Another SpaceX rocket is ready to rumble. When will it launch from Vandenberg?
A second Falcon 9 rocket of the month could blast off this week from Vandenberg Space Force Base near Lompoc to deliver assorted small satellites into orbit.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. reportedly is working toward the liftoff from Space Launch Complex-4 on South Base for a dedicated rideshare mission.
As of Sunday afternoon, SpaceX had not confirmed the launch date or time.
However, warnings to boaters and pilots have advised that a launch might occur with departure between 11:10 p.m. Monday and 1:11 a.m. Tuesday.
The team has other backup opportunities this week in the event the launch doesn’t get off the ground on the first attempt.
Dubbed the Transporter-7 mission, the rocket will be next in a series of Falcon vehicles to carry a collection of satellites from multiple customers to test assorted technology and for various other purposes.
SpaceX reportedly is intending for the Falcon’s first-stage booster to return to the Central Coast, which could prompt sonic booms heard throughout Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties as the vehicle breaks the sound barrier en route back to Vandenberg.
Sonic booms stem from the shock waves created by an aircraft or launch vehicle traveling faster than the speed of sound. The booms have been likened to an explosion or a clap of thunder, but sound at various locations can depend on weather conditions and other factors.
The weather forecast calls for patchy fog, which could spoil the view for spectators hoping to watch the rocket’s launch and return.
When not planning to land at Vandenberg, SpaceX rockets also touch down on a drone ship positioned in the Pacific Ocean hundreds of miles away from Santa Barbara County.
This will be the second Falcon liftoff from Vandenberg in April, following an April 2 launch to place 10 military satellites into orbit.
Where to watch SpaceX rocket launch
On the West Coast, SpaceX rocket launches and landings typically attract onlookers to the Lompoc Valley.
Vandenberg has restricted access, but several locations around the Lompoc Valley provide views of the launch and landing sites, which are south of West Ocean Avenue/Highway 246.
The locations include west of Lompoc, the peak of Harris Grade Road, and near the intersection of Moonglow and Stardust roads.
Providence Landing Park, at 699 Mercury Ave. in Vandenberg Village, also is a popular gathering spot, along with West Ocean Avenue west of the Lompoc’s city limits.
A live broadcast of the mission can be found on the SpaceX website or its YouTube channel.
Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com .
