The Falcon 9 rocket standing ready at Vandenberg’s Launch Complex 4 East carries more than just another batch of Starlink satellites — it bears the weight of a milestone: SpaceX’s 600th successful booster landing attempt.
After a scrubbed launch attempt on Saturday, the mission is now set for Sunday morning with a four-hour window opening at 7 a.m. Pacific Time. The first-stage booster, designated B1097, will fly for the seventh time, having previously supported the Sentinel-6B and Twilight missions along with five prior Starlink flights. If it sticks the landing on the drone ship ‘Of Course I Still Love You’ in the Pacific Ocean — approximately eight minutes after liftoff — it will mark the 191st recovery on that vessel and the 600th overall for Falcon 9 boosters.
The flight path will take the rocket on a south-southwesterly trajectory over the Pacific, a trajectory that has become routine for West Coast launches in 2026. As the booster separates and begins its descent, residents along the Central Coast — from Santa Barbara to Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties — may hear the double crack of a sonic boom, a reminder of the vehicle’s supersonic return. SpaceX has issued public advisories about the expected noise, noting that while the sound is startling, it poses no physical threat.
This launch continues a rapid cadence: SpaceX has already conducted 75 Starlink satellite deployments from California in April alone, and this mission will add another 25 to the constellation, which now exceeds 10,200 active spacecraft. The company launched 54 Starlink satellites just days prior, on April 14 and 15, marking Vandenberg’s 25th launch of the year. Each flight reinforces the operational rhythm that has made Falcon 9 the world’s most-flown orbital-class rocket.
Despite the frequency, access to the launch itself remains restricted. Vandenberg Space Force Base is an active military facility, and its launch complexes are not open to the public. However, under clear conditions, the rocket’s ascent can be viewed from coastal vantage points as far south as Los Angeles and as far north as San Luis Obispo. Popular viewing spots include beaches in Avila, Pismo, and Morro Strand, as well as coastal overlooks in Santa Barbara County such as 13th Street and Arguello Boulevard.
The visibility of these launches has prompted increased community engagement from Vandenberg’s outreach team. Ahead of the mission, the base has scheduled a public “Mission Update” presentation for April 22 at the Veterans Memorial Building in Carpinteria, where officials will discuss launch schedules, safety protocols, and the broader mission of the base.
Should weather or technical issues delay Sunday’s attempt, a Federal Aviation Administration advisory notes that a backup opportunity exists on Monday. SpaceX typically does not disclose the specific reasons for scrubbed launches, though weather and range clearance are common factors.
What time should I watch for the launch?
The launch window opens at 7 a.m. Pacific Time on Sunday, April 19, 2026, and remains open for four hours. Spaceflight Now plans to initiate live coverage approximately 30 minutes before liftoff.
Where is the best place to see the rocket launch?
While Vandenberg Air Force Base is closed to the public, clear weather allows viewing from coastal areas in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties. Recommended spots include Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, Morro Strand State Beach, and overlooks along 13th Street and Arguello Boulevard in Santa Barbara.
Will I hear a sonic boom?
Residents in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear a sonic boom as the first-stage booster returns supersonically through the atmosphere. The sound resembles a double crack and is expected but not harmful.
What happens if the launch is delayed?
If the launch is scrubbed on Sunday, a backup opportunity is available on Monday, April 20, according to a Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory. SpaceX has not disclosed the reason for Saturday’s postponement.
