COSMO-SkyMed Interoperability, Expandability and Multi-Sensor Capabilities: The Keys for Full Multi-Mission Spectrum Operations

Historically, Earth Observation (EO) missions have largely been technology-driven. A promising idea for an instrument design has often been the starting point for a satellite mission specifically conceived to satisfy certain scientific requirements. This situation has led to a high number of scattered facilities each providing different specific, regional, thematic functions such as near real time data production and distribution, off-line archive and distribution, and added value services with complex data and information flows. This has created a high level of complexity for the users to find and access the EO data, and an infrastructural overcapacity in the basic data services. This led, in turn, to usage, operational and cost inefficiencies over such different EO systems (operations of different systems, different cultures, procedures, formats, etc.) Some initiatives, such as GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security), GEOSS (Global Environment Outlook Support System), aim to find a viable way to provide cost-effective solutions, simple access to Multi-Mission/ Multi-Sensor (MM-MS) capabilities, and streamlined operations. COSMO-SkyMed is an Earth Observation system born to cope with dual-use (i.e. military and civilian) and Multi-mission (SAR, Optical, ...) requirements to further expand to other sensors. Within this perspective, it is a highly innovative system, presenting cutting-edge MM-MS capabilities and, as such, capable to fully cope with the above needs. [1] De Luca, G.F.; Rum, G.; Caltagirone, F.; De Carlo, P.M.; Marano, G.; Angino, G.; Piemontese, M. (2005) COSMO-SkyMed Interoperability, Expandability and Multi-Sensor Capabilities: The Keys for Full Multi-Mission Spectrum Operations. In Integration of Space-Based Assets within Full Spectrum Operations (pp. 3-1 – 3-12). Meeting Proceedings RTO-MP-SCI-150, Paper 3. Neuilly-sur-Seine, France: RTO. Available from: http://www.rto.nato.int/abstracts.asp. Report Documentation Page Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. 1. REPORT DATE 01 AUG 2006 2. REPORT TYPE N/A 3. DATES COVERED 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE COSMO-SkyMed Interoperability, Expandability and Multi-Sensor Capabilities: The Keys for Full Multi-Mission Spectrum Operations 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER