Falcon 9 • Cosmo-SkyMed Second Generation-FM3

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the third satellite in the Cosmo-SkyMed Second Generation series on behalf of the Italian Space Agency and the Italian Ministry of Defence. The satellite will operate in a Sun-synchronous orbit at 620 km (385 mi) in altitude an inclination of 97.8 degrees. These satellites are designed to have a dual Earth observation purpose, serving both civil and military applications. Its planned end of life date is in December 2032. Nearly 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9 first stage booster, tail number 1081, flying for a 21st time, will return to land for a touchdown at Landing Zone 4 at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Scrubbed Dec. 27/28 due to a ground systems issue. Scrubbed Dec. 28/29 “to allow more time to perform ground system checkouts.” Watch live coverage.