SpaceX Rocket Launch Visible Across Southern California

SpaceX is set to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California, on Monday, December 1, between 6:10 and 11:10 PM. The projected launch time is 10:28 PM Arizona time, although this may change due to weather conditions.

Residents in southern California and as far as Phoenix, Arizona, should look to the south to catch a glimpse of the launch. The rocket will follow a trajectory that makes it visible southeast from Phoenix.

The Falcon 9 rocket, valued at $69.75 million, is designed to deliver 27 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit, contributing to the existing fleet of over 7,800 satellites already in orbit. Starlink internet service is crucial for providing connectivity to underserved areas and has been used by various airlines and cruise lines.

This particular launch marks the 20th flight of the Falcon 9 spacecraft designated B1081, which has been operational since its first flight in 2018 and boasts a 99.4% success rate across more than 500 missions.

After delivering its payload, the reusable first stage of the Falcon 9 will land on the autonomous drone ship named Of Course I Still Love You, a nod to a spacecraft from the book The Player of Games. The report highlights the significance of public engagement with space exploration, as residents are encouraged to witness the launch live via SpaceX’s social media channels.