SpaceX is gearing up for an exciting conclusion to 2025 with its final Falcon 9 launch, which will transport an Italian Earth observation satellite. The mission will take place at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marking a significant milestone for both SpaceX and the Italian government.
The satellite, known as the Cosmo-SkyMed Second Generation Flight Model 3 (CSG-FM3), is specifically designed for Earth observation and serves vital roles in both civilian and military applications for Italy. With liftoff planned for 6:09 p.m. PST (9:09 p.m. EST / 02:09 UTC), anticipation is building around this event.
For those eager to follow the action, Spaceflight Now will provide live coverage starting approximately 30 minutes before the rocket takes off. The mission is set to utilize Falcon 9 booster tail number 1081, which has previously flown on 20 missions, including notable launches for NASA such as Crew-7, PACE, and TRACERS.
Approximately 8.5 minutes post-launch, the B1081 booster will aim for a precision landing at Landing Zone 4. If this landing is successful, it will mark the 31st touchdown at this location and the impressive 554th overall successful landing of a Falcon booster.
Meanwhile, the CSG-FM3 satellite will be deployed into orbit around 17 minutes after liftoff. This satellite is the third in a series of advanced Earth observation satellites overseen by both the Italian Space Agency and the Ministry of Defense. The initial satellite was successfully launched in January 2021 aboard a Soyuz rocket from French Guiana, followed by the second satellite launched a year later using a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
In total, there are plans for a constellation consisting of four satellites, all manufactured by Thales Alenia Space. The COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation system is particularly noteworthy, as it caters to both commercial and institutional clients, establishing itself as a leading asset in the field of radar observation satellites. For additional insights, viewers can check out an engaging video shared by Thales Alenia Space that highlights the capabilities of this cutting-edge technology.
Equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) operating in the X-band, these satellites have the unique ability to penetrate cloud cover and function effectively even in darkness. They maintain a Sun-synchronous polar orbit tilted at 97.87 degrees relative to the equator. Furthermore, the data generated by these satellites is made accessible to the public through the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Third Party Missions Programme.
According to a statement from ESA, the mission of the Cosmo-SkyMed Second Generation is to monitor the Earth for various purposes, including emergency prevention, strategic planning, scientific research, and commercial applications. This initiative aims to provide critical information on a global scale to support diverse activities such as risk management, cartography, environmental protection, resource exploration, land use planning, defense and security measures, maritime monitoring, and agricultural management.
