SpaceX is targeting 1:17 a.m. PT on Monday, October 5, for the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying another batch of military satellites into orbit.
The mission
The payload is 21 Tranche 1 satellites for the Space Development Agency, the military's orbital communications and missile-defence constellation. According to the agency's plan, this is the fourth of nine batches that SpaceX will help deliver — 154 satellites in total forming a layered network in low-Earth orbit, expected by 2027 to provide global military tactical communication and missile defence.
Booster return and sonic booms
After stage separation, the Falcon 9 booster is expected to fly back to the launch site for a landing at Landing Zone 4. Because it returns closer to populated areas than a droneship landing, residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties could hear sonic booms lasting up to ten minutes after liftoff, Vandenberg said.
How to watch
SpaceX will stream the mission live on its website starting about ten minutes before liftoff. An FAA advisory notes a backup opportunity is available the next day if the launch is postponed.
Sources:
- Palm Springs Desert Sun (USA Today Network) — SpaceX to livestream recon satellite mission from Vandenberg
The mission
The payload is 21 Tranche 1 satellites for the Space Development Agency, the military's orbital communications and missile-defence constellation. According to the agency's plan, this is the fourth of nine batches that SpaceX will help deliver — 154 satellites in total forming a layered network in low-Earth orbit, expected by 2027 to provide global military tactical communication and missile defence.
Booster return and sonic booms
After stage separation, the Falcon 9 booster is expected to fly back to the launch site for a landing at Landing Zone 4. Because it returns closer to populated areas than a droneship landing, residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties could hear sonic booms lasting up to ten minutes after liftoff, Vandenberg said.
How to watch
SpaceX will stream the mission live on its website starting about ten minutes before liftoff. An FAA advisory notes a backup opportunity is available the next day if the launch is postponed.
Sources:
- Palm Springs Desert Sun (USA Today Network) — SpaceX to livestream recon satellite mission from Vandenberg
