SpaceX Night Launch May Light Up Arizona Skies — When and Where to Watch Falcon 9

About 10 days after the last West Coast liftoff, Arizona skywatchers may get another chance to spot a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket streaking across the night sky.

Launch details

SpaceX has a target liftoff time of 9:21 p.m. PT on Sunday, Nov. 16, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California. An FAA operations-plan advisory lists a backup opportunity the following day if the launch is postponed. The flight will follow a southeastward trajectory common to Vandenberg launches, taking the rocket over parts of Arizona.

What the mission carries

The two-stage, 230-foot Falcon 9 will carry a government weather satellite, Sentinel-6B, to monitor sea level changes and atmospheric temperatures. Sentinel-6B will succeed the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, which SpaceX launched in 2020.

Launch rules and oversight

This would be the first commercial California launch since a federal curfew restricted commercial launches to 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time. That restriction—introduced during a government shutdown and extended under an updated FAA order dated Nov. 12—remains in effect. "We treat every mission as critical to the national architecture – while ensuring rigorous public safety and scheduling flexibility," said Col. James Horne III, commander of Space Launch Delta 30, in a statement to the USA TODAY Network. He added that Vandenberg will continue coordinating closely with the FAA while aligning launch activity with national security priorities.

Will Arizonans be able to see it?

Because the launch is scheduled at night and follows a southeastward path, many parts of Arizona could see a bright, fast-moving streak as the rocket climbs through illuminated exhaust and sunlight reflecting off the upper stage. Clear skies and darker viewing locations increase the chance of a visible sighting.

Suggested viewing locations

The Arizona Republic compiled spots that offer broad, unobstructed views of the sky. Consider these options:

• Dobbins Lookout, South Mountain - 10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix
• Papago Park - 625 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
• Fountain Hills (designated Dark Sky Community)
• Superstition Mountains (≈40 miles from metro Phoenix)
• Cave Creek (≈30 miles north of Fountain Hills)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport parking garage (3400 Sky Harbor Blvd.) — popular for plane- and sky-watching
• Black Canyon City, Yavapai County
• Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Goodyear
• Skyline Regional Park, Buckeye
• White Tank Mountains, Waddell
• San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Queen Creek
• Monument Hill (150-foot slope on 115th Avenue)
• Casa Grande (roughly halfway between Phoenix and Tucson)
• Avondale and Queen Creek suburbs
• Any local mountain park or other dark, elevated vantage point

Tips and safety

Launches are frequently delayed for weather or technical reasons, so check updates before you go. Good sources include the SpaceX website, the FAA advisory notices, and local outlets such as azcentral.com. For the best viewing: choose a dark location with a clear southeast horizon, arrive early, bring binoculars or a camera with a tripod, and follow local park rules and safety guidance.

About SpaceX

Founded by Elon Musk in 2002, SpaceX is headquartered at Starbase in South Texas, where it has been testing the 400-foot Starship megarocket. The company conducts frequent Falcon 9 launches from California and Florida, delivering payloads including Starlink internet satellites and government spacecraft. SpaceX also operates the Dragon crew vehicle used for missions to the International Space Station and holds contracts with NASA and the Department of Defense for a range of launch services.

Observers should remember that sightings are never guaranteed. For the latest status and any schedule changes, check SpaceX's official launch notices, FAA advisories, and local news outlets before heading out.

Reporting credit: Arizona Republic / USA TODAY Network. Contact: elagatta@gannett.com.