SpaceX Launches Advanced Earth Observation Satellite For Italy

As 2026 dawned, SpaceX embarked on a pivotal mission, launching an advanced Earth observation satellite for Italy. The Cosmo-SkyMed Second Generation Flight Model 3 (CSG-FM3) satellite was successfully deployed into low Earth orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. This significant launch, which took place at 6:09 p. m. PST from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marked a substantial enhancement of Italy’s space capabilities in both civilian and defense sectors.

The satellite, part of the Cosmo-SkyMed constellation, boasts an X-band synthetic aperture radar, enabling it to capture clear and detailed images regardless of weather conditions or time of day. Weighing approximately 1,700 kilograms, the satellite’s deployment was a notable achievement for SpaceX. The mission’s success followed a brief delay due to a hydraulic issue with the hold-down clamps on the launch pad, which had initially been scheduled for December. However, after resolving the technical issue, SpaceX proceeded with the launch, marking the 21st flight of the Falcon 9 booster B1081. Notably, this booster had previously supported several NASA missions, including Crew-7, PACE, and TRACERS.