After a busy month of September, SpaceX has just one Starlink mission on the schedule so far for October at the Vandenberg Space Force Base.
The commercial spaceflight company founded by billionaire Elon Musk launched its two-stage Falcon 9 rocket eight times in September from the California spaceport. Of those missions, six were standard Starlink internet satellite deployments, while two were contracted missions with the U.S. government to deploy reconnaissance satellites.
Will October be just as jam-packed for SpaceX? That remains to be seen, but the lone launch on the books from the West Coast will surely not be the last to be scheduled.
Californians – and Arizonans – making their rocket launch viewing plans should keep in mind that lots can change between now and when each rocket is expected to lift off, as delays in spaceflight are common. Be sure to visit VC Star for the latest mission updates.
In the meantime, here’s your weekly look at the upcoming launch schedule at the Vandenberg Space Force Base.
What is the Vandenberg Space Force Base? 4 things to know about California rocket launches
Friday, Oct. 3: Starlink 11-39
Mission: Deploy 28 Starlink V2 mini Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, according to SpaceX’s website
Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage rocket
Launch window: 6 to 10 a.m. PT
Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California
Booster landing: SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed “Of Course I Still Love You,” in the Pacific Ocean
Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Rocket launch schedule in California shows upcoming SpaceX missions