SpaceX to launch Falcon 9 from West Coast at night. Watch it in Arizona

With Thanksgiving behind us and Black Friday deals wrapped up, many are looking for post-holiday activities. For Arizona residents, a rocket launch from Southern California could provide a spectacular sight. SpaceX is scheduled for its first December launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, sending additional Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit to expand its satellite network.

Those eager to witness the Falcon 9 lift off during an evening weekend window have several vantage points across Arizona. Keep in mind, weather conditions or technical issues can delay space launches, so checking azcentral.com for updates is recommended before heading out.

California Rocket Launch Details

SpaceX aims for a Monday, December 1 launch, with a four-hour window opening at 6:10 p.m. PT. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a backup opportunity exists the following day if the launch is postponed.

The launch will occur from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Typical Vandenberg launches follow a southeast trajectory, making them potentially visible from Arizona.

Mission Overview

The launch will use SpaceXs Falcon 9, a 230-foot two-stage rocket, to deliver 27 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, allowing them to orbit the planet quickly and efficiently.

Where to Watch from Arizona

Due to Arizona's proximity, spectators may see the rocket streak across the sky, especially during evening or early morning hours. Recommended viewing locations include:

• Dobbins Lookout, South Mountain, 10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix
• Papago Park, 625 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
• Fountain Hills, Maricopa County a Dark Sky Community with minimal light pollution
• Superstition Mountains, 40 miles from metro Phoenix
• Cave Creek, about 30 miles north of Fountain Hills
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, 3400 Sky Harbor Blvd., known for plane-watching from its parking garage
• Black Canyon City, Yavapai County
• Estrella Mountain Regional Park, 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear
• Skyline Regional Park, 2600 N. Watson Road, Buckeye
• White Tank Mountains, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell
• San Tan Mountain Regional Park, 6533 W. Phillips Road, Queen Creek
• Monument Hill, 115th Avenue
• Casa Grande, Pinal County
• Avondale, Maricopa County

About SpaceX

Founded by Elon Musk in 2002, SpaceX is headquartered at Starbase in South Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border. The company conducts routine tests of its Starship megarocket and regularly launches Falcon 9 rockets from California and Florida. SpaceX delivers Starlink satellites and occasionally operates privately funded crewed missions using the Dragon capsule, the only U.S. spacecraft capable of transporting astronauts to the International Space Station.

Recent SpaceX missions include Fram2 in April and the Polaris Dawn mission in September 2024. The company also holds numerous contracts with NASA and the Department of Defense for launching classified and other payloads.

Starlink Satellite Network

Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, consists of more than 8,700 satellites in low-Earth orbit at approximately 341 miles above Earth. This low altitude enables faster data transmission and lower latency compared to traditional geostationary satellites, improving online gaming, video calls, and streaming. Starlink helps provide internet access to rural and hard-to-reach areas globally.

Reported by Eric Lagatta, Space Connect, USA TODAY Network.

Author: Sophia Brooks