US EditionSpaceX Preparing Falcon 9 Rocket Launch for Italian Space Agency
The Falcon 9 carried Italy’s COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite to low-Earth orbit to aid in emergency prevention, mapping, and environmental monitoring.
- On Friday at 6:09 p.m., SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg, carrying the COSMO‑SkyMed Second Generation FM3 satellite for the Italian Space Agency and Italy's Ministry of Defence; the booster will return to land at Landing Zone 4.
- Most recently on Dec. 28, SpaceX postponed the launch due to ground support equipment and checkouts at SLC‑4, delaying the final California launch of 2025 into 2026.
- Onboard video shows FM3 separating from the second stage about 13 minutes after launch; the satellite will use synthetic aperture radar from about 385 miles and joins prior COSMO‑SkyMed satellites.
- Spectators in the Lompoc Valley cheered as the Falcon 9 climbed, while observers reported sightings in Colorado and nearby counties heard sonic booms lasting up to 10 minutes, aiding emergency prevention and mapping.
- The launch was the first of 2026 for SpaceX and the global launch community, following 165 Falcon 9 launches last year and 70 at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
15 Articles
15 Articles
SpaceX Mission to Deliver Italian Satellite Launches New Year at Vandenberg SFB
Getting off the ground during a break in rainstorms soaking the Central Coast, a Falcon 9 rocket on Friday launched the new year at Vandenberg Space Force Base while delivering an Earth-observation satellite for Italy. The two-stage rocket built by SpaceX blasted off at 6:09 p.m. Friday from Space Launch Complex-4 on the South Base as crowds of spectators gathered around the Lompoc Valley, applauding and cheering as the Falcon 9 climbed upward. …
SpaceX launch sighting across Borderland
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- Residents across the Borderland witnessed SpaceX's Falcon 9 launch of the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation earth-observing satellite mission Friday night, Jan. 2. Residents sent their video of something streaking across the night sky, almost looking like a comet! KTSM 9 viewers shared their photos and videos, seeing the rocket fly past [...]
SpaceX preparing Falcon 9 rocket launch for Italian Space Agency
VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. (KEYT) – SpaceX is scheduling a Falcon 9 rocket launch for the Italian Space Agency and Italian Ministry of Defense at 6:09 p.m. Friday from Vandenberg Space Force Base. A backup opportunity will be available on Saturday, Jan. 3, at the same time if needed for the COSMO-Sky Med Second Generation, according to SpaceX. This is the 21st flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which launched se…
Space X Falcon 9 rocket seen across the southern Colorado sky Friday evening
News5 received several photos of what looks to be a comet shooting across the night sky. It's actually the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which launched from the Vandenberg, California Space Force Base on Friday. This was Space X's first launch of 2026, and was launched around 7 p.m. The rocket was carrying an Earth observing satellite.Have you seen the rocket? You can submit your photos of it below: _______Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with o…
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