Upcoming SpaceX Launch Visible Across Phoenix

SpaceX is scheduled to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from southern California to deliver 27 Starlink internet satellites into low-Earth orbit on Wednesday, December 10, at 1:54 a.m. Mountain Standard Time. This launch will be visible across Phoenix, as the rocket will be heading southeast shortly after takeoff from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California.

The Falcon 9 rocket, which costs $69.75 million, has a remarkable 99.4% success rate across over 500 missions since its first flight in 2018. Starlink, which is powered by these launches, enables internet access for those without cable connections and is utilized by airlines and cruise lines, as well as during national disasters such as the Maui fires and Hurricane Helen.

In addition to the December 10 launch, another Starlink mission is planned for late Friday night, December 12, between 10:34 p.m. and 2:34 a.m. Saturday, December 13. For those unable to see the launch in person, it will also be streamed live on X @SpaceX.