[Launch Alert] Launch on Schedule

[Launch Alert]

Monday's planned launch of a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base
appears to be on schedule.

Hawthorne, California-based SpaceX, builder of the Falcon 9, plans to launch
the rocket at 10:22 a.m. PST from Space Launch Complex 4-East at south
Vandenberg. If the launch goes as planned, the rocket will rise vertically
for several seconds, gradually turn southward, and carry ten Iridium Next
communications satellites into orbit.

The best location for the public to view the launch is probably the west
side Lompoc near state highway 246. If the weather cooperates, the bright
orange flame from the rocket's first stage could be visible over a wide
area.

It is not known if SpaceX will attempt to perform the launch during bad
weather or if the firm plans to make a powered landing of the rocket's first
stage.

This will be the first launch of a Falcon 9 rocket since the catastrophic
explosion of a Falcon 9 on the launch pad during a test in Florida last
September.

For launch and countdown status, go to:

   www.spaceflightnow.com


Brian Webb