SpaceX eyes 1 rocket launch this week in California. Here's when

The first California rocket launch of October is coming up.

SpaceX has one mission planned in the week ahead from the Vandenberg Space Force Base. And for the first time since July, it'll be a rideshare mission taking the payloads of paying customers to space.

As usual, it'll be SpaceX's workhorse Falcon 9 rocket

getting off the ground. But in a rare move, the rocket's booster will land not in the Pacific Ocean, but back on land.

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.

Vandenberg rocket launches: Here's why rocket launches are due to soar in next decade in California

Thursday, Oct. 1: Transporter-18

• Agency: SpaceX
• Mission: Rideshare mission to orbit to deploy 130 payloads, including small satellites and orbital vehicles, for government and commercial customers, 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: 8:18 to 9:16 a.m. PT Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026
• Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California
• Booster landing: Return to base for a landing at Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4)

Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [e-mail]

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: SpaceX eyes 1 rocket launch this week in California. Here's when