SpaceX Rocket Scheduled to Fly over Southern California Coast
Late-night skywatchers in Southern California are in for a treat as a SpaceX rocket is set to make its way across the coast. The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled for liftoff at 11:04 p.m. on Monday from Vandenberg Space Force Base, located northwest of Santa Barbara.
Originally planned for launch just after midnight last Thursday, the mission had to be postponed due to Hurricane Hilary’s impact on the recovery of the first-stage booster in the Pacific. However, four additional launch windows are available starting at 11:54 p.m. until 2:26 a.m. PT.
The rocket will be carrying 21 Starlink internet satellites into low-Earth orbit. This will mark the 15th flight for the first stage booster, which is expected to land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
If weather conditions allow, the rocket and its exhaust plume could be visible for hundreds of miles as it soars south along the coast. The best viewing opportunities occur just after sunset and before sunrise, as the rocket reflects the sun’s rays against the darkened sky.
SpaceX’s Starlink constellation of satellites, which are already in orbit around Earth, is part of a network designed to deliver high-speed internet anywhere in the world. If conditions are ideal, the satellites can be seen in a train-like formation as they parade across the night sky. They are most visible in the first few minutes after sundown and before sunrise, when they are high enough to reflect direct sunlight.
To find the best upcoming viewing times for the Starlink satellites, interested observers can use the FindStarlink tracker. It will provide information on when and where to look for these dazzling displays.
Whether you’re a space enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of the night’s sky, this SpaceX rocket launch promises to be a captivating sight for those lucky enough to catch a glimpse. Keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the show!