SpaceX targets a Falcon 9 launch Sunday evening with Italy’s COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation Earth observation satellite after the original Saturday attempt was scrubbed due to ground system issues. The rocket will deploy critical radar imaging technology for the Italian Space Agency from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Launch Target: December 28, 2025, at 6:08 p.m. PST from California
- Reason for Scrub: Ground systems equipment issue requiring troubleshooting at launch pad
- Mission: Third COSMO-SkyMed satellite for Italian Space Agency is final Falcon 9 flight of 2025
- Rocket: Booster B1081 on its 21st mission with return-to-base landing planned
SpaceX Delays Final 2025 Launch After Ground Issue
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SpaceX initially targeted Saturday, December 27 for liftoff but stood down from launch to address a ground systems failure at the company’s SLC-4E facility. The delay moves the mission to December 28 with liftoff scheduled for 6:08 p.m. Pacific Time, maintaining the same launch window. This will be SpaceX’s 171st launch of 2025 and the 321st overall launch since the company’s first commercial flight.
The scrub reflects SpaceX’s commitment to safety protocols despite scheduling pressure to complete the year’s final mission. Ground support teams worked quickly to identify and remedy the equipment issue, clearing the path for Sunday’s second attempt. The company has multiple backup windows available if additional delays occur.
COSMO-SkyMed Radar Satellite Mission Details
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The COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation system represents a major upgrade to Earth observation capabilities for Italy. The satellite uses advanced synthetic aperture radar technology to gather high-resolution imagery regardless of cloud cover or weather conditions, making it invaluable for disaster assessment, environmental monitoring, and national security applications.
This marks the third satellite in the Second Generation constellation for the Italian Space Agency and Italian Ministry of Defence. The two agencies partnered with Telespazio to execute the mission. Once deployed, the spacecraft will operate in a sun-synchronous dawn-dusk orbit optimized for consistent imaging geometry and lighting angles.
| Mission Element | Details |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1081, 21st flight) |
| Launch Site | SLC-4E, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California |
| Scheduled Launch | December 28, 2025, 6:08 p.m. PST |
| Landing Mode | Return-to-base landing at Vandenberg |
Falcon 9 Final Flight of the Year Signals Record-Breaking 2025
When the Falcon 9 lifts off, SpaceX will cap a historic 2025 with unprecedented launch volume. This final mission represents one of dozens of commercial, government, and international payloads the company has deployed this year. The reusable booster’s design enables SpaceX to maintain the world’s fastest launch cadence and continue supporting customers across military, civilian, and scientific sectors.
The Sunday launch completes SpaceX’s year after a challenging Saturday scrub. The company’s ground teams resolved the technical issue within hours, demonstrating the rapid response capability essential for commercial spaceflight operations. Operators validated all systems before proceeding with the new launch time.
What Happens if Weather Delays the Mission Again?
Should December 28 bring unfavorable weather, SpaceX has backup launch windows available on subsequent days. The mission has flexibility built into scheduling, though the company typically moves quickly to execute launches once systems are verified. Vandenberg’s coastal location occasionally makes evening launches vulnerable to marine layer cloud formations that can prevent safe flight operations.
Real-time launch countdown updates will be available through SpaceX’s official channels and the Spaceflight Now YouTube stream, which typically goes live about 10 minutes before the scheduled liftoff window. Mission-critical weather assessments occur in the final hours before launch to ensure optimal conditions for booster performance and recovery.
Sources
- Spaceflight Now – Launch coverage and schedule updates
- SpaceX – Official mission and ground systems information
- Italian Space Agency – COSMO-SkyMed program details
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