The first two rocket launches of September in California are due up in the week ahead.
The missions, both SpaceX ventures to launch its Falcon 9 rocket to deploy Starlink internet satellites, will get off the ground at the Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Ready to catch liftoff?
Californians – and potentially Arizonans – making their plans to watch any launches should keep in mind that lots can change between now and when each rocket is expected to lift off, as delays in spaceflight are common. Be sure to visit VC Star for the latest mission updates.
In the meantime, here's your weekly look at the upcoming launch schedule at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.
in next decade in California
Wednesday, Sept. 2: Starlink 15-23
- Agency: SpaceX
- Mission: Deploy 27 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, according to SpaceX
- Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage reusable rocket capable of carrying more than 50,000 pounds of cargo to low-Earth orbit
- Launch window: 12:46 to 4:46 a.m. PT Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026
- Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California
- Booster landing: SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed "Of Course I Still Love You," in the Pacific Ocean
Sunday, Sept. 6: Starlink 15-24
- Agency: SpaceX
- Mission: Deploy 27 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, according to SpaceX
- Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage reusable rocket capable of carrying more than 50,000 pounds of cargo to low-Earth orbit
- Launch window: 3:59 to 7:59 a.m. PT Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
- Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California
- Booster landing: SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed "Of Course I Still Love You," in the Pacific Ocean
Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: SpaceX plans 2 rocket launches this week in California. Here's when
