For the third time, SpaceX will attempt a rocket launch in California on a mission to deliver reconnaissance satellites to space.
The commercial spaceflight company has been trying since Oct. 5 to launch a mission for the Space Development Agency from the Vandenberg Space Force Base. But twice the mission has been scrubbed – or postponed – for reasons SpaceX has not publicly explained.
Now, SpaceX will attempt to get its medium-lift Falcon 9 rocket off the ground once again on the mission, with a launch window targeted overnight.
Want to watch it live? Californians have a chance to see the rocket in person; otherwise, SpaceX provides a livestream.
Here's everything to know about the latest SpaceX mission, and how to watch a webcast of the Falcon
9 launching in Santa Barbara County.
Is there a rocket launch today? Next mission from California
SpaceX is working toward a 12:54 a.m. PT Thursday, Oct. 8, launch from Southern California, according to alaunch alert. The launch will take place from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.
A Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory suggests a backup opportunity is available the next day if the launch were to be postponed.
What's the mission? What to know about Tranche 1
SpaceX will deploy another batch of 21 Tranche 1 satellites for the Space Development Agency (SDA.)
The payload marks the fourth batch that SpaceX will help deliver, for a total of 154 layered network of satellites. Once in low-Earth orbit – an altitude closer to Earth's atmosphere – the satellites will by 2027 provide global military tactical communication and missile defense.
What rocket is launching? What to know about Falcon 9
The mission will use SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The two-stage, 230-foot rocket is the most active rocket in the world, having launched hundreds of times from both Florida and California.
How to watch SpaceX launch livestream
Californians, of course, have plenty of opportunities to see a rocket in person both near the launch site as it lifts off, and farther away as it soars overhead.
But SpaceX also provides a live webcast of its missions for those who prefer to watch from home or for those viewing the launch locally and looking for updates in real-time.
As with most SpaceX missions, the launch will be available to stream on the company's website beginning about 10 minutes before liftoff. SpaceX may also provide updates on social media site X.
Photos of SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in California, US
Where is the booster landing? What to know about booster re-entry
Following the launch and stage separation, the Falcon 9 rocket's booster will aim to return to the launch site to land at Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4) at the Vandenberg Space Force Base. While SpaceX most often has boosters land on its drone ship offshore, this method still allows personnel to recover the booster so it can be reused in future spaceflights.
Will there be sonic booms?
Residents of Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County and Ventura County often stand to be the most likely to hear sonic booms, SpaceX said.
In the case of a booster returning for a landing back at Vandenberg closer to populated areas – rather than on a drone ship in the ocean – the sonic boom could be even more noticeable. That's because the booster falls back through the atmosphere still traveling at supersonic speeds and, as it slows down, generates shock waves that sound like one or more loud cracks of thunder on the ground.
Meanwhile, "areas local to Vandenberg Space Force Base will hear the initial low rumble of take-off," Vandenberg also warns before launches.
Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Watch SpaceX make 3rd attempt to launch recon satellites in California
