# COSMO-SkyMed 4

> Italian reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q125778650](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q125778650)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmo-skymed-4

## Summary  
COSMO-SkyMed 4 is an Italian reconnaissance satellite launched in 2010 as part of the COSMO-SkyMed constellation. It uses synthetic aperture radar to collect high-resolution imagery for both civilian and military purposes.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on November 6, 2010 at 02:20:03 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West  
- Operated by the Italian Space Agency (ASI)  
- Built by Alenia Spazio using the PRIMA spacecraft bus  
- Weighs approximately 1,900 kilograms  
- Equipped with synthetic aperture radar for Earth observation  
- Part of the COSMO-SkyMed satellite constellation  
- Launched aboard a Delta II rocket (flight designation D-350)  
- Follows COSMO-SkyMed 3 in the series  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is COSMO-SkyMed 4 used for?  
A: COSMO-SkyMed 4 is used for dual-use Earth observation, providing high-resolution radar imagery for both civilian applications like disaster monitoring and military reconnaissance.

### Q: When was COSMO-SkyMed 4 launched?  
A: The satellite was launched on November 6, 2010, at 02:20:03 UTC from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

### Q: Who operates COSMO-SkyMed 4?  
A: It is operated by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), which manages the entire COSMO-SkyMed program.

## Why It Matters  
COSMO-SkyMed 4 plays a critical role in Italy's national security infrastructure while also contributing to global environmental monitoring and emergency response efforts. As part of the COSMO-SkyMed constellation, it enables all-weather, day-and-night surveillance capabilities through its synthetic aperture radar system. Its data supports civil protection agencies during natural disasters, assists in maritime surveillance, and enhances defense intelligence operations. The satellite exemplifies how space-based technology can serve both strategic and humanitarian functions simultaneously.

## Notable For  
- Being one of four satellites in the dual-use COSMO-SkyMed constellation  
- Featuring advanced X-band synthetic aperture radar imaging capability  
- Supporting continuous Earth monitoring regardless of weather or lighting conditions  
- Representing a key component of Italy’s independent space-based reconnaissance capacity  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
COSMO-SkyMed 4 is the fourth satellite in the COSMO-SkyMed constellation developed under the leadership of the Italian Space Agency (ASI). Designed for dual-use missions, it serves both civilian and military needs with its synthetic aperture radar payload.

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass**: 1,900 kg  
- **Power System**: Two spacecraft solar arrays  
- **Orbit Type**: Sun-synchronous orbit  
- **Spacecraft Bus**: PRIMA (provided by Alenia Spazio)  

### Launch Details  
- **Launch Date**: November 6, 2010  
- **Launch Time**: 02:20:03 UTC  
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta II (D-350 configuration)  

### Operational Role  
As part of the COSMO-SkyMed system, COSMO-SkyMed 4 contributes to real-time monitoring of Earth’s surface. Its radar sensor allows for consistent data acquisition across various terrains and atmospheric conditions, making it invaluable for crisis management, resource planning, and defense operations.

### Program Context  
The COSMO-SkyMed program represents a major technological achievement for Italy in the domain of Earth observation and national security. COSMO-SkyMed 4 continues the legacy established by earlier satellites in the series, particularly following COSMO-SkyMed 3.

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "COSMO-SkyMed 4",
  "description": "Italian reconnaissance satellite equipped with synthetic aperture radar.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q37216"
  ],
  "additionalType": "Reconnaissance 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)