What: Falcon 9 rocket launch at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.

When: Between 1:40 a.m. to 2:15 a.m. Friday, according to SpaceX. If needed, the team has a backup opportunity during a 35-minute window opening at 1:26 a.m. Saturday.

Launch timing is tied to orbital requirements essential to inserting a rocket’s payload where it needs to be placed in space.

Where: Space Launch Complex-4 on South Base.

Landing: The first-stage booster, making its third flight, will return to Landing Zone 4, west of the launch site, on South Base more than seven minutes after liftoff. 

Residents in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties will hear one or more sonic booms approximately 8–10 minutes after liftoff with the sound depending on weather and atmospheric conditions.

Why: To deliver the National Reconnaissance Office payload for the mission dubbed NROL-179.

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 and landing 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 Starlink missions on June 21 and 24.