INGV Center for Space Observations of Earth (COS): Application Modules and ICT Platform

Since the late 90s, INGV effectively contributes to the development of space technologies both in the Earth Observation sector (including all available space systems Optical, SAR) and in the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) sector allowing the INGV to play a role of excellence both for the study of satellite missions and for the development and supply of operational products for end-users. INGV has also laboratories with specific competences in developing instruments for the control and telemetry of stratospheric balloons, acquiring airborne data using UAVs both for local monitoring purposes and to test new sensors which could be selected for future space missions and provide Calibration/validation data for Space observations. INGV in 2020 established the Center for Space Observations of Earth (COS) with the aim to coordinate the INGV activities in the Space and Aerospace sector. The COS contributes to the strategy of INGV Departments, namely Environment, Earthquakes and Volcanoes, and the INGV Sections / Observatories by adding specific products and services based on space observations to assist monitoring, surveillance, research and services for the society regarding Earth processes. The COS, represents INGV in working groups which in the last years have defined the National Space Policy, in particular those represented in the COMINT (Interministerial Committee for policies relating to space and aerospace) and in the National User Forum, it also represents INGV in National and International Committees with Space Agencies, United Nations. In 2021 COS started the implementation of a suitable infrastructure to development specific processing chains for EO and Space Weather product to support scientific activities and services in Earth Science. In 2022 the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) offered specific funding for the Space Sector which will permit to build, in the next 3 years, both the COS infrastructures (ICT platform) and new research activities to further develop the COS modules, as well as reinforce the cooperation with industrial partners by to provide a series of complementary activities which could improve the national expertise and technological transfer in with a consequent advantage for all the space sector chain.