Back
Technology

Multiple Falcon 9 Missions Scheduled and Completed from Vandenberg Space Force Base

Generated on: Last updated: 5 sources
View source

SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches from Vandenberg SFB: A Busy Spring Schedule

A flurry of launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base in late March and early May includes Starlink satellites, a South Korean Earth-observation mission, and a classified NRO payload.

Starlink Mission (Completed: Monday, Late March)

A Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit at 10:16 p.m. from Space Launch Complex-4 (SLC-4) on South Base. The first-stage booster, completing its 14th flight, landed on the "Of Course I Still Love You" droneship in the Pacific Ocean.

This launch increased the total number of Starlink satellites in orbit to over 10,000. The event was live-streamed on X, attracting approximately 100,000 viewers.

Residents in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties were advised of the possibility of sonic booms. Additional Starlink launches from VSFB were tentatively planned for March 16, March 20, and March 24.

CAS500-2 Rideshare Mission (Scheduled: Saturday, May)

A Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch the South Korean Compact Advanced Satellite 500 (CAS500-2) from SLC-4. The launch window runs from 11:59 p.m. Saturday to 12:36 a.m. Sunday, with a backup window at the same time Sunday night into Monday morning.

The CAS500-2, an Earth-observation satellite built by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), is the primary payload. The rideshare mission also includes dozens of other payloads from multiple companies and organizations, including:

  • Argotec S.r.l
  • Exolaunch
  • Impulso.Space
  • Loft-EarthDaily
  • Lynk Global
  • True Anomaly
  • Planet Labs

The first-stage booster, undertaking its 33rd flight, will land at Landing Zone 4 on the South Base approximately seven minutes after liftoff. Launch timing is based on orbital requirements for inserting CAS500-2 into a sun-synchronous orbit.

NROL-105 Classified Mission (Scheduled: Friday)

A Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch the NROL-105 payload for the National Reconnaissance Office from SLC-4. The primary launch window is between 8:18 p.m. and 8:53 p.m. on Friday, with a backup window available on Saturday from 8:04 p.m. for 35 minutes.

The first-stage booster, undertaking its second flight, will return to Landing Zone 4 approximately seven minutes after liftoff.

Sonic Boom Impact

For missions involving a landing at Landing Zone 4 or a droneship near the coast, residents in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties may experience one or more sonic booms approximately 8–10 minutes after liftoff.

The intensity and audibility of these sounds depend on local weather and atmospheric conditions.

Launch Visibility and Viewing Information

Live webcasts are available at spacex.com/launches and on X @SpaceX.

In-person viewing locations in the Lompoc Valley include:

  • The peak of Harris Grade Road
  • Areas west of Lompoc's city limits (near Moonglow and Stardust roads)
  • Around Vandenberg Village

Under clear skies, the rocket's ascent may be visible from other parts of California and, under specific atmospheric conditions, from other Western states.

Proposed Launch Frequency Increase

SpaceX is seeking to increase its annual launch frequency from VSFB, proposing to double it from approximately 50 to 100 launches per year. The California Coastal Commission has raised concerns regarding potential impacts on wildlife. Additionally, the government of Mexico has indicated a potential lawsuit against SpaceX related to rocket debris.

Upcoming and Backup Launch Scheduling

Additional Falcon 9 launches from VSFB for Starlink missions are planned for Tuesday and May 9. All launches may be delayed due to technical issues with the rocket, payload, or support equipment; unfavorable weather; or scheduling conflicts.