SpaceX rocket launch in California to deploy government satellite. Here's when

Liftoff in 3 … 2 … 1!

And no surprise, it’ll be a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket due to get off the ground from the Vandenberg Space Force Base. But the commercial spaceflight company has yet to launch a mission in 2026 from the West Coast to deploy its commercial Starlink Internet satellites.

Instead, SpaceX is due to help deliver to low-Earth orbit some government satellites.

Californians – and even Arizonans – making their plans to watch any launches should keep in mind that lots can change between now and when each rocket is expected to lift off, as delays in spaceflight are common. Be sure to visit VC Star for the latest mission updates.

In the meantime, here’s your weekly look at the upcoming launch schedule at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.

Friday, Jan. 16: NROL-15

Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage rocket

Launch window: 8:18 to 8:53 p.m. PT Friday, Jan. 16, 2026

Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California

Booster landing: Return to base at Landing Zone 4

Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

SpaceX rocket launch in California to deploy government satellite. Here’s when