Archive · 3 Jan 2026
SpaceX Launches COSMO-SkyMed Satellite for Earth Observation
SpaceX launched a special satellite called COSMO-SkyMed into space using their Falcon 9 rocket.
This satellite was made by Italy and will help watch Earth to prevent emergencies and do science.
The rocket took off from California and the part that goes back to space landed safely.
This was the 21st time this particular rocket part has been used.
The satellite will send back pictures and information to help people on Earth.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite.
The launch took place at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
This was the 21st flight for the first-stage booster used in this mission.
The satellite carries synthetic aperture radar instruments for Earth observation.
The booster rocket successfully landed back at Vandenberg Space Force Base after stage separation.
- Who
- SpaceX, Italian Space Agency, Italian Ministry of Defence, European Space Agency (ESA)
- What
- Launch of COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite
- When
- Friday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
- Why
- To monitor Earth for emergency prevention, strategy, scientific, and commercial purposes
- Launch Vehicle
- SpaceX Falcon 9
- Payload
- COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite
- Launch Site
- Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
- Booster Flight Number
- 21st flight for this booster
- Agencies Involved
- Italian Space Agency, Italian Ministry of Defence, European Space Agency (ESA)
- Satellite Purpose
- Earth observation for emergency prevention, strategy, scientific, and commercial purposes
- Booster Recovery
- Successful landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base