[Launch Alert] Thursday Rocket Launch

[Launch Alert]

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying a scientific satellite is scheduled for launch early Thursday morning (December 15) from Vandenberg SFB, Calif.

The rocket is slated to lift off from south base at 03:46:40 PST. After climbing vertically for several seconds, the Falcon will begin a gradual turn and head southwest. If the launch is successful, the Falcon 9 will place the international SWOT spacecraft into orbit.

Weather permitting, the bright orange flame from the rocket's first stage could initially be visible to the unaided eye as far away as Big Sur, Bakersfield, and Palos Verdes, Calif. As the rocket gains altitude, it could become visible over a much wider area and observers in dark locations may see a tenuous exhaust plume from the first and second stage engines.

People in very quiet locations in coastal Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties and the western Santa Monica mountains may hear a distant, muffled rumble several minutes after liftoff.

For the best view of the launch, find a dark location with an unobstructed horizon towards the launch site and rocket's flight path. The best places may be between Carpinteria and Ventura, between Point Mugu and Malibu, the western Santa Monica Mountains, and the western Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Regardless of where you plan to view the launch, allow enough time to get there well before liftoff. Be careful when driving, especially on unfamiliar roads. After you arrive, be aware of your surroundings and possible hazards.

For launch status and countdown information, go to:

www.spaceflightnow.com

www.spacex.com (www.spacex.com)

www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/#public

The Internet countdown feed may be delayed by several seconds. Rather than relying on the feed for launch cueing, use a GPS receiver or another source for the exact time. You can also set your watch to the exact time using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (www.time.gov).

For information on viewing Vandenberg rocket and missile launches, go to:

www.spacearchive.info/vafbview.htm

For a map of the rocket's flight path, go to:

https://i.postimg.cc/gjL4xPM8/S-W-O-T.jpg

Brian Webb