CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Fifth time was the charm Monday as SpaceX successfully launched an Italian satellite into orbit from Space Launch Complex 40.

The launch came after three weather-related delays and a ship in the hazard area on Sunday.

What You Need To Know

  • Monday's launch was SpaceX's fifth attempt

  • The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 6:11 p.m. from Space Launch Complex 40

  • The rocket is carrying an Italian surveillance satellite into orbit

Liftoff originally had been scheduled for Thursday but had to be postponed to Friday, Saturday and then Sunday. 

A ship that sailed into the hazard area, causing Sunday's launch to be postponed, was identified by the U.S. Coast Guard Monday as the Harmony of the Seas. 

The Coast Guard is actively investigating the incident, a spokesman said.

The Italian Space Agency’s COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite was onboard the Falcon 9 rocket.

It is is the second of four planned installments to upgrade the Italian Space Agency’s space-based radar and satellite imaging system.

Officially called the Constellation of small Satellites for Mediterranean basin Observation, it is the first Earth observation mission that is intended for dual-use, civilian and military, the agency explained.

While observing Earth from space, the Italian satellites will monitor and watch out for weather conditions, help predict floods and coordinate relief efforts in case of disasters like fires or earthquakes, stated the Italian Space Agency in a separate release.