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Summary:

SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Friday, carrying the Cosmo-SkyMed Second Generation Flight Model 3 (CSG-FM3) satellite for the Italian government. This launch, initially delayed due to technical issues, marked SpaceX’s return to orbital launches after a 16-day pause. The Falcon 9’s first stage booster successfully landed back at Landing Zone 4, marking its 21st flight. The CSG-FM3 satellite, designed for both civilian and military Earth observation, is the third in a series of four satellites and will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit. Simultaneously, SpaceX faced another launch delay in Cape Canaveral, while launching Starlink satellite on Tuesday.

News Article:

SpaceX Kicks Off New Year with Successful Italian Satellite Launch After Delay

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, CA – SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket on Friday evening from Vandenberg Space Force Base, delivering the Cosmo-SkyMed Second Generation Flight Model 3 (CSG-FM3) satellite into orbit for the Italian government. The 1,700-kg satellite is designed for both civilian and military Earth observation, utilizing a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capable of capturing images in all weather conditions and at night.

The launch, initially scheduled for late December, was delayed multiple times due to technical issues with the launch pad’s hold-down clamps. This successful mission marks SpaceX’s return to orbital launches after a 16-day hiatus, the longest in four years.

“The Cosmo-SkyMed program is a model of public-private synergy,” said Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. He highlighted the project as an example of innovation benefiting both security and defense.

The Falcon 9’s first stage booster, tail number B1081, completed its 21st flight, successfully landing back at Landing Zone 4 approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff. The satellite was deployed about 13 minutes after launch.

The CSG-FM3 satellite will operate in a circular sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 620 km, providing crucial Earth observation data for the Italian government and other users. Also SpaceX recently launched a batch of Starlink satellites from California on Tuesday, but had another delayed launch in Cape Canaveral.

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