[Launch Alert] Launch on Schedule

[Launch Alert]

Tomorrow morning's planned launch of a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg AFB is currently on schedule. The Falcon 9 is slated to lift off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at south Vandenberg during a 09:00-11:00 PDT launch window. The launch is probably targeted for the very start of the window, but circumstances could cause the launch to happen at any time during the two-hour opportunity.

The launch could also be cancelled and rescheduled for another day. Back up launch opportunities have been scheduled for SEP 30 and OCT 1 from 09:00-11:00 PDT.

Following liftoff, the Falcon 9 will rise vertically for several seconds and then slowly begin to pitch over and head southward. If the launch is successful, the rocket will deliver a Canadian and several U.S. research satellites into orbit.

Barring any coastal clouds or fog, the best place for the general public to observe the launch would probably be southwest of Lompoc. Some people are planning to observe the event from Providence Landing Park at 699 Mercury Ave. in Lompoc.

It is uncertain what the launch will look like in outlying areas. At a minimum, observers 100 miles or more from the launch site may see a brief contrail as the Falcon 9 passes through altitudes from approximately 33,000 to 38,000 feet.

For launch status, go to:

http://spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/006/status.html