SpaceX launches Italy’s second-generation satellite into orbit

SpaceX launched Italy’s new second-generation COSMO-SkyMed radar satellite into orbit on January 2 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The mission occurred at 6:09 p.m. Pacific Time and employed a Falcon 9 rocket whose first stage had previously flown 20 times, including on Crew-7, CRS-29, PACE, and multiple Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the booster made a controlled vertical landing at Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4) at Vandenberg, marking its 21st successful flight, Caliber.Az reports via SpaceX. 

Approximately 13 minutes after liftoff, the 2.2-ton COSMO-SkyMed satellite was deployed into its target orbit at an altitude of 619 kilometres. The spacecraft joins a constellation of six similar satellites already in orbit.

COSMO-SkyMed is a dual-use system, serving both civilian and military purposes. In civilian applications, it monitors maritime traffic in the Mediterranean, assists in disaster response, tracks environmental changes, supports mineral exploration, manages agricultural resources, and contributes to climate research. On the defence side, it provides surveillance and security capabilities for Italy.

By Sabina Mammadli