Update: On Sunday, April 19 at 9:03 a.m., Falcon 9 launched 25 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
This was the eighth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Sentinel-6B, Twilight, and now six Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage landed on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which was stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
Three more SpaceX launches are scheduled from Vandenberg SFB for April including April 22, 26, and 29th.
Residents in Central Coast are likely to hear sonic boom this weekend as SpaceX is preparing for another mission.
The mission will take place from Vandenberg Space Force Base on April 18, 2026, with a four-hour window opening at around 7 a.m. PT.
Through this mission, SpaceX will deploy another set of 25 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit. The launch will take place through a Falcon 9 rocket, lifting off from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at VSFB.
The first stage booster used in this mission has previously supported missions such as Sentinel-6B, Twilight, and five earlier Starlink launches. Following the separation from the first stage, the booster is supposed to come back and touch down at the landing location called “Of Course I Still Love You” droneship in the Pacific Ocean.
SpaceX warned that residents could hear sonic boom in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties.
A live webcast of the mission is expected to begin about five minutes before liftoff. Viewers can watch the launch through SpaceX’s official website, on X, and via the X TV app.
This launch will be held in tandem with some other launches. SpaceX conducted the launch of 54 Starlink satellites using two separate launches that were carried out on April 14 and 15.
On April 14, SpaceX deployed 25 satellites into space by 9:29 p.m. PT, marking Vanderberg’s 25th launch for the year.
Falcon 9 is the first orbital-class rocket to be reusable, hence allowing SpaceX to conduct many launches. SpaceX has made hundreds of launches, along with successful booster landings and relaunches.
Starlink, the company’s satellite internet service, currently provides internet speed faster than 400 Mbps in many parts of the world.
In light of increased activity at the facility, the Vandenberg team has intensified outreach activities to ensure that residents are kept up to date on what is happening.
The next ‘Mission Update’ speaker presentation will be held on April 22 at the Veterans Memorial Building in Carpinteria.
Location from where view of the launches is visible.
Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, Oceano Dunes, and Morro Strand State Beach (Cayucos) are among the preferred locations in San Luis Obispo County.
Other preferred locations in Santa Barbara County are 13th Street & Arguello Boulevard, Floradale Avenue & West Ocean Avenue, Renwick Avenue, and Santa Lucia Canyon Road & Victory Road.
“SpaceX to attempt 600th Falcon booster landing amid West Coast Starlink mission”…
“Update: Launch has slipped to Sunday.” as they say…
https://spaceflightnow.com/2026/04/18/live-coverage-spacex-attempts-600th-falcon-booster-landing-amid-west-coast-starlink-mission/
Live in 24 hours:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0QZqmfs4LA
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Sunday morning….
“Liftoff of the Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4 East is now scheduled for Sunday, April 19, at 7:35:59 a.m. PDT (10:35:59 am EDT / 1435:59 UTC).” or so they’re saying now.
or from the YouTube video info:
“Liftoff from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base is now scheduled for Sunday, April 19 at 7:52:09 a.m. PDT (10:52:09 am EDT / 1452:09 UTC).”
your pick I guess? (I’m leaning towards the 7:52:09 time?)
I was hoping to be informational, sort of failed.
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This just in: (?) “. Liftoff from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base is now scheduled for Sunday, April 19 at 9:03:09 a.m. PDT (12:03:09 pm EDT / 1603:09 UTC).” OK, sure we’ll go with that???
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