Vandenberg’s Next Mission: SpaceX Launch, Landing Thursday
Noozhawk
September 30, 2026
Heads up, neighbors: Vandenberg is sending another Falcon 9 skyward Thursday morning. SpaceX says the launch window opens at 11:18 a.m. and stays open for 58 minutes, with a backup chance Friday if the fog or winds don't cooperate. The first-stage booster is expected to come back for a landing a little over seven minutes after liftoff, so keep an eye out for that double show — the streak up and the boom back down.
For those of us along the South Coast, this never quite gets old. Depending on the marine layer, folks in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and up the coast toward Lompoc may catch the plume arcing over the ocean, and the sonic booms can rattle windows from the Santa Ynez Valley to the coast. It's a good excuse to step outside with your coffee and a neighbor.
Noozhawk has the details on the Space Launch Complex-4 mission and timing. As always, launch schedules shift, so check for updates before you head out to watch.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Noozhawk.
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NoozhawkPublished
September 30, 2026
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