Californians may see a quiet week for rocket launches.
SpaceX, the commercial spaceflight company founded by Elon Musk, only has one mission on the schedule as of now. For the third time in September, SpaceX will launch its Falcon 9 rocket on a classified mission for the U.S. Space Force.
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.
due to soar in next decade in California
Saturday, Sept. 26: USSF-385
- Agency: SpaceX
- Mission: classified satellite deployment mission for the U.S. Space Force, 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: 4:56 to 7:56 a.m. PT, Saturday, Sept. 19, 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: California rocket launch schedule includes 1 SpaceX mission
