SICRAL 3A and 3B are next generation communication satellites for the Italian Ministry of Defence, providing UHF and SHF communications services in replacement of SICRAL 2 and adding Ka-band capacities. One of the satellites will provide UHF and SHF band communications, while the other carries a Ka-band payload. These 2 geostationary satellites will provide confidential strategic and tactical communications, to support defense missions both in Italy and abroad, as well as supporting security, public rescue and civil protection services. The new SICRAL 3 system is designed to meet Italian defense communications and interoperability requirements.

Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of satellites and the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. The Block 5 variant is the fifth major interval aimed at improving upon the ability for rapid reusability.

Space Exploration Technologies Corp., known as SpaceX, is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. It was founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX operates from many pads, on the East Coast of the US they operate from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and historic LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center. They also operate from SLC-4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, usually for polar launches. Another launch site is being developed at Boca Chica, Texas.