What: The Falcon 9 rocket is set to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.
When: You can catch the launch this Sunday, between 5:19 a.m. and 6:19 a.m. If needed, there’s a backup opportunity during the same time frame on Monday.
Where: The launch will take place at Space Launch Complex-4 on South Base.
Landing: After liftoff, the first-stage booster will return to Landing Zone 4, about seven minutes later.
Residents in nearby Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties might hear sonic booms 8-10 minutes after launch. The sound can vary based on weather conditions.
Why: This launch is part of the Twilight mission, which carries various small payloads, including a satellite from local company Umbra. NASA also has multiple payloads on board, including the Pandora satellite. Pandora will study exoplanet atmospheres and aims to observe at least 20 planets during its yearlong mission.
Additionally, the launch includes the Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat (SPARCS). This small telescope, about the size of a cereal box, is part of the NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative. Its goal is to give educational institutions and nonprofits a chance to send their projects into space.
In recent years, space launches like this one have gained popularity. According to a report from the Space Foundation, the number of commercial space launches increased significantly, highlighting a growing interest in both scientific exploration and satellite technology. This trend suggests a robust future for space activities and collaborations.
For those wanting to watch the launch live, a webcast will start about 15 minutes before liftoff at spacex.com/launches and on X @SpaceX.
If you’d like to view the liftoff in person, the Lompoc Valley offers several great spots, including Harris Grade Road and Vandenberg Village near Moonglow and Stardust roads. Clear morning or evening skies could make for a stunning visual as the rocket ascends, possibly visible even from other parts of California.
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