[Launch Alert] Friday Evening Launch

[Launch Alert]

A Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled for launch Friday evening (June 28) from Vandenberg SFB, Calif. The vehicle is slated to lift off from south base between 8:14 and 10:14 p.m. PDT and carry the NROL-186 mission into orbit.

If liftoff occurs at the start of the window, the Sun will be above the horizon for many places near the coast, severely impacting launch visibility. However, for venues further east, the launch window opens during evening twilight. This could result in the Falcon's exhaust plume being illuminated by the Sun at high altitude while being suspended in a twilight sky.

If the launch is delayed, observers near the coast may also be treated to the Twilight Effect.

Following liftoff, the first stage is scheduled to land on a drone ship downrange.

For countdown status and video feeds of the launch, go to:

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=nrol-186

https://spaceflightnow.com

X @SpaceX

This information is subject to change.