CoSmo-Skymed (Constellation of Small Satellites for the Observation of the Mediterranean basin) is an Earth observation satellite system through which satellites, equipped with high-resolution X-band radar sensors, are able to scan the Earth in all weather and visibility conditions. These capabilities together with a very high revisit frequency, contribute significantly to territorial monitoring, security and the management of natural events and emergencies.

COSMO-SkyMed images are used to provide support to populations affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes and fires, but they can also aid in the monitoring of cultural and artistic heritage, critical infrastructure, glacier retreats, ocean oil spills and the optimisation of agricultural techniques.

In its first ten years, COSMO-SkyMed has captured over 1 million radar scenes worldwide. It has monitored UNESCO world heritage sites as well as generating fundamental data for the observation of phenomena that affect our planet. Such data includes damage assessment following natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides or floods, and even the monitoring of critical infrastructures including the movement of glaciers at the poles. It has also aided in the control of illegal activities such as oil spillage or the illicit trafficking of goods or people.