As we approach the end of 2025, SpaceX is gearing up for a significant launch that underscores its commitment to advancing satellite technology. On December 31, a Falcon 9 rocket is set to deliver Italy's COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation (CSG-3) satellite into orbit at 9:09 p.m. EST from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This mission not only highlights SpaceX's capabilities but also marks the final orbital flight of the year in the Western Hemisphere.
The CSG-3 satellite plays a vital role for both the Italian Space Agency (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, or ASI) and the Italian Ministry of Defense. It is part of a sophisticated constellation that employs synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology to produce detailed two-dimensional images and three-dimensional reconstructions of Earth’s surface. Designed for all-weather observation, this new generation of satellites offers substantial enhancements compared to the original COSMO-SkyMed fleet, which was launched between 2007 and 2010. These improvements include superior image quality and quicker revisit times, allowing for more timely data collection.
For this mission, SpaceX will utilize its first-stage booster, designated B1081, which is making its 21st flight. This particular booster has been instrumental in several notable missions, including Crew-7 and various Transporter rideshare launches. After completing its primary mission, the booster is scheduled to return to Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4) at Vandenberg, with sonic booms likely to be heard across multiple counties, including Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura.
In addition to the SpaceX launch, the week is packed with exciting space activities. On December 29, China's Long March 4B rocket is slated to launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu Province. Although details about the specific payload remain undisclosed, this rocket is well-regarded for deploying Earth observation and meteorological satellites.
Following that, on December 30, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) aims to launch a Long March 7A from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan Province. The Long March 7A is designed for high-energy geostationary transfer orbits, which are crucial for positioning satellites above specific areas of the Earth. Notably, this launch will contribute to a remarkable achievement for China, bringing the nation’s total successful orbital launches in 2025 to over 90—setting a new national record.
Looking ahead to January 3, 2026, SpaceX is poised to kick off the new year with its first orbital launch, where a Falcon 9 will deploy the Starlink Group 6-88 satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The launch window opens at around 12:00 a.m. EST, and the booster is expected to land on the company's Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship, named A Shortfall of Gravitas, positioned in the Atlantic Ocean.
Reflecting on last week's events (December 22–28), the highlight was the maiden flight of China's Long March 12A. While the second stage successfully achieved its designated orbit, efforts to recover the first stage were unsuccessful. Additionally, South Korean startup Innospace faced challenges with its Spaceward mission using the Hanbit-Nano rocket, which failed shortly after liftoff from Brazil. In contrast, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the BlueBird Block 2 FM1 satellite, designed to enhance mobile broadband capabilities.
Meanwhile, Russia's Roscosmos agency was busy launching the Obzor-R n°1 X-band radar imaging satellite and concluded the week with a Soyuz mission from the Vostochny Cosmodrome, sending up the AIST-2T 01 and 02 stereoscopic imaging satellites for creating high-definition three-dimensional maps. China also continued its ambitious launch schedule with the deployment of low Earth orbit communications satellites and a geostationary weather satellite.
Looking forward, the first week of 2026 will commence with SpaceX's Twilight rideshare mission on January 5, featuring NASA's Pandora small satellite. Following that, on January 7, a Falcon 9 will deploy the Starlink Group 6-96 batch from Cape Canaveral, and on January 9, ISRO will launch the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-N1 aimed at improving agricultural monitoring from Sriharikota, India.
