The Memorandum was signed during the 76th edition of the International Astronautical Congress
CSG FM3 opens its eyes on Earth. Just a few days after launch, the first acquisitions from the new second-generation satellite of the COSMO-SkyMed constellation have been received. COSMO-SkyMed is the Earth Observation programme promoted by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Ministry of Defence. These initial results confirm the expected performance and full functionality of the satellite.
Among the first images acquired are views of the cities of Rome and Vancouver, as well as a striking scene of the Padma River in Bangladesh.
Launched on 2 January 2026 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, CSG FM3 is in excellent operational condition. The commissioning and functional verification phase has been successfully completed, including the deployment of the solar panels, the antenna, and the activation of the main onboard units.
During this phase, Telespazio, in collaboration with Thales Alenia Space Italy, handled the planning of imaging requests, the transmission of commands, the verification of the SAR sensor’s correct operation, and the acquisition and processing of raw data at ASI’s Space Centre in Matera.
In-orbit testing and fine-tuning activities are now continuing, essential steps toward bringing CSG FM3 into full operational service. The new satellite will further strengthen Italy’s Earth Observation capabilities, supporting civil and institutional applications ranging from environmental protection and emergency management to territorial security
Rome - The “Eternal City” as seen by the new second-generation COSMO-SkyMed satellite. The image clearly shows St Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, Termini and Tiburtina railway stations, Villa Borghese, Villa Ada and the Olympic Stadium.
Vancouver - The image shows the city of Vancouver and its skyline. Several ships are clearly visible off the Port of Vancouver, the largest in Canada and one of the most important in North America, crucial for trade, cruise traffic, especially to Alaska, and container shipping.
Bangladesh - A detail of the Padma River, a branch of the Ganges, in Bangladesh. The image captures the river’s variability, its shifting channels and the sandbanks that continually emerge along its course.