SpaceX Launches Italian Earth-Observing Satellite On First Mission Of 2026

On a winter evening in California, a Falcon 9 rocket pierced the night sky, carrying an Italian Earth-observing satellite into orbit. The launch occurred at 9:09 p. m. EST on January 2, 2026, marking the first mission of the year for SpaceX. The rocket’s first stage successfully landed back at Vandenberg Space Force Base approximately 8. 5 minutes after liftoff, having completed its 21st flight.

The COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite was deployed into low Earth orbit about 4. 5 minutes later, beginning its mission to study the Earth using synthetic aperture radar. From an altitude of 385 miles, the spacecraft will gather data around the clock, in all weather conditions, for the Italian Space Agency and the Italian Ministry of Defence. This satellite is part of a small network designed to monitor the Earth for emergency prevention, strategy, scientific, and commercial purposes.

Its applications include risk management, cartography, environmental protection, natural resources exploration, land management, defense and security, maritime surveillance, and food and agriculture management. Three COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellites have now been launched, with the first one flying in December 2019 and the second in January 2022.