As SpaceX continues its quick pace of missions from Vandenberg Space Force Base, a new email and text notification system launched in the summer has drawn thousands of subscribers.

On Wednesday, a Falcon 9 rocket loudly blasted off at 9:23 p.m. from Space Launch Complex-4 en route to placing 20 Starlink satellites into orbit. Deployment of the spacecraft was scheduled to occur one hour after the rocket’s departure.

The first-stage booster completed its eighth launch and landing after touching down on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship positioned in the Pacific Ocean.

Since launching the alerts in early July, Vandenberg’s notification system has attracted 20,212 subscribers for both email and text notifications of a planned mission.

Of that number, about 7,500 subscribers have opted for email and 12,500 subscribers have requested text alerts, Vandenberg officials said.

Vandenberg implemented the alert system after a suggestion during a California Coastal Commission meeting earlier this year amid complaints, including from residents in the northeast Ventura County community of Ojai, about the loud noises.

“As launches are expected to increase at Vandenberg, VSFB Launch Alerts are a resource to inform the community on spaceport and missile test launches approved by the Western Range,” said Jennifer Green-Lanchoney, public affairs chief for Space Launch Delta 30, Vandenberg’s primary unit.

While notices to mariners and pilots often are issued days ahead of a launch, the alerts typically get sent several hours before liftoff and after ensuring a mission remains on track.

Launch dates can change because of unfavorable weather or technical troubles. Additionally, liftoff times sometimes get tweaked to ensure that the satellites get safely delivered where they are needed in space. 

The system experienced some glitches during the initial weeks, but those appear to have been resolved. 

If a launch is rescheduled, an alert will be sent indicating the new date and time once approved. 

Noozhawk also reports on planned rocket launches and missile tests to alert residents beforehand.

SpaceX, currently the most active launch provider at Vandenberg, is one of several organizations whose rockets and missiles take off from the sprawling 100,000-acre installation. 

Vandenberg also notes completed missions on its Facebook page here: facebook.com/SLD30.

To sign up for a text or email alert, go to Vandenberg’s website and click on “Vandenberg Alerts.”