SpaceX has rescheduled a Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg, turning a late-December flight into California’s first 2026 launch. The rocket will carry the CSG-3 Earth-observation satellite for the Italian Space Agency, targeted for 6:09 p.m. PT on Jan. 2 with a backup window the next day. SpaceX’s live webcast typically begins about 15 minutes before liftoff on its website and the X TV app; check official feeds for last-minute changes.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Set To Launch CSG-3 From Vandenberg — How To Watch California’s First 2026 Launch
SpaceX is scheduled to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County to deliver the CSG-3 Earth-observation satellite for the Italian Space Agency. What had been planned as a late-December mission was delayed twice for additional ground system checkouts; the current target time is 6:09 p.m. PT on Friday, Jan. 2, with a possible backup window the following day, according to an FAA operations advisory.
Mission and Rocket: The two-stage, 230-foot Falcon 9 — one of the world’s most frequently flown rockets — will carry the CSG-3 satellite to low-Earth orbit. The mission uses SpaceX’s routinely flown Falcon 9 booster architecture to place government and commercial payloads into orbit.
When And Where To Watch: SpaceX typically begins live webcast coverage about 15 minutes before the target liftoff time. The stream is available on SpaceX’s website and on its X TV mobile app; the company also posts status updates on X. Viewers should check those feeds for any last-minute schedule changes.
Local Viewing: Southern Californians can often view launches from coastal vantage points and see the rocket arc overhead farther inland. If watching in person, follow local range and safety guidance; the FAA advisory is the official reference for any range or safety windows and for alternate launch opportunities.
About SpaceX: Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX is headquartered at Starbase in South Texas, where routine flight testing of the 400-foot Starship megarocket takes place. The company conducts many launches from California and Florida — including regular Starlink deployments and occasional privately funded crewed missions aboard the Dragon capsule — and performs numerous government launches under contracts with NASA and the Department of Defense.
Prelaunch Tips: Tune in to the SpaceX webcast about 15 minutes before 6:09 p.m. PT for prelaunch commentary, live telemetry and the countdown. If you plan to watch from the coast, arrive early for parking and clear sight lines; if you’re farther inland, look for the bright streak of the rocket as it climbs into orbit. Check SpaceX’s channels and the FAA advisory if weather or technical issues prompt another slip to the backup day.
Note: Times and windows are subject to change; official updates will appear on SpaceX’s website and X and in the FAA operations advisory.
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