-SkyMed constellation, launched to provide high-resolution radar imagery for military and civil applications. It was built by Alenia Spazio and operates under the Italian Space Agency.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 1,900 kilograms
- **Power Source**: Two spacecraft solar arrays
- **Spacecraft Bus**: PRIMA
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: December 9, 2007, at 02:31:42 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta II (model D-330)

### Operational Details
- **Operator**: Italian Space Agency
- **Country of Origin**: Italy
- **Part of**: COSMO-SkyMed satellite constellation
- **Predecessor**: COSMO-SkyMed 1
- **Successor**: COSMO-SkyMed 3

### Identification Numbers
- **COSPAR ID**: 2007-059A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2007-059A

### Aliases
- SkyMed-2
- COSMO-2

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{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "COSMO-SkyMed 2",
  "description": "Italian reconnaissance satellite equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for military and intelligence applications.",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q32376", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COSMO-SkyMed"],
  "additionalType": "Satellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/cosmo-skymed-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sat/alenia_prima.htm)