SpaceX pushes back Vandenberg rocket launch. Here’s when it will take off now
SpaceX has delayed the launch of its Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base near Lompoc.
The launch, which would carry 51 more satellites into orbit, was originally scheduled for Monday but has been pushed back to Tuesday at 11:20 a.m.
“Standing down from today’s launch of 51 Starlink satellites from California due to unfavorable weather conditions” the company tweeted Monday. “There is another opportunity tomorrow and the team is keeping an eye on weather.”
SpaceX also noted that its planned launch this week for the manned Crew-6 mission has priority, so if all weather and systems are a go for that, it will stand down from the Starlink launch.
The Vandenberg launch will use the company’s Falcon 9 rocket.
The first-stage booster was used previously to launch the Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, IXPE, Transporter-4, Transporter-5, Globalstar FM15, ISI EROS C-3 and two other Starlink missions, according to SpaceX.
Following separation, the Falcon 9’s first stage will return to Earth and land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
How to watch Vandenberg rocket launch
The SpaceX launch will likely be viewable from around the Central Coast, depending on weather conditions and whether Vandenberg’s infamous fog makes an appearance.
There are several viewing areas around the Lompoc area for those interested in watching the spectacle live.
Cars often line up along Ocean Avenue, also known as Highway 246, with hundreds of spectators sitting on top of their vehicles or on the side of the road waiting for the rocket to come shooting up over the hills.
Other popular viewing sites include spots along Firefighter, Harris Grade and Santa Lucia roads.
A live webcast of the launch will begin about five minutes prior to liftoff and can be watched online at .spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl2-7.
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