SpaceX kicked off 2026 with a quiet but important launch. On January 2, the Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California just after 6 PM local time. It carried COSMO SkyMed Second Generation Flight Model 3, an Italian satellite designed for Earth observation. This satellite uses radar technology to see through clouds and work at night, making it useful for tracking environmental changes, disasters, and military needs. The COSMO SkyMed programme is run by Italy’s Space Agency and Ministry of Defence. This launch followed multiple delays caused by technical issues, including a hydraulic system fault at the launch pad. The booster returned safely, continuing SpaceX’s routine of reliable landings. COSMO SkyMed satellites have been in operation for years, and this second-generation version offers quicker revisit times and sharper images. It supports both civilian agencies monitoring floods and earthquakes and military planners seeking surveillance. The dual civilian-military role shows how space technology now serves mixed purposes. This launch was SpaceX’s first in 16 days, the longest pause in recent years, partly due to Starlink adjustments. By flying an international government payload early in the year, SpaceX demonstrated that it caters to global clients beyond its own satellite network. The Falcon 9 remains a dependable workhorse rather than a flashy show. The COSMO SkyMed satellite will orbit Earth quietly, sending back vital data without fanfare. While the launch itself may soon be forgotten, its impact will last much longer.