SpaceX successfully launched the Cosmo-SkyMed Second Generation Flight Model 3 (CSG-FM3) satellite on January 5, 2026, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This mission marks a significant advancement in Earth observation capabilities for Italy, as the satellite serves both civilian and military purposes.
The CSG-FM3, which weighs approximately 1,700 kg (3,748 lb), is part of a constellation of satellites designed to enhance Italy’s Earth observation capabilities. It is the third of four satellites in the second generation of the Cosmo-SkyMed program, which aims to provide critical data for various applications, including environmental monitoring and disaster management.
Launch Details
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at 18:09 PST (21:09 EST / 02:09 UTC). Following its ascent, the rocket flew on a southerly trajectory, targeting a circular Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 620 km (385 mi). Approximately 17 minutes after launch, the CSG-FM3 satellite was deployed successfully.
SpaceX utilized the Falcon 9 booster tail number 1081 for this mission. This flight marked its 21st launch, following successful missions such as Crew-7 and PACE. The booster is expected to land at Landing Zone 4, aiming for its 31st landing at that site and the 554th Falcon booster landing overall.
The mission faced some challenges prior to liftoff. A launch originally scheduled for December 27, 2025, was postponed due to a hydraulic issue with the launch pad hold down clamps. Subsequent attempts were also delayed as SpaceX worked to resolve these technical difficulties.
Significance of the Cosmo-SkyMed Program
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto praised the Cosmo-SkyMed program as a prime example of collaboration between the Italian Defense Ministry, the Italian Space Agency, and national industries. “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,” he noted in a post on social media.
According to the European Space Agency (ESA), the CSG-FM3 satellite is designed for a lifespan of five years and features advanced technology, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR) operating in X-band. This capability allows the satellite to capture high-resolution images even through clouds and darkness, making it a vital tool for various applications.
The Cosmo-SkyMed constellation, which includes two first-generation and two second-generation satellites, is funded by the Italian Space Agency and the Ministry of Defense. The satellites are manufactured by Thales Alenia Space, ensuring that Italy remains at the forefront of Earth observation technology.
With the successful deployment of the CSG-FM3, SpaceX continues to demonstrate its reliability in launching critical satellites for international partners, further enhancing global capabilities in Earth observation and monitoring.