Guardians and Airmen at Vandenberg Space Force Base supported the launch of a Minotaur IV rocket carrying the Space Test Program (STP)-S29A mission at 4:33 a.m. PT on Tuesday, April 7, from Space Launch Complex 8. The liftoff marked the 23rd launch of 2026 from Vandenberg.
Approved with a launch window from 4:30 to 8:45 a.m., the STP-S29A mission is delivering a mix of Department of Defense, U.S. Space Force, and academic payloads to orbit. Among them are STPSat-7, Auburn University’s ASTRA-HyRAX, and Texas A\&M University’s AggieSat6, along with additional payloads.
Officials noted that residents in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may have heard one or more sonic booms associated with the launch, depending on weather and other conditions.
Vandenberg Space Force Base highlighted its role as a vital hub for space access and advanced air and space testing, supporting national security through assured access to space.
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