MUSIS Common
Interoperable Layer (CIL) Delivered
Bonn, Germany, 17
February 2025 -The core objective of the OCCAR MUSIS (MUltinational
Space-based Imaging System) Programme is to provide France and Italy with
reliable, secure, and straightforward access to each nation’s unique satellite
capabilities, including satellite tasking and image production. This
cross-utilization of two complementary space systems greatly enhances
surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
- French
Optical Space Component (CSO): Captures
high-resolution and extremely high-resolution optical images of Earth’s
surface.
- Italian
COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation (CSG): Uses Synthetic-Aperture
Radar (SAR) state-of-the-art technology to produce high resolution and
polarimetric ground-based images, offering enhanced imaging in all weather
conditions and through cloud cover.
The Common Interoperable Layer (CIL) acts as an advanced bridge between
the user ground segments of both the French and Italian space systems. The CIL
enables users from one nation to task the satellite systems of the other and
securely receive, store, and retrieve image products, ensuring the seamless
integration of both space assets.
Formally integrated into OCCAR in May 2011, the development phase of the
MUSIS programme began in 2019. The industrial consortium responsible for the
system’s development includes Thales Alenia Space Italia and Airbus
Defence and Space, two leading companies in the aerospace and defence
sector.
After the qualification, the end users began operational trials of the
system in November 2024. This marked the final step before full operational
capability.
Following the system acceptance, in-service support will begin, with the
contractor consortium, comprising Telespazio and Airbus Defence and
Space, overseeing this phase for a planned duration of 15 years.
The acceptance of the MUSIS system
represents a leap forward in the operational integration of space-based systems
for both France and Italy, made possible through close collaboration with the
Italian Secretariat General of Defence, National Armament Directorate (SGD/DNA)
and the French Armaments General Directorate (DGA).