Artist’s rendition of Cosmo-SkyMed. Photo: Thales Alenia Space

[Via Satellite 08-28-2014] Thales Alenia Space has received an $87 million contract from the Italian Space Agency for the Second Generation Cosmo-SkyMed Earth Observation (EO) satellite program. The contract is split between Thales Alenia Space Italia and Telespazio. Thales Alenia Space Italia will use approximately $57 million to construct two EO satellites. Telespazio is allocated roughly $30 million for the ground segment and integrated logistics of the operations.

The funding signals the beginning of Phase C3 of the program, designed to provide continuity from the First Generation Cosmo-SkyMed System. According to Elisio Giacomo Prette, president and CEO of Thales Alenia Space Italia, the contract enables the partial continuation of industrial activities until 2015, but does not provide the resources needed to complete the entire system. In order to continue with the Second Generation Cosmo-SkyMed System on time, the first satellite must be operational by 2017 and the second by 2018.

A temporary consortium of companies led by Thales Alenia Space Italia and partner Telespazio will guide the organization of executive activities for development of the system as well as operational management of the program. Thales said the Second Generation program will see more strategic international partnerships, such as those currently in place with France and Poland.