[Launch Alert] Falcon 9 Launch

[Launch Alert]

The following are two news releases from Vandenberg AFB. The launch may have been delayed until June 12, but this is unconfirmed. If the sky is clear, the early portion of the launch could be visible to the unaided eye for more than 100 miles.

Brian Webb

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FALCON 9 LAUNCH CONFIRMED, SONIC BOOM POSSIBLE
30th Space Wing Public Affairs / Published June 08, 2019

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Vandenberg is scheduled to support the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the RADARSAT Constellation Mission from Space Launch Complex-4 on Wednesday, Jun. 12, with the launch window opening at 7:17 a.m. Pacific Time.  

Col. Bob Reeves, 30th Space Wing vice commander, will be the space launch commander. 

"Team V continues its dedication to assured access to space for the nation," said Reeves. "Partnership is vital to mission success, and we are proud to share the load of this mission with SpaceX."

SpaceX is attempting the secondary mission of landing the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket at Landing Zone 4, which was previously called SLC-4W.

Local residents may see the first stage of the Falcon 9 returning to Vandenberg AFB, including multiple engine burns associated with the landing. During the landing attempt, residents from Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties may hear one or more sonic booms. A sonic boom is the sound associated with the shock waves from an aircraft or vehicle traveling faster than the speed of sound. Sonic booms generate a sound similar to an explosion or a clap of thunder. The sonic boom experienced will depend on weather conditions and other factors.

The public can view this launch from the Hawk's Nest on Azalea Lane off of Hwy 1 just over a mile south of Vandenberg AFB's main gate, which will open at 6 a.m. and close after the conclusion of the landing of the first stage.

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Falcon 9 launch scheduled
30th Space Wing Public Affairs / Published June 06, 2019

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Vandenberg is scheduled to support the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the RADARSAT Constellation Mission from Space Launch Complex-4 the week of June 10, 2019.

The roadblock normally established at 13th Street on Ocean Avenue will be relocated to Floradale Avenue and Ocean Avenue. A secondary roadblock will also be established at Floradale Avenue and Central Avenue. Additional temporary traffic control measures may be implemented on local roadways to safely expedite expected traffic.

Personnel from Vandenberg AFB have partnered with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office and the Lompoc Police Department in this effort to ensure public safety during the launch. 

The public can view this launch from the Hawk's Nest on Azalea Lane off of Hwy 1 just over a mile south of Vandenberg AFB's main gate.

Information regarding the confirmed date and time of the upcoming launch is forthcoming.