The highly anticipated Falcon 9 rocket launch is set to take place from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County. This exciting event is scheduled for Monday, with a launch window opening between 10:23 AM and 11:23 AM, according to the latest updates from SpaceX. If necessary, the team has also arranged backup opportunities during a one-hour window starting at 10:10 AM on Tuesday.
The launch will occur at Space Launch Complex-4 located on the South Base of Vandenberg. Following liftoff, the first-stage booster, which is making its 18th flight, will return to Landing Zone 4, situated west of the launch site. This recovery is expected to happen more than seven minutes after the rocket takes off.
Due to the planned landing of the booster, residents in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties may hear one or more sonic booms. However, the occurrence of these booms will depend on weather conditions and other variables, as noted by SpaceX.
The primary objective of this mission is to deliver the NROL-48 payload of satellites into orbit for the National Reconnaissance Office. This launch marks the 11th overall liftoff of the NRO’s proliferated architecture, which is a new strategy focusing on launching multiple small satellites instead of a single large spacecraft. This innovative approach aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of satellite operations.
For those interested in viewing the launch live, a webcast is scheduled to begin approximately 10 minutes before liftoff. You can watch it at spacex.com/launches or on X (@SpaceX). Furthermore, for those hoping to witness the rocket's ascent in person, the Lompoc Valley offers several ideal vantage points. Notable locations include the peak of Harris Grade Road, located west of Lompoc’s city limits, and various spots around Vandenberg Village, particularly near the intersection of Moonglow and Stardust roads.
Launches from Vandenberg are particularly stunning when they occur close to sunset or sunrise, providing picturesque views for spectators. If the weather is clear, the rocket’s launch could be visible from various locations across California and, under certain conditions, even from other states in the Western U.S..
Make sure to mark your calendars for this thrilling event and enjoy the spectacle of space exploration brought to you by SpaceX!
