SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch

Update by an edhat reader,

I was able to view the Space X Falcon 9 rocket launch this morning at 7:17 am from the Botanic Garden in Mission Canyon which was just above the fog. The reusable first stage booster could be seen separating from the payload and began its return to land back at the launch pad.

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch

Falcon 9 rocket begins stage separation

Stage separation

Reusable lower stage firing and returning to land at launch pad

Update Source: SpaceX

SpaceX is targeting Wednesday, June 12 for launch of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The primary launch window opens at 7:17 a.m. PDT, or 14:17 UTC, and closes at 7:30 a.m. PDT, or 14:30 UTC. The satellites will begin deployment approximately 54 minutes after launch. A backup launch window opens on Thursday, June 13 at 7:17 a.m. PDT, or 14:17 UTC, and closes at 7:30 a.m. PDT, or 14:30 UTC.

Falcon 9’s first stage for this mission previously supported Crew Dragon’s first demonstration mission in March 2019. Following stage separation, Falcon 9’s first stage will return to land on SpaceX’s Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4) at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

SpaceX’s live launch coverage will begin about 15 minutes before liftoff. To watch SpaceX’s live launch webcast or to learn more about the mission, visit spacex.com/webcast.

Source: Vandenberg Air Force Base

Team Vandenberg is scheduled to support the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the RADARSAT Constellation Mission from Space Launch Complex-4 on Wednesday, Jun. 12, with the launch window opening at 7:17 a.m. Pacific Time.  

Col. Bob Reeves, 30th Space Wing vice commander, will be the space launch commander. 

“Team V continues its dedication to assured access to space for the nation,” said Reeves. “Partnership is vital to mission success, and we are proud to share the load of this mission with SpaceX.”

SpaceX is attempting the secondary mission of landing the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket at Landing Zone 4, which was previously called SLC-4W.

Local residents may see the first stage of the Falcon 9 returning to Vandenberg AFB, including multiple engine burns associated with the landing. During the landing attempt, residents from Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties may hear one or more sonic booms. A sonic boom is the sound associated with the shock waves from an aircraft or vehicle traveling faster than the speed of sound. Sonic booms generate a sound similar to an explosion or a clap of thunder. The sonic boom experienced will depend on weather conditions and other factors.

The public can view this launch from the Hawk’s Nest on Azalea Lane off of Hwy 1 just over a mile south of Vandenberg AFB’s main gate, which will open at 6 a.m. and close after the conclusion of the landing of the first stage.