[Satellite Today 12-19-08] Boeing Launch Services received a contract to launch the fourth satellite of the Cosmo-SkyMed (Constellation of Small Satellites for Mediterranean basin Observation) Earth-observation program for Italian Space Agency prime contractor Thales Alenia Space Italia, Boeing announced Dec. 19.
    Boeing Launch Services will procure the launch vehicle and related support from United Launch Alliance, its joint venture with Lockheed Martin.
    The spacecraft is expected to be launched in 2010 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.