SpaceX will attempt a late-night Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base between 9:20 p.m. PT Dec. 13 and 4:54 a.m. PT Dec. 14, with an FAA-listed backup opportunity the next day. The 230-foot rocket is set to deliver 27 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit. SpaceX will stream the launch on its website and the X TV app beginning about five minutes before liftoff; the ascent and contrail may be visible across parts of California and into Arizona if weather cooperates.
SpaceX Schedules Late-Night Falcon 9 Launch From Vandenberg — How to Watch Live
SpaceX is preparing a late-night Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County to deploy a batch of Starlink internet satellites. The mission offers both in-person viewing opportunities across parts of California and Arizona and a live webcast for viewers worldwide.
Launch Window And Mission Details
Launch Window: 9:20 p.m. PT on Saturday, Dec. 13, through 4:54 a.m. PT on Sunday, Dec. 14. Vandenberg Space Force Base announced the updated window, and an FAA operations-plan advisory lists a backup opportunity the following day if the mission is delayed.
Vehicle: Two-stage, 230-foot Falcon 9.
Payload: 27 Starlink internet satellites bound for low-Earth orbit.
How To Watch
SpaceX typically begins a live webcast about five minutes before liftoff. Watch on the SpaceX website or via the X TV mobile app for live commentary, telemetry, and multiple camera angles that follow key milestones such as stage separation and fairing deployment. SpaceX may also post status updates to its X account (formerly Twitter).
Where You Can See The Launch
Local viewers near Vandenberg can often see the rocket lift off and the bright ascent if weather conditions are favorable. The launch’s contrail and plume can also be visible far downrange — observers in many parts of California and in nearby Arizona (including Phoenix and Maricopa County) have reported clear views of West Coast night launches when timing and weather align.
Why It Matters
Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite broadband service, and this mission adds 27 satellites to a constellation that has grown to nearly 9,000 satellites. Falcon 9 remains the company’s workhorse for routine deployments from both California and Florida. In addition to commercial launches, SpaceX conducts crewed missions aboard Dragon and carries out government and scientific missions under contracts with NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Company Notes
Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX is headquartered at Starbase in South Texas, where development and testing of the 400-foot Starship megarocket continue. The company is expanding West Coast operations with plans to increase launch cadence in 2026 and eventually debut Falcon Heavy launches from California.
Tip for Viewers: If you plan to watch in person, check local viewing guidelines, weather forecasts, and SpaceX social channels for real-time updates. If you watch the webcast, plan to tune in about five minutes before the scheduled liftoff to catch prelaunch commentary.
Reporting contributed by Eric Lagatta of the USA TODAY Network. This story was adapted from an original piece that appeared in the Palm Springs Desert Sun.
