SpaceX is preparing for its final rocket launch of 2025, with the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation mission scheduled to lift off on December 27, marking the company’s 165th launch of the year. The mission will be carried out using a Falcon 9 rocket, capping off a record-breaking year for Elon Musk’s aerospace company.
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The Falcon 9 rocket is set to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 6:08 p.m. Pacific Time. The mission supports the Italian Space Agency and the Italian Ministry of Defence, continuing a long-standing collaboration focused on Earth observation and security capabilities. A backup launch window has been reserved for December 28 at the same time, should weather or technical issues arise.
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— Black Hole (@konstructivizm) December 23, 2025
COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellites are designed to enhance high-resolution radar imaging of the Earth, providing critical data for environmental monitoring, disaster management and defence-related operations. The system is regarded as a key asset for Italy’s space and security infrastructure, offering improved performance compared to earlier generations.
Space enthusiasts will be able to watch the launch live. SpaceX plans to stream the event on its official website as well as on its X (formerly Twitter) account, @SpaceX. Viewers are advised to tune in around 15 minutes before liftoff to catch pre-launch coverage and commentary.
Throughout 2025, SpaceX significantly surpassed its previous annual launch records, completing 165 missions. A large portion of these launches focused on deploying Starlink satellites to expand global internet coverage, alongside crewed and cargo missions to the International Space Station.
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The COSMO-SkyMed mission not only highlights SpaceX’s growing role in international space partnerships but also underscores the company’s operational pace and reliability. As 2025 draws to a close, the final Falcon 9 launch serves as a milestone in what has been one of the most active years in commercial spaceflight history.