[Launch Alert] Thursday Launch

[Launch Alert]

The following is an advisory from SpaceX:

"SpaceX is targeting Thursday, October 1 for a Falcon 9 launch of the Transporter-18 mission from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The 58-minute launch window opens at 11:18 a.m. PT. If needed, there is a backup opportunity on Friday, October 2 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."

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.

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/transporter18

X @SpaceX

This information is subject to change.