SpaceX plans rocket launch in California. Will Falcon 9 be visible from Arizona?

SpaceX is preparing for a rocket launch from Southern California over the weekend, just days after its previous mission. This launch will be the third of at least four Starlink satellite deployments planned in early December from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Residents of Arizona who hope to see the Falcon 9 rocket will need to be up very early, as the launch occurs near sunrise, which may make viewing more challenging. Nighttime launches are generally easier to observe due to better contrast against the sky.

Launch Timing

The launch is currently scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 7, with a four-hour window opening at 8:13 a.m. PT. Federal Aviation Administration guidance indicates a backup opportunity may be available the following day if the launch is delayed.

Launch Site and Trajectory

The rocket will lift off from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Following a southeast trajectory, the rocket is likely to be visible from parts of Arizona.

Mission Details

SpaceX will use its two-stage Falcon 9 rocket, standing 230 feet tall, to deploy 28 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. This orbit allows the satellites to circle the Earth quickly, providing internet coverage with lower latency than traditional geostationary satellites.

Where to Watch from Arizona

Due to Arizonas proximity to Vandenberg, the rocket may be visible streaking across the sky, especially at early morning hours. Popular viewing spots include:

• Dobbins Lookout, South Mountain, Phoenix
• Papago Park, Phoenix
• Fountain Hills, designated a Dark Sky Community
• Superstition Mountains, 40 miles from Phoenix
• Cave Creek, 30 miles north of Fountain Hills
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport parking garage
• Black Canyon City, Yavapai County
• Any mountain park in Arizona
• Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Goodyear
• Skyline Regional Park, Buckeye
• White Tank Mountains, Waddell
• San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Queen Creek
• Monument Hill, near 115th Avenue
• Casa Grande, midway between Phoenix and Tucson
• Avondale, bordering Phoenix
• Queen Creek, Phoenix suburb

About SpaceX

Founded by Elon Musk in 2002, SpaceX is headquartered at Starbase in South Texas. The company conducts many launches using Falcon 9 rockets from California and Florida, including Starlink satellite deliveries and private crewed missions to the International Space Station. Recent missions include Fram2 in April and Polaris Dawn in September 2024. SpaceX also provides launch services for NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense.

About Starlink

Starlink, SpaceXs satellite internet service, operates a constellation of over 8,700 satellites in low-Earth orbit, about 341 miles above the Earth. This configuration enables faster data transmission, lower latency, and improved internet access for remote and underserved areas compared to traditional geostationary satellites.

Author: Connor Blake