# CSG 2

> Italian reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q125778729](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q125778729)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/csg-2

## Summary
CSG 2 (COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation 2) is an Italian reconnaissance satellite equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for high-resolution Earth observation. Launched on January 31, 2022, it serves as a critical component of the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation constellation, providing covert data collection for intelligence and military applications.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** January 31, 2022, at 23:11 UTC
- **Operator:** Italian Space Agency (ASI)
- **Manufacturer:** Thales Alenia Space
- **Launch Vehicle:** SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1052.3)
- **Launch Weight:** 2,205 kilograms
- **Primary Instrument:** Synthetic aperture radar (SAR)
- **Orbit:** Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Design Life:** 7 years
- **Spacecraft Bus:** PRIMA
- **Power Source:** Two spacecraft solar arrays

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary mission of CSG 2?
A: CSG 2 is a reconnaissance satellite designed to collect data for intelligence and military applications. It uses synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to perform Earth observation, allowing it to capture high-resolution data regardless of weather conditions or time of day.

### Q: Who built and operates the CSG 2 satellite?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Thales Alenia Space and is operated by the Italian Space Agency. While it is an Italian satellite, its country of origin is listed as France in technical records, reflecting the multinational nature of its manufacturing.

### Q: How does CSG 2 fit into the COSMO-SkyMed program?
A: CSG 2 is the second satellite in the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation (CSG) fleet. It directly follows CSG 1 and is succeeded by the CSG 3 satellite, ensuring continuous radar coverage for the constellation.

## Why It Matters
CSG 2 is a vital asset for Italian national security and international intelligence efforts. By utilizing synthetic aperture radar (SAR), the satellite overcomes the limitations of traditional optical satellites, which cannot see through cloud cover or operate in darkness. This capability is essential for environmental monitoring, disaster management, and military surveillance. 

As part of the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation, CSG 2 represents a significant technological upgrade over the first generation of satellites, offering improved resolution and data acquisition speeds. Its deployment via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket highlights the integration of sovereign European defense assets with commercial launch providers. With a seven-year design life and a robust PRIMA bus architecture, CSG 2 ensures that the Italian Space Agency maintains a persistent and reliable presence in Sun-synchronous orbit.

## Notable For
- **SAR Technology:** Carries advanced synthetic aperture radar capable of penetrating atmospheric interference for consistent imaging.
- **Constellation Sequence:** It is the second flight model (FM2) of the Second Generation COSMO-SkyMed series, positioned between CSG 1 and CSG 3.
- **SpaceX Launch:** Successfully deployed from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 Block 5 vehicle.
- **Dual-Use Capability:** Specifically classified as both a reconnaissance satellite and a synthetic aperture radar satellite for military and intelligence applications.

## Body
### Technical Specifications
CSG 2 is a medium-class satellite with a launch weight of 2,205 kilograms. It is built upon the PRIMA spacecraft bus and is powered by two deployable solar arrays. The satellite's primary payload is a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instrument, which is the core of its reconnaissance and Earth observation capabilities. It has a designated service life of seven years.

### Launch and Orbital Details
The satellite was launched on January 31, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 in Florida, USA. The launch was conducted by SpaceX using a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket (specifically booster B1052.3). CSG 2 operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit, a common orbit for reconnaissance satellites that allows for consistent lighting conditions during Earth observation passes. Its international identifiers include COSPAR ID 2022-008A and SCN 51444.

### Program Context
CSG 2 is part of the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation (CSG) program, an initiative by the Italian Space Agency to replace and enhance the original COSMO-SkyMed constellation. The satellite is also known by several aliases, including COSMO-SkyMed Second Gen 2, CSG FM2, and COSMO-SkyMed Second Gen FM2. It was preceded in the sequence by CSG 1 and is followed by CSG 3.

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## References

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