Rocket launch before Memorial Day: Liftoff may be visible in Arizona - IndyStar
- by The Indianapolis Star
- May 23, 2025
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USA TODAY NETWORK
Elon Musk's commercial spaceflight company will attempt to send its famous Falcon 9 rocket on a trip to deploy another batch of internet-beaming Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.
Because of the launch site's proximity to Arizona, residents across a large swath of the state may be able to witness the Falcon 9 rocket soaring overhead. Don't worry: You didn't miss it.
A SpaceX rocket launch that could be visible in Arizona was postponed a day and is now scheduled to get off the ground Friday, May 23.
The impending launch from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California was initially scheduled for liftoff Thursday, May 22, before officials announced it was pushed a day. No reason was given for the delay.
Coming up, Elon Musk's commercial spaceflight company will attempt to send its famous Falcon 9 rocket on a trip to deploy another batch of 27 internet-beaming Starlink satellites into what's called low-Earth orbit – an altitude that allows for things like satellites to circle Earth fairly quickly. The mission would be the fourth such SpaceX launch this month from California.
The good news for Arizonans? Because of the launch site's proximity to Arizona, residents across a large swath of the state may be able to witness the rocket soaring overhead.
Here's what to know about the launch, as well as when and where to watch it:
What time is the SpaceX rocket launch from California?
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is slated to get off the ground at 1:36 p.m. PT (4:36 p.m. ET) Friday, May 23, the Vandenberg Space Force Base said in an updated launch alert. Backup launch times are available until 5:36 p.m. PT.
If SpaceX opts to scrub the launch, additional opportunities are available Saturday, May 24, starting at 1:14 p.m. PT.
The launch, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to deliver the Starlink satellites, will take place from Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California.
Following the delivery and deployment of the satellites, the Falcon 9 rocket's booster will aim to land on a SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed "Of Course I Still Love You," in the Pacific Ocean. This allows for SpaceX personnel to recover the booster so it can be reused in future spaceflights.
How to watch SpaceX Starlink launch livestream
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