What: Falcon 9 rocket launch at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.
When: Between 4:46 p.m. and 8:46 p.m. Friday, according to SpaceX. If needed, the team has backup opportunities starting at 4:32 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Space Launch Complex-4 on the South Base.
Landing: The first-stage booster, making its eighth flight, will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship positioned in the Pacific Ocean.
Why: Deliver a payload for the U.S. Space Force mission dubbed USSF-432. It is the latest in a series of Space Force payloads, but the military has remained mum about the number of spacecraft and the purpose.
Watch: A live webcast of the mission is scheduled to begin about 10 minutes before liftoff at spacex.com/launches and on X @SpaceX.
To watch the liftoff in person, the Lompoc Valley has multiple locations offering views of the launch pad. Those include the peak of Harris Grade Road, west of Lompoc’s city limits and around Vandenberg Village, including near the intersection of Moonglow and Stardust roads.
Vandenberg launches close to sunset or sunrise can be especially picturesque. If skies are clear, the rocket’s departure might be visible from elsewhere around California and, under certain conditions, other Western states.
Upcoming Launches: SpaceX plans additional Falcon rocket liftoffs from Vandenberg for military missions as soon as Monday and Nov. 12.
Launches can get delayed for a number of reasons, including technical troubles with the rocket, payload or support equipment; unfavorable weather; and scheduling issues.
