SpaceX to launch Italian Earth observation satellite on last Falcon 9 flight of 2025

SpaceX is preparing for its final Falcon 9 launch of 2025, carrying an advanced Earth observation satellite for Italy. 

The mission was originally scheduled to lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California but was delayed after a ground systems issue was detected at the launch pad.

Once rescheduled, the 70-metre-tall Falcon 9 rocket will place the Cosmo-SkyMed Second Generation Flight Model 3 (CSG-FM3) satellite into low Earth orbit. 

The spacecraft supports both civilian and military operations for the Italian government, providing high-resolution radar imagery for security, environmental monitoring, and disaster response.

The launch will take place from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg. SpaceX has not yet announced a new date or time following the scrub.

The mission will use Falcon 9 booster B1081, which is flying for the 21st time. The booster has previously supported missions such as Crew-7 and Earth science launches for NASA. 

After liftoff, the booster is expected to attempt a landing at Landing Zone 4, adding to SpaceX’s growing record of reusable rocket recoveries.

CSG-FM3 is the third satellite in Italy’s Cosmo-SkyMed Second Generation program, managed by the Italian Space Agency and the Ministry of Defense. 

The satellites are built by Thales Alenia Space and use synthetic aperture radar capable of imaging through clouds and at night. 

Data from the mission will be shared through the European Space Agency’s Third Party Missions Programme.