[Launch Alert] Launch on Schedule

[Launch Alert]

This evening's (October 27) launch of a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg SFB appears to be on schedule.

The rocket is slated to lift off from south base at 6:14:10 p.m. PDT. After climbing vertically for several seconds, the Falcon will begin a gradual turn, and head south-southeast and parallel the coast as it climbs into orbit. If the launch is successful, the Falcon 9 will place several Starlink internet satellites into orbit.

Liftoff occurs at Vandenberg SFB sunset, which means this is a daylight event for western California and northwest Mexico. The bright orange flame from the rocket's first stage could be visible to the unaided eye from as far away as Cambria, Mount Pinos, Newbury Park, and Malibu, Calif. Observers with an unobstructed horizon who know exactly where to look may see the event from venues more than 100 statute miles away.

However, for observers in Nevada; Arizona; and Sonora, Mexico; liftoff occurs well after local sunset and may produce a nice display as the rocket's exhaust plume is suspended in the twilight sky while it is illuminated by the Sun.
For launch status and countdown information, go to:

www.spaceflightnow.com

www.spacex.com