SpaceX commenced the year 2026 with the successful launch of the Cosmo-SkyMed Second Generation Flight Model 3 (CSG-FM3) satellite on January 5. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 18:09 PST (21:09 EST / 02:09 UTC), carrying a payload weighing approximately 1,700 kg (3,748 lb) for the Italian government. This satellite serves dual civilian and military purposes, enhancing Italy’s Earth observation capabilities.
The CSG-FM3 is the third satellite in a constellation of four, designed to operate in low Earth orbit. SpaceX’s launch marks a significant milestone in international cooperation, with the satellite playing a crucial role in various applications, including environmental monitoring and national security.
Launch Details and Technical Specifications
The Falcon 9 rocket departed from Space Launch Complex 4 East, following a southerly trajectory. Originally scheduled for December 27, 2025, the launch faced delays due to a hydraulic issue with the launch pad hold down clamps. A second attempt on December 28 was also postponed as SpaceX required additional time to resolve the issue.
The rocket utilized booster tail number 1081, marking its 21st flight after previously supporting missions for NASA, including Crew-7 and PACE. Approximately 8.5 minutes post-launch, booster 1081 aimed for a landing at Landing Zone 4, where it would achieve its 31st successful landing at that site, contributing to the total of 554 Falcon booster landings to date.
The CSG-FM3 satellite will be deployed roughly 17 minutes after liftoff, entering a circular Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 620 km (385 mi). It employs synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology operating in the X-band, enabling it to capture images through cloud cover and in darkness.
Significance of the Cosmo-SkyMed Program
The Cosmo-SkyMed program represents a pivotal collaboration between Italy’s Defense Ministry, the Italian Space Agency, and national industry. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized the program’s role in fostering public-private partnerships that integrate innovation, research, and development with national security requirements.
According to the European Space Agency (ESA), the satellite has a designed lifespan of five years and will enhance Italy’s capabilities in monitoring environmental changes, disaster response, and military operations. The satellite constellation is funded by both the Italian Space Agency and the Ministry of Defense, highlighting the strategic value of such projects for national interests.
Prior to the CSG-FM3 launch, there were four operational satellites in the constellation, including two first-generation and two second-generation units, all manufactured by Thales Alenia Space. The successful deployment of CSG-FM3 will further solidify Italy’s position in the realm of satellite technology and Earth observation.
As SpaceX continues to advance its spaceflight capabilities, the launch of the CSG-FM3 satellite underscores the growing importance of international cooperation in space exploration and the necessity of leveraging technology for global security and environmental monitoring.
