SpaceX Targets Early-Morning Falcon 9 Launch From Vandenberg — Where to Watch

SpaceX is targeting an early-morning Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Sunday, Dec. 7. The mission carries 28 Starlink internet satellites and is the third of at least four Starlink deployments planned from Vandenberg in the opening days of December.

Launch Window & Location

The company has a four-hour launch window that opens at 8:13 a.m. PT on Dec. 7, with a contingency opportunity the following day per a Federal Aviation Administration operations-plan advisory. Liftoff will occur from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg in Santa Barbara County. As with most Vandenberg missions, the Falcon 9 will fly on a southeast trajectory.

What’s Flying

SpaceX will loft 28 Starlink satellites aboard its two-stage, 230-foot Falcon 9 — one of the world’s most frequently flown rockets. After stage separation, the first-stage booster will attempt a controlled landing on SpaceX’s Pacific drone ship, Of Course I Still Love You, for recovery and reuse.

Where To Watch

Vandenberg is an active military installation and does not host official public viewing areas. However, on clear days many public locations in nearby counties offer good vantage points. Recommended sites include:

• Santa Barbara County (near Lompoc): 13th St. & Arguello Blvd.; Floradale Ave. & W. Ocean Ave. (designated SLC-6 viewing site); Renwick Ave. & W. Ocean Ave.; Santa Lucia Canyon Rd. & Victory Rd.
• Lompoc favorites: Ocean Park (6851 Ocean Park Rd.), Allan Hancock College (1 Hancock Dr.), Riverbend Park (N A St. & McLaughlin Rd.), Surf Beach (Ocean Ave.) — note limited parking and an active Amtrak track at Surf Beach.
• Ventura County: Ventura Pier (750 E. Harbor Blvd.), Emma Wood State Beach, Serra Cross Park (Grant Park), San Buenaventura State Beach, Cemetery Memorial Park.
• San Luis Obispo County: Avila Beach, Pismo Beach (including Shell Beach parks), Oceano Dunes, Morro Strand State Beach (south-facing beaches in Cayucos and Morro Bay).
• Farther afield: On clear mornings or evenings the rocket may be visible as it climbs on a southern trajectory from cities such as Long Beach, Lake Forest, San Diego and parts of the Central Valley.

Safety, Visibility & Timing Tips

• Launches can be postponed for weather or technical reasons — check local outlets and the Ventura County Star for updates before traveling.
• Residents in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties are most likely to hear sonic booms; Vandenberg has warned booms could persist for several minutes after liftoff.
• Arrive early, bring layers (coastal mornings can be chilly), and expect parking or road closures near popular viewing spots.
• If viewing from Surf Beach, exercise caution at the Amtrak crossing and obey all posted safety and law enforcement instructions.

About SpaceX & Starlink

Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk and headquartered at Starbase in South Texas, SpaceX conducts regular Falcon 9 launches from California and Florida. Starlink — SpaceX’s satellite internet constellation — now exceeds approximately 8,700 satellites in low-Earth orbit and aims to provide lower-latency internet access to rural and hard-to-reach areas compared with geostationary systems.

Who Manages Vandenberg Launch Operations

Vandenberg Space Force Base (established 1941) hosts military, civil and commercial launches. Space Launch Delta 30 oversees launch operations and missile testing at the facility.

For the latest launch status and any schedule changes, check local news outlets and official SpaceX or FAA updates before heading to a viewing site.

Contributors: Jennifer Sangalang (USA TODAY Network), Paris Barraza (Palm Springs Desert Sun). Original reporting by Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY Network.