[Launch Alert] Friday Vandenberg Rocket Launch

[Launch Alert]

                             LAUNCH ALERT
 				  
			      Brian Webb
		  launch-alert-editor at earthlink.net
	                www.spacearchive.info
		       
			     2017 December 21 (Thursday) 09:58 PST
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               FALCON 9 IRIDIUM-4 SCHEDULED TO LAUNCH

30th Space Wing Public Affairs
December 20, 2017

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Vandenberg is scheduled to
launch the fourth Iridium mission consisting of 10 satellites on a
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex-4 here Friday, Dec.
22, at 5:27 p.m. PST.
 
Col. Michael S. Hough, 30th Space Wing commander, is the space launch
commander.
 
"Team Vandenberg is excited to begin and end 2017 with Falcon 9
launches," said Hough. "We take our mission of providing assured
access to space seriously and we've diligently worked with our SpaceX
mission partners to ensure a safe and successful launch."
 
Because of the launch time, the Hawk's Nest on Hwy 1 south of
Vandenberg Air Force Base's main gate will not be open.

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                      FRIDAY LAUNCH VISIBILITY

Friday evening's launch of a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg AFB
appears to be on schedule. The vehicle is slated to lift off from
south base at 17:27:23 PST and carry several Iridium NEXT commercial
communications satellites into orbit.

Following liftoff, the vehicle will climb vertically for several
before it begins a gradual turn and heads south.

The rocket's bright flame should be visible over a wide area. However,
since this launch occurs 30 minutes after Vandenberg AFB sunset, it
could be impressive beginning at T+ 2 minutes 12 seconds when
simulations show the exhaust plume will be illuminated at high
altitude by the sun. 

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                     LAUNCH AND COUNTDOWN STATUS

For launch and countdown status, consult the following sources:

      https://spaceflightnow.com

      http://twitter.com/spaceflightnow/

      http://twitter.com/30thSpaceWing

      http://twitter.com/spacex

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                              QUESTIONS

The editor is unable to answer questions from individual subscribers
about this launch.
.
For information about Vandenberg AFB launch viewing, go to:

      www.spacearchive.info/vafbview.htm

For information about photographing Vandenberg AFB launches, go to:

      www.spacearchive.info/vafbphoto.htm

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sensitive, or inside information. All information comes from open
sources or is approved for public release.

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