CA, US & World
SpaceX Targeting Tuesday Morning Falcon 9 Starlink Launch from Vandenberg
VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, California — Space exploration company SpaceX is gearing up for another local rocket launch, targeting early Tuesday morning to send its latest payload of internet satellites into orbit from the Central Coast.
The launch window is scheduled to open as early as 7:00 AM PDT on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The Falcon 9 rocket will lift off from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, located in Santa Barbara County.
Mission and Rocket Details
* The Payload: The rocket will carry 24 Starlink V2 Mini optimized satellites into low Earth orbit as part of the Starlink Group 17-37 mission, expanding SpaceX's global high-speed internet mega-constellation.
* The Booster: This launch marks the sixth flight for the Falcon 9 first-stage booster supporting this mission. It previously launched the NROL-105 national security mission as well as four prior Starlink flights.
* The Recovery: Following stage separation, the first-stage booster is scheduled to return to Earth and land on the autonomous droneship "Of Course I Still Love You," which will be stationed downrange in the Pacific Ocean.
Potential Sonic Booms
Southern and Central California residents living near the launch site should remain alert for potential noise. Depending on localized weather and atmospheric conditions, residents across Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear one or more sonic booms as the booster breaks the sound barrier during its automated return sequence.
A live webcast of the Starlink mission is expected to begin approximately 10 minutes prior to liftoff, streaming via SpaceX's official channels.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
May 25, 2026
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