[Launch Alert] Friday Launch

[Launch Alert]

The following is an advisory from SpaceX:

"SpaceX is targeting Friday, January 2 for a Falcon 9 launch of the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation mission for the Italian Space Agency and the Italian Ministry of Defence to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 6:09 p.m. PT. If needed, there is a backup opportunity on Saturday, January 3 at the same time.

About eight minutes after liftoff, Falcon 9’s first stage will land on SpaceX’s Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. There is the possibility that residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the landing, but what residents experience will depend on weather and other conditions.

SpaceX’s live webcast will begin approximately 15 minutes before Falcon 9’s liftoff at spacex.com/launches."

This mission will apparently fly towards the southwest instead of flying parallel to the coast. Weather permitting this event could be visible to the unaided eye over a wide area.

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

https://spaceflightnow.com

https://www.spacex.com/launches/cosmo-skymedfm3

X @SpaceX

This information is subject to change.