[Launch Alert] Monday Launch

Launch Alert launch-alert at mailman.qth.net
Sun Mar 8 22:08:07 EDT 2026


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When launch Alert began, there were at most 10 launches from Vandenberg per year. We are now having a launch every few days and I'm having trouble keeping up. As a remedy, I'm thinking about publishing fewer issues.

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MONDAY LAUNCH

An Alpha rocket is scheduled for launch Monday (March 9) from Vandenberg SFB, Calif. The vehicle is slated to liftoff during a 5:50 to 7:50 p.m PDT launch window and carry the Stairway to Seven mission into orbit.

If the launch occurs during daylight, the flame from the first stage could be visible to the unaided eye up to 50 statute miles from the launch pad and either side of the Alpha's flight path. The vehicle will also probably produce a white vapor trail during the early portion of the first stage burn. The second stage burn will likely not be visible. If the launch occurs during darkness or deep twilight, it could be visible over a wide area as the rocket's exhaust plume is illuminated by sunlight at high altitude.

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.youtube.com/@FireflySpace/streams

This information is subject to change.


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