SpaceX Falcon 9 to Launch Nov. 26, 2025 (Day Before Thanksgiving) — Where to Watch in California

SpaceX has rescheduled its Falcon 9 Transporter‑15 rideshare mission to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, the day before Thanksgiving. The company has announced a short mid‑morning window from 10:18–11:15 a.m. PT, with a contingency opportunity on Friday, Nov. 28, if the mission is delayed.

Launch details

The flight will lift off from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC‑4E) at Vandenberg in Santa Barbara County on a southern trajectory. The two‑stage, 230‑foot Falcon 9 will deploy multiple small satellites into a sun‑synchronous orbit. After stage separation, the first‑stage booster is expected to attempt a recovery landing on SpaceX’s drone ship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific.

Viewing and safety notes

Vandenberg is an active military base and does not host public viewing areas, but clear conditions often allow spectators across Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties — and in some cases farther afield — to see the launch. Because the window is mid‑morning and daylight can reduce the visual contrast of the rocket at greater distances, closer vantage points will offer more dramatic views.

Expect brief, thunder‑like sonic booms in nearby counties after liftoff; Vandenberg warns these sounds could be heard for several minutes. Rocket launches can be postponed at short notice due to weather or technical issues, so check local updates before you travel.

Recommended viewing spots near Vandenberg

Here are commonly suggested public vantage points (distances approximate):

• Santa Barbara County (Lompoc area):
  • 13th St. & Arguello Blvd — among the closest public street views for launches.
  • Floradale Ave. & W. Ocean Ave. — officially designated viewing site for nearby launch complexes.
  • Renwick Ave. & W. Ocean Ave. — another nearby intersection where spectators often park.
  • Santa Lucia Canyon Rd. & Victory Rd. — offers a partial view of Complex 4.
• Lompoc:
  • Ocean Park (6851 Ocean Park Rd) — about 4 miles from the launch site; parking is limited and authorities may close the beach road when it fills.
  • Allan Hancock College (1 Hancock Dr) — roughly 9 miles away; good sightlines for pre‑launch and liftoff.
  • Riverbend Park (N A St & McLaughlin Rd) — within ~10 miles; open fields for seating and gatherings.
  • Surf Beach (Ocean Ave) — a popular beach vantage but requires crossing an Amtrak track; trains are generally paused during launch windows but service could resume quickly if liftoff is scrubbed.
• Ventura County:
  • Ventura Pier (750 E. Harbor Blvd)
  • Emma Wood State Beach (along the Santa Barbara Channel)
  • Serra Cross Park (Grant Park, 501 Poli St) — panoramic coastal views
  • San Buenaventura State Beach (901 San Pedro St) and Cemetery Memorial Park
• San Luis Obispo County:
  • Avila Beach — restaurants and shops make it a good day‑trip spot.
  • Pismo Beach and Shell Beach parks (Eldwayen Ocean Park, Margo Dodd Park, Dinosaur Caves Park).
  • Oceano Dunes and Morro Strand State Beach — open coastal areas with wide sky views.

Farther‑flung visibility

On a southern trajectory, the Falcon 9 may be faintly visible from more distant Southern California cities after sunset or before sunrise on some launches. Cities sometimes mentioned include Long Beach (~180 miles south), Lake Forest (~200 miles south), San Diego (~280 miles south) and Merced (200+ miles north). Keep expectations modest for clarity at those distances.

Final tips

If you plan to watch in person: arrive early for parking, bring warm layers and water, follow local signage and instructions from law enforcement, and avoid trespassing on private or restricted property. Because launch schedules change, confirm the day‑of status with local news or official SpaceX/Vandenberg updates before heading out.

Reporting: Eric Lagatta