SpaceX successfully launched the Cosmo-SkyMed Second Generation Flight Model 3 (CSG-FM3) satellite for the Italian government on January 5, 2026. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying the 1,700-kilogram (3,748 lb) satellite, which serves both civilian and military purposes.
The launch occurred at 6:09 p.m. PST (9:09 p.m. EST / 02:09 UTC) from Space Launch Complex 4 East. Following liftoff, the rocket flew southward on its trajectory, marking a significant milestone for Italy’s space capabilities.
Launch Details and Mission Significance
This mission is notably the third of four satellites in the **Cosmo-SkyMed** constellation, designed for Earth observation. The CSG-FM3 satellite will be deployed into a circular Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 620 kilometers (385 miles). It boasts advanced capabilities, including a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) operating in the X-band, enabling it to capture high-quality images regardless of weather conditions or time of day.
Prior to this launch, four operational satellites were already in the constellation, comprising two first-generation and two second-generation spacecraft. All satellites were manufactured by **Thales Alenia Space** and receive funding from both the Italian Space Agency and the Ministry of Defense.
Italian Defense Minister **Guido Crosetto** praised the Cosmo-SkyMed program as an exemplary collaboration between defense, the Italian Space Agency, and national industry. He stated, “It is a model of public-private synergy that shows how innovation, research, and development can integrate with security and defense needs, generating strategic value for the Country.”
Launch Challenges and Future Expectations
The launch was originally scheduled for December 27, 2025, but was postponed due to a hydraulic issue with the launch pad’s hold-down clamps. A subsequent attempt on December 28 was also cancelled as SpaceX required additional time to address the technical difficulties.
The Falcon 9 booster, designated B1081, has had a successful history, including missions for NASA such as Crew-7 and PACE. After approximately 8.5 minutes of flight, B1081 targeted a touchdown at Landing Zone 4, which, if successful, will mark the 31st landing at that site and the 554th overall for Falcon boosters.
The launch represents a significant advancement in Italy’s capabilities for Earth observation, supporting a range of applications from environmental monitoring to national security. As the CSG-FM3 joins its counterparts in orbit, it reinforces the importance of satellite technology in contemporary defense and civilian sectors.
