SpaceX could be eyeing two rocket launches in three days in California.
The near-double-header comes after the commercial spaceflight company has been trying since Oct. 5 to launch military reconnaissance satellites into orbit from the Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Because that mission has been scrubbed three times
, SpaceX's next attempt is due to happen two days before it has its next Starlink satellite deployment mission scheduled at Vandenberg.That means plenty of opportunities for Californians to witness a Falcon 9 rocket thundering off the ground and climbing into the sky. Of course, SpaceX also provides livestreams of its missions.
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 two rocket launches between Saturday, Oct. 10 and Monday, Oct. 12 from Southern California. Each launch will take place from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.
The first is due for no earlier than 12:29 a.m. PT, Saturday, Oct. 10, launch, according to alaunch alert.
SpaceX then is targeting between 4 and 8 p.m. PT Monday, Oct. 12 for another launch, the company announced.
A Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory suggests a backup opportunity is available the next day in both cases if either launch were to be postponed.
What's the 1st mission? What to know about Tranche 1
SpaceX, the commercial spaceflight company founded by Elon Musk, plans to 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's the 2nd mission? SpaceX to launch Starlink satellites
SpaceX, the commercial spaceflight company founded by Elon Musk, will deliver 27 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit – a region closer to Earth's atmosphere. The mission would mark the first Starlink deployment from Vandenberg since Sept. 19.
What rocket is launching? What to know about Falcon 9
Both missions 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.
Photos of SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in California, US
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.
Each launch will be available to stream on the company's website beginning about 10 minutes before liftoff.
- The Oct. 10 launch will stream here.
- The Oct. 12 launch will stream here.
SpaceX may also provide updates for each mission on social media site X.
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: SpaceX eyes near back-to-back rocket launches in California. Watch live
