[Launch Alert] Tuesday Launch

[Launch Alert]

The following is an advisory from Vandenberg SFB:

"The U.S. Space Force has approved the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Starlink 17-50 mission to low-Earth orbit, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, between 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. PT from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4).

A minimal possibility exists that residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear a sonic boom during the launch. Depending on weather and location, this event may sound like an abrupt crack of thunder, according to prediction models.

A live webcast of this mission will begin about 10 minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch at https://www.spacex.com/launches/sl-17-50 and on X @SpaceX."

If the launch occurs during daylight, the orange flame from the first stage could be visible to the unaided eye up to 100 statute miles from the launch pad and either side of the Falcon's flight path. The vehicle should also briefly produce a white vapor trail during the early portion of the first stage burn. The second stage burn will probably be invisible.

If liftoff happens after sunset, the event could be visible for several minutes over a wide area. Observers in southern California and Baja California Norte with an unobstructed horizon may briefly see the bright orange flame from the first stage low on the horizon as it descends for landing on a downrange drone ship.

If the launch occurs after sunset in Arizona; western New Mexico; southern Nevada, Utah, and Colorado; and northwest mainland Mexico, but within one hour after Vandenberg sunset*, observers in the above outlying areas may be treated to an interesting display as the rocket's exhaust is illuminated by the Sun with a dusk or dark sky background.

For a better view of the launch, use tripod-mounted binoculars or a spotting scope. An astronomical telescope with a low-power eyepiece will probably provide the best view.

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

https://spaceflightnow.com

https://www.spacex.com/launches/sl-17-50

X @SpaceX

This information is subject to change.
*Vandenberg sunset is at 7:51 p.m. PDT.