Falcon 9 Successfully Launches on Thursday

(Vandenberg Air Force Photos)

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying a PAZ payload successfully launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base Space Launch Complex-4 on Thursday at 6:17 a.m.

Launch commander Col. Greg Wood of the 30th Space Wing said, “This launch was a testament to the hard work of Team Vandenberg, SpaceX and Spain… I am proud of everyone involved that continues to pave the way for our nation’s access to space.”

Reported by edhat reader Stan:

This morning’s SpaceX launch. Clear view from the Mesa, Santa Barbara CA. We are about 50 miles as the crow flies from Vandenberg Air Force Base. The Audio lag time was 5-10 minutes.

Photo by Chuck Cagara

Subscriber Chuck Cagara underexposed the scene so as to be able to see more detail in the rocket’s plume.

Update on February 21, 2018:

The Falcon 9 PAZ launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base has been delayed today due to upper level winds. The launch is rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 22, at 6:17 a.m. PST.

February 20, 2018:

Falcon 9 is expected to launch at 6:17 a.m. Wednesday from Vandenberg Air Force Base on behalf of SpaceX.

Falcon 9 and PAZ are vertical on Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Falcon 9’s first stage booster for this mission previously supported the Formosat-5 mission in August of last year, states SpaceX.

Weather is 90% favorable for Wednesday’s instantaneous launch at 6:17 a.m.

A launch webcast will go live approximately 15 minutes before liftoff at spacex.com/webcast.