SpaceX is set to launch the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation (CSG-3) mission on December 27

SpaceX is gearing up for what could be its final rocket launch of an extraordinary 2025, targeting Saturday, December 27, at 6:08 p.m. PT (which is 9:08 p.m. ET or 02:08 UTC on December 28) for the Falcon 9 liftoff of the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation (CSG-3) mission from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

This international collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Italian Ministry of Defence will deploy an advanced Earth observation satellite equipped with high-resolution synthetic aperture radar, designed to provide crucial all-weather data for environmental monitoring, disaster response, and national security purposes—marking a key upgrade to Italy’s space-based reconnaissance capabilities.

The mission also highlights SpaceX’s record-breaking year, as this would serve as approximately the 165th to 167th Falcon 9 launch in 2025 (depending on final counts), with a significant focus on Starlink deployments alongside government and crewed flights.

The veteran first-stage booster, on its 21st flight after previously supporting missions like Crew-7, CRS-29, PACE, and multiple Starlink and classified NROL launches, will attempt a precise landing on Landing Zone 4 at Vandenberg shortly after separation.

A backup window is available on Sunday, December 28, at the same time if needed due to weather or technical issues, and residents in nearby Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties might hear sonic booms depending on atmospheric conditions. Space enthusiasts can catch the action live via SpaceX’s webcast starting about 15 minutes before liftoff on the company’s website, X account (@SpaceX), or the X TV app—promising a dramatic close to a year that has solidified SpaceX’s dominance in commercial and international spaceflight.