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

When: Between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Wednesday, according to SpaceX. If needed, the team has backup opportunities during the same time period Thursday.

Where: Space Launch Complex-4 on the South Base.

Landing: The first-stage booster, making its 33rd flight, will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship positioned in the Pacific Ocean.

Why: Deliver 24 satellites into orbit for the Starlink constellation. 

Watch: A live webcast of the mission is scheduled to begin about five 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, such as 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 another Falcon rocket liftoff from Vandenberg between 11:59 p.m. Saturday and 12:36 a.m. Sunday to deliver the primary payload, a South Korean satellite, plus dozens of other spacecraft. Following the launch, the mission will involve the first-stage booster returning to Vandenberg’s Landing Zone-4 that likely will generate sonic booms.

That launch will be followed by another Starlink mission scheduled for the evening of May 5.

Launches can get delayed for a number of reasons, including technical troubles with the rocket, payload or support equipment; unfavorable weather; and scheduling issues.