SpaceX to launch rocket from Vandenberg today. Here’s when and how to watch
For live updates on today’s launch, read our story here: Live updates: SpaceX ‘keeping an eye on upper-level winds’ ahead of Vandenberg launch
A SpaceX rocket will launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Friday afternoon, carrying 46 of the aerospace company’s Starlink satellites into orbit.
The launch is scheduled for 2:40 p.m., with a backup opportunity on Saturday at 10:40 p.m., according to SpaceX.
The launch will use the company’s Falcon 9 rocket; the first-stage booster that will be used previously launched the Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, IXPE, Transporter-4, Transporter-5, Globalstar FM15, and one other Starlink mission, according to SpaceX.
Following separation, the Falcon 9’s first stage will return to Earth and land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
How to watch Vandenberg rocket launch
The SpaceX launch will likely be viewable from around the Central Coast, depending on the weather conditions and whether Vandenberg’s infamous fog makes an appearance.
There are several viewing areas around the Lompoc area for those interested in watching the spectacle live.
Cars often line up along Ocean Avenue, also known as Highway 246, with hundreds of spectators sitting on top of their vehicles or on the side of the road waiting for the rocket to come shooting up over the hills.
Other popular viewing sites include spots along Firefighter, Harris Grade and Santa Lucia roads.
A live webcast of the launch will begin about five minutes prior to liftoff and can be watched online at spacex.com/launches/sl3-3.
