The upcoming rocket launches from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County should be widely visible across California – and perhaps even Arizona.
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SpaceX’s Starlink missions were paused for about two weeks in California for a routine maintenance at the launch complex where the missions get off the ground.At least three Starlink deployment missions could be on the schedule in the week ahead alone from California.Additionally, NASA could launch two science satellites sometime in July.
Good news, space enthusiasts: rocket launches are about to resume in Southern California following a short break.
The Vandenberg Space Force Base and SpaceX don’t typically officially confirm California launches until about a day ahead of time, and the Federal Aviation Administration’s operations plan advisory is constantly updating.
Still, multiple online websites that track launches suggest that at least three Starlink deployment missions are on the schedule in the week ahead alone from California. Additionally, NASA could launch two science satellites sometime in July.
And as usual, the upcoming rocket launches from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County should be widely visible across California – and perhaps even Arizona.
Still, it’s important to keep in mind that rocket launches can be – and often are – delayed due to any number of factors, including poor weather conditions or unexpected issues with spacecraft. Make sure to visit VC Star for the latest mission updates.
Here’s a look at the upcoming June 2025 launch schedule (so far) at the Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Tuesday, July 15: Starlink 15-2Agency: SpaceXMission: Deploy Starlink V2 mini satellites into low-Earth orbitRocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage rocketLaunch window: 7:05 p.m. PT Tuesday, July 15Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force BaseBooster landing: SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed “Of Course I Still Love You,” in the Pacific OceanFriday, July 18: Starlink 17-3Agency: SpaceXMission: Deploy Starlink V2 mini satellites into low-Earth orbitRocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage rocketLaunch window: 7:08 p.m. PT Friday, July 18, 2025Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force BaseBooster landing: SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed “Of Course I Still Love You,” in the Pacific OceanSunday, July 20: Starlink 17-2Agency: SpaceXMission: Deploy Starlink V2 mini satellites into low-Earth orbitRocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage rocketLaunch window: 7:09 p.m. PT Sunday, July 20, 2025Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force BaseBooster landing: SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed “Of Course I Still Love You,” in the Pacific OceanTuesday, July 22: TRACERSAgency: SpaceXMission: NASA’s Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites (TRACERS) mission, consisting of two identical satellites that will orbit Earth in tandem, will study solar activity’s effects on Earth.Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage rocketLaunch window: 11:05 a.m. PT, Tuesday, July 22Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force BaseBooster landing: Unknown
This article has been updated to add new information.
Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com