SpaceX launched the Cosmo-SkyMed Second Generation Flight Model 3 satellite for Italy on January 2, 2026, using a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg, marking the first Falcon launch in 16 days after previous delays. The satellite, designed for dual civilian and military Earth observation, will operate in a Sun-synchronous orbit and utilize synthetic aperture radar to capture images through clouds and darkness, enhancing Italy's defense and research capabilities.
A bright light trail observed in western Colorado was caused by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch of the COSMO-SkyMed satellite from California, visible across much of the western US, with sonic booms reported in California.
SpaceX launched its first mission of 2026, deploying an Italian Earth-observing satellite into low Earth orbit using a Falcon 9 rocket from California. The satellite will use synthetic aperture radar to monitor Earth for various applications, marking the start of a busy year for space launches.
SpaceX's planned launch of the Italian COSMO-SkyMed satellite from Vandenberg Space Force Base has been postponed for a second day due to ground system issues, with a new launch date yet to be confirmed. The delay may impact the final SpaceX launch of 2025 and could involve sonic booms in nearby counties, with weather conditions also a concern.
A delay in SpaceX's Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base has occurred due to a ground system glitch, now scheduled for Sunday evening, with the mission to deploy the COSMO-SkyMed satellite for Italy, and the first-stage booster will land at Vandenberg, potentially producing sonic booms audible in nearby counties.
SpaceX is scheduled to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Saturday at 6:08 p.m., with a backup on Sunday, to deliver the COSMO-SkyMed Next Generation mission for Italy. The first-stage booster will land about eight minutes after launch, and residents in nearby counties may hear sonic booms. The launch will be webcast live, and viewing spots are available around Lompoc.
