Get ready for at least 2 upcoming rocket launches this week in California.
SpaceX plans to get its Falcon 9 rocket off the ground on two very different missions in the coming days from the Vandenberg Space Force Base.
First is a mission to deploy another batch of the company's Starlink internet satellites
. Then later in the week, SpaceX will take on yet another secretive 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.
Monday, Oct. 12: Starlink 15-25
- 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: 4 to 8 p.m. PT Monday, Oct. 12, 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
Thursday, Oct. 15: USSF-481
- 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: 4:44 to 8:44 p.m. PT Thursday, Oct. 15, 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. See schedule
