First Falcon 9 launch of 2026 visible in Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A Falcon 9 rocket carrying satellites launched Friday evening from Vandenberg Space Force Base and was visible in the Bakersfield area.

The rocket took off on schedule at around 6:09 p.m. from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

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Officials said the mission revolves around the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation mission for the Italian Space Agency and the Italian Ministry of Defence to low-Earth orbit.

In the Bakersfield area, the rocket was visible looking toward the west. You may have seen the bright orange red glow of the rocket before entering low orbit.

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First Falcon 9 launch of 2026 visible in Bakersfield

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