The highly anticipated Falcon 9 rocket launch is set to take place at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County. This thrilling event is scheduled for 6:34 a.m. on Sunday, with additional launch windows extending until 10:34 a.m., as confirmed by SpaceX. Should any delays occur, the team has also arranged backup opportunities starting at 6:20 a.m. on Monday.
The launch will occur from Space Launch Complex-4 located on the South Base of Vandenberg. The mission's primary objective is to deploy 26 additional Starlink satellites into orbit, enhancing SpaceX's global internet coverage. Following liftoff, the deployment of these satellites is scheduled to take place approximately one hour later.
One of the highlights of this mission is the recovery of the first-stage booster, which is making its seventh flight. This booster will successfully land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship stationed in the Pacific Ocean. Residents in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties should be aware that a sonic boom could be experienced, although this phenomenon will depend on various weather and atmospheric conditions at the time of the launch, according to SpaceX.
For those eager to witness this remarkable event, a live webcast of the mission will commence roughly five minutes before liftoff. You can catch the livestream on spacex.com/launches and on social media platform X @SpaceX. If you prefer to watch the launch in person, the Lompoc Valley offers several prime viewing locations. Notable spots include the peak of Harris Grade Road, which lies west of Lompoc’s city limits, and areas around Vandenberg Village, particularly near the intersection of Moonglow and Stardust roads.
Launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base, especially those scheduled close to sunset or sunrise, can be particularly breathtaking. If weather permits and skies remain clear, the Falcon 9 rocket's departure may be visible from various locations across California and, under specific conditions, even from other Western states.
Stay tuned for this exciting launch and support the advancement of space technology and connectivity with SpaceX's innovative Starlink program.
