SpaceX will launch its final California mission of 2025 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, targeting liftoff at 6:08 p.m. PT on Saturday, Dec. 27. The Falcon 9 will carry CSG‑3, an Earth‑observation satellite for the Italian Space Agency, with a backup window listed the following day. SpaceX will stream the launch on its website and the X TV app starting about 15 minutes before liftoff. The company continues routine Falcon 9 operations and develops its larger Starship vehicle at Starbase in Texas.
SpaceX's Final California Launch of 2025 — Watch Falcon 9 Carry Italy's CSG‑3 From Vandenberg
Looking for something to watch between Christmas and New Year's? SpaceX has one last California launch scheduled for 2025 from Vandenberg Space Force Base — a Falcon 9 mission carrying CSG‑3, an Earth‑observation satellite for the Italian Space Agency.
Launch Details
SpaceX is targeting liftoff at 6:08 p.m. PT on Saturday, Dec. 27, from Vandenberg in Santa Barbara County. Federal Aviation Administration operations‑plan guidance lists a backup opportunity the following day if the launch is postponed.
The Vehicle and Payload
The mission will fly a two‑stage, approximately 230‑foot Falcon 9 — one of the world's most frequently used orbital rockets. Instead of the more common Starlink missions, this flight will deploy CSG‑3, an Italian Space Agency Earth‑observation satellite, into low‑Earth orbit.
How To Watch
SpaceX typically streams its launches live. The company will provide a webcast on its website and on the X TV mobile app beginning about 15 minutes before the scheduled liftoff. SpaceX may also post updates on the social platform X during the countdown.
Context
SpaceX was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk and conducts launches from multiple U.S. sites. The company operates a major test complex called Starbase in South Texas — where the larger Starship vehicle (roughly 400 feet tall) is being developed and flight‑tested. SpaceX also conducts crewed missions with the Dragon capsule and holds multi‑billion‑dollar contracts to provide launch services for NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Watching In Person
Observers across Southern California can often find public vantage points to view a Vandenberg liftoff, though distances and viewing angles vary. Local visitors should follow official guidance on sightlines, traffic and safety near the base.
If the schedule holds: expect the webcast to begin about 15 minutes before the 6:08 p.m. PT window on Dec. 27, with an alternate attempt possible the next day per FAA guidance.
