# CSG 3

> Italian reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q137697553](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q137697553)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/csg-3

## Summary
CSG 3 is the third satellite in Italy's COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation program, launched in 2026. It is an Italian reconnaissance satellite equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for military and intelligence applications. The satellite was built by Thales Alenia Space and operates in a sun-synchronous orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: January 3, 2026, at 02:09:16 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **Mass**: 2,205 kg at launch weight.
- **Operator**: Italian Space Agency.
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit.
- **Mission Duration**: Designed for a 7-year operational life.
- **Payload**: Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for high-resolution Earth observation.
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1081.21).
- **Manufacturer**: Thales Alenia Space.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: PRIMA (Platform for Resource Incorporation and Management Architecture).
- **Country of Origin**: France (manufacturer), Italy (operator).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of CSG 3?
A: CSG 3 is an Italian reconnaissance satellite designed for military and intelligence applications, using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to collect high-resolution Earth observation data.

### Q: Who operates CSG 3?
A: The satellite is operated by the Italian Space Agency (ASI).

### Q: What type of orbit does CSG 3 use?
A: CSG 3 operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, which provides consistent lighting conditions for its radar imaging.

### Q: How long is CSG 3 expected to operate?
A: The satellite is designed for a 7-year operational life, though it may remain functional beyond this period.

### Q: What is the significance of CSG 3’s SAR payload?
A: The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) allows CSG 3 to capture high-resolution images day or night, regardless of weather conditions, making it valuable for defense and intelligence purposes.

## Why It Matters
CSG 3 is part of Italy’s COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation program, which enhances Italy’s military and intelligence capabilities through advanced Earth observation. The satellite’s synthetic aperture radar (SAR) provides high-resolution imagery, enabling precise monitoring and reconnaissance. Launched in 2026, CSG 3 continues Italy’s legacy of space-based surveillance, supporting national defense and strategic decision-making. Its sun-synchronous orbit ensures consistent imaging conditions, while its 7-year design life ensures long-term operational reliability. As part of the COSMO-SkyMed constellation, CSG 3 strengthens Italy’s position in the global space surveillance network, complementing existing satellites like CSG 2.

## Notable For
- **Third satellite in the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation program**, following CSG 1 and CSG 2.
- **Equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR)**, enabling high-resolution Earth observation for military and intelligence purposes.
- **Launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5**, demonstrating collaboration between Italy and SpaceX for defense-related missions.
- **Operates in a sun-synchronous orbit**, providing consistent imaging conditions for radar surveillance.
- **Built by Thales Alenia Space**, leveraging the company’s expertise in space-based radar systems.

## Body
### Mission Overview
CSG 3 is the third satellite in Italy’s COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation program, launched on January 3, 2026. It is an Italian reconnaissance satellite equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for military and intelligence applications. The satellite was built by Thales Alenia Space and operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring consistent imaging conditions.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 2,205 kg at launch weight.
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit, allowing for high-resolution radar imaging.
- **Payload**: Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for Earth observation.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: PRIMA (Platform for Resource Incorporation and Management Architecture).
- **Power**: Two spacecraft solar arrays provide energy.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: January 3, 2026, at 02:09:16 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1081.21).

### Operational Details
- **Operator**: Italian Space Agency (ASI).
- **Mission Duration**: Designed for a 7-year operational life.
- **Country of Origin**: France (manufacturer), Italy (operator).

### Significance
CSG 3 is part of Italy’s COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation program, which enhances Italy’s military and intelligence capabilities through advanced Earth observation. The satellite’s SAR payload provides high-resolution imagery, enabling precise monitoring and reconnaissance. Launched in 2026, CSG 3 continues Italy’s legacy of space-based surveillance, supporting national defense and strategic decision-making. Its sun-synchronous orbit ensures consistent imaging conditions, while its 7-year design life ensures long-term operational reliability. As part of the COSMO-SkyMed constellation, CSG 3 strengthens Italy’s position in the global space surveillance network, complementing existing satellites like CSG 2.

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{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "CSG 3",
  "description": "Italian reconnaissance satellite launched in 2026 with synthetic aperture radar for military and intelligence applications.",
  "additionalType": "ReconnaissanceSatellite",
  "manufacturer": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Thales Alenia Space"
  },
  "operator": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Italian Space Agency"
  },
  "launchDate": "2026-01-03",
  "orbit": "Sun-synchronous orbit",
  "payload": "Synthetic aperture radar (SAR)"
}

## References

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