Vandenberg Guardians and Airmen are set to support the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch of the Bandwagon-2 mission to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) on Saturday, Dec. 21, with the launch window opening at 3 a.m.

Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, Falcon 9’s first stage will land at SpaceX’s Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4) at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Local residents may hear a sonic boom upon landing, which will vary based on weather and other conditions.

The 3 a.m. launch window is necessary to achieve the required orbital location, according to Vandenberg Space Force Base. A backup launch time is scheduled for 3 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 22.