SpaceX launched a mission for the Italian Space Agency and the Italian Ministry of Defense from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 6:09 p.m. Friday — the first launch of 2026 from the West Coast base.
WATCH:
Watch Falcon 9 launch the @ASI_Spazio COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation mission to orbit https://t.co/tbgl4W2YLe
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 3, 2026
The COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation mission was first set to launch on Saturday. Liftoff was then moved to Sunday before being postponed again to allow more time for ground system checkouts, SpaceX reported.
The satellite will be used as a tool to observe Earth for both civilian and military purposes.
After the Falcon 9 rocket lifted off, the rocket’s first stage landed back on Landing Zone 4 at Vandenberg, creating a sonic boom audible in surrounding communities.
Vandenberg announced that Ocean Park and Surf Beach would be evacuated during the launch "to ensure safety."
Roadblocks were also in place at Floradale Avenue and Ocean Avenue, and at Floradale Avenue and Central Avenue "to restrict access and maintain secure boundaries around the area."
SpaceX launches accounted for nearly 85% of the launches from Vandenberg in 2025.
The aerospace company reports it completed a total of 165 Falcon launches and five Starship test flights this year in the United States.
Congratulations to the entire SpaceX team for completing 165 Falcon launches and five Starship flight tests this year, all continuing to help pave the way to making life multiplanetary! pic.twitter.com/tbfFTmFWf0
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 31, 2025
