[Launch Alert] Monday Launch

[Launch Alert]

The following is an advisory from Vandenberg SFB:

"Space Launch Delta 30 Guardians and Airmen are scheduled to support the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 27 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.

Liftoff is targeted for Monday, October 12, with a four-hour launch window opening at 4:00 p.m. PT from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E).

A minimal possibility exists that residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the launch, but what residents experience will depend on weather and other conditions.

A live webcast of this mission will begin about 10 minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch online here: https://www.spacex.com/launches/sl-15-25"

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 these 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-15-25

X @SpaceX

This information is subject to change.

*Vandenberg sunset is at 6:30 p.m. PDT.

-----

A Minotaur rocket was launched on a ballistic (non-orbital) trajectory from Vandenberg SFB on the night of October 8-9. There was limited public notice of the event. The following is a news release about the launch:

MINOTAUR BALLISTIC TRAJECTORY

Published Oct. 9, 2026
By Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center Public Affairs
Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An unarmed Mk21A reentry vehicle was tested this morning after being launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, aboard a Minotaur I rocket. The launch was an in-flight environmental test supporting the development of the Air Force's new Mk21A RV.

The Mk21A RV is currently under contract with Lockheed Martin for its engineering and manufacturing development phase. After attaining full operational capability, the Mk21A RV will be integrated on a future intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

The Mk21A RV test unit was launched aboard a Minotaur I rocket provided by Northrop Grumman and overseen by the U.S. Space Force's Rocket Systems Launch Program. Minotaur launch vehicles support testing and demonstration of new payload technologies in operationally realistic environments.

"The Mk21A is crucial to modernizing our ICBMs in response to the rapidly changing global threat picture posed by our adversaries," said Maj. Gen. William Rogers, Air Force portfolio acquisition executive for ICBMs and AFNWC director of ICBM systems. "The reentry vehicle's development will ensure a safe, secure and effective deterrent for generations to come."

The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center is the lead for the Air Force's Mk21A reentry vehicle's acquisition effort. The center is responsible for synchronizing all aspects of nuclear materiel management on behalf of Air Force Materiel Command in direct support of Air Force Global Strike Command.

"Investment in modernization of the ICBM mission remains a top priority for the Air Force," said Brig. Gen. General Amanda Okeson, program manager, AFNWC ICBM Systems Directorate.

-----

The following is a news release about Saturday morning's Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg SFB:

Strategic Engagement
Space Development Agency
Oct. 10, 2026 For Immediate Release

PAE FOR MISSILE WARNING AND TRACKING AND SPACE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY SUCCESSFULLY DELIVER FOURTH ORBITAL PLANE OF TRANCHE 1 SATELLITES TO ORBIT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Space Force Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) for Missile Warning and Tracking (MWT), supported by the Space Development Agency, today announced the successful launch of the fourth orbital plane of Tranche 1 (T1) Transport satellites from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, adding capacity to the U.S. Space Force's resilient, proliferated low Earth orbit architecture.

With the support of Space Systems Command, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket delivered 21 data transport T1 space vehicles (SVs), built by Northrop Grumman for the Space Development Agency, bringing the total number of on-orbit T1 SVs to 84.

"This launch marks the delivery of satellites built by the third of four vendors selected to field Tranche 1 of the proliferated LEO architecture," said GP Sandhoo, SDA Director and USSF PAE MWT. "SDA's model emphasizes regular industry competition and vendor diversity. Our focus remains on rapid delivery of capabilities to support warfighter needs."

Today's successful launch follows a delay from Oct. 5, when Falcon 9's automated systems safely halted the initial countdown just before liftoff.

These T1 SVs will provide secure, low-latency, beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) resilient, survivable data transport capabilities in support of tracking advanced missile threats.

Tranche 1 will provide initial warfighting capability beginning in 2027. This includes persistent regional tactical data links, enhanced missile tracking/warning, beyond-line-of-sight targeting, and user connectivity enabled by both tactical optical and Ka-Band links- aligned to combatant command warfighting priorities.

Tranche 1 launches are provided through the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program and overseen by SSC System Delta 80 (SYD 80) and the USSF PAE for Space Access. The T1 launch campaign will continue until the full constellation is delivered on orbit.

About the Space Development Agency. As an integral part of the U.S. Space Force, SDA is recognized as a constructive disruptor for space acquisition. SDA accelerates delivery of needed space-based capabilities to the joint warfighter in support of the Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Missile Warning and Tracking.