What: Falcon 9 rocket launch at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.
When: Between 12:54 a.m. and 4:54 a.m. Wednesday, according to SpaceX. If needed, the team has backup opportunities during the same time period Thursday.
“The timing is driven by orbital mechanics and ensures the vehicle will reach the precise point in space required to execute mission objectives,” Vandenberg officials said.
Where: Space Launch Complex-4 on South Base.
Landing: The first-stage booster, making its 18th flight, will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship positioned in the Pacific Ocean.
“Based on Vandenberg SFB’s updated audibility modeling, residents of Montecito, Carpinteria, Ojai, Ventura, and Oxnard may hear a sonic boom approximately 8-10 minutes after launch, with the greatest likelihood of audibility in the Montecito, Carpinteria, and Ojai areas,” Vandenberg representatives said.
People in proximity to Vandenberg SFB will hear the initial low rumble of liftoff.
Why: Deliver 27 satellites into orbit for the Starlink constellation.
Watch: A live webcast of the mission is scheduled to begin about five minutes before liftoff at spacex.com/launches and on X @SpaceX.
To watch the liftoff in person, the Lompoc Valley has multiple locations offering views of the launch pad. Those include the peak of Harris Grade Road, west of Lompoc’s city limits and around Vandenberg Village, including near the intersection of Moonglow and Stardust roads.
Vandenberg launches close to sunset or sunrise can be especially picturesque. If skies are clear, the rocket’s departure might be visible from elsewhere around California and, under certain conditions, other Western states.