Vandenberg Space Force Base has launched a new notification system which was announced this weekend as the newest Starlink mission preps for liftoff.

The suggestion to issue alerts came in response to the various complaints to the California Coastal Commission about the lack of notification for liftoffs, startling residents as far away as Ventura County. 

Vandenberg officials announced the new notification system days before SpaceX prepares to send another set of Starlink satellites into orbit from Space Launch Complex-4 on South Base. 

Once aiming for Monday night, the mission reportedly has been delayed until Wednesday night.

Liftoff is targeting 7 p.m. Wednesday with other opportunities until 11 p.m., according to SpaceX.

If the mission gets delayed, the team also has additional opportunities available on Thursday night.

For Starlink missions, the Falcon 9 rocket’s first-stage booster lands on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship.

Another departure at dusk could create a colorful display in the skies — assuming the marine layer cooperates — and attract attention from spectators hundreds of miles way from the Central Coast.

As Vandenberg has seen more commercial space launches — even those carrying government satellites — the previous public affairs leaders had stopped notifying the media and the public about looming launches as they had done for many years.

Western Range range representatives still issued the required notifications to the mariners and pilots advising of upcoming rocket launches. 

And typically before a launch the U.S. provides notifications to Russia to ensure it’s not mistaken for something launched in anger.

During an April meeting of the California Coastal Commission, Ojai resident Phil Simon noted how the frequency and intensity of launch impacts the Ventura County community. 

“I don’t know if the rockets being launched are different now, the trajectory is different, but something is definitely different than it has been in the past,” Simon said. “I’m also concerned about being notified.”

He said he only confirmed the source of the noise after the launches have occurred, adding that unexpected sonic booms can be stressful.

Noise from launches also startle residents closer to the base, another reason for the notifications. Others just like to know of looming launches since they enjoy watching them.

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