SpaceX initiated the new year with a successful Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, deploying the Cosmo-SkyMed Second Generation Flight Model 3 (CSG-FM3) Earth observation satellite for Italy. This 1,700-kilogram satellite supports both civilian and military applications and represents the third of four planned satellites in the updated Cosmo-SkyMed constellation.
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 6:09 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, executing a southern trajectory immediately after departure. SpaceX used booster B1081 for this mission, marking its 21st flight, having previously supported NASA missions such as Crew-7, PACE, and TRACERS.
The launch faced delays due to hydraulic issues with the launch pad’s hold-down clamps, postponing the initial attempt originally scheduled for late-December. These postponements extended SpaceX’s gap between orbital launches to 16 days, the longest pause in four years, as the company also paused Starlink satellite deliveries during this period.
Approximately 8 minutes and 30 seconds post-liftoff, booster B1081 successfully landed at Landing Zone 4. This touchdown was the 31st at that site and boosted Falcon booster landings to a total of 554. The CSG-FM3 satellite was deployed about 13 minutes after liftoff, entering a low Earth, Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude near 620 kilometers.
The Cosmo-SkyMed program exemplifies strong synergy among Italy’s Defense Ministry, the Italian Space Agency, and domestic industry, according to Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. He highlighted the initiative’s role in integrating innovation, research, and development with national security priorities, delivering strategic value for Italy.
Equipped with an X-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR), the CSG-FM3 satellite can capture high-resolution imagery regardless of weather conditions or sunlight availability. This capability is crucial for consistent Earth observation tasks, including disaster monitoring, environmental surveillance, and defense applications.
The satellite has an expected operational lifespan of five years and complements an existing constellation that includes four active satellites—two first-generation and two second-generation units—manufactured by Thales Alenia Space. Funding for this constellation is provided by the Italian Space Agency alongside the Ministry of Defense.
Images released during the deployment show the CSG-FM3 satellite separating from the Falcon 9 rocket shortly after launch, confirming the smooth execution of the primary mission objective. Prior to encapsulation within Falcon 9 payload fairings, the spacecraft underwent comprehensive integration and testing staged at SpaceX facilities.
In addition to expanding Earth observation capabilities, this mission continues to demonstrate SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology. Booster B1081’s 21st flight contributes to the company’s ongoing efforts to lower launch costs and increase cadence in servicing commercial, civil, and governmental customers.
The latest launch underscores Italy’s commitment to maintaining sovereign Earth observation assets amid growing global demand for high-quality satellite data. As Cosmo-SkyMed satellites operate with advanced radar instruments, they provide critical information to various sectors for security, scientific research, and environmental management.
Read more at: spaceflightnow.com-
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