SpaceX readies Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg — livestream and viewing details
SpaceX is scheduled to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County at 9:21 p.m. PT on Sunday, Nov. 16. The mission will deliver Sentinel‑6B, a NASA-partnered government weather satellite, to orbit. The Federal Aviation Administration lists a backup opportunity the following day in case of delay.
About the mission
Sentinel‑6B, developed with NASA, will measure global sea level and record atmospheric temperature profiles. It succeeds the Sentinel‑6 Michael Freilich spacecraft launched in 2020 and will help improve coastal planning, weather forecasting and maritime operations by providing precise, long-term ocean surface height data.
When and where to watch
Because NASA is a mission partner, live coverage will be available on NASA's streaming platform, NASA+, beginning roughly one hour before liftoff. SpaceX commonly provides webcasts of its missions, but this flight’s primary public stream will be through NASA+. If the launch slips, check official SpaceX, NASA and FAA channels for updates about the backup window the next day.
Viewing in Southern California
On clear evenings many Southern California vantage points offer good views of Vandenberg launches as rockets climb over the Pacific. Popular spectator areas include coastal lookouts and public parks facing west; local authorities usually post guidance about safe viewing locations and road access on the day of the launch.
About SpaceX
Founded by Elon Musk in 2002, SpaceX is headquartered at Starbase in South Texas, where it conducts Starship flight tests. The company operates frequent Falcon 9 launches from California and Florida for payloads including Starlink internet satellites, commercial and government cargo, and crewed Dragon missions to the International Space Station. SpaceX also holds major contracts with NASA and the Department of Defense to provide launch services for scientific, civil and classified payloads.
Original reporting by Eric Lagatta for the USA TODAY Network; originally appeared on the Palm Springs Desert Sun.
