SpaceX is preparing to launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 28 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The evening launch may be visible across Southern California, continuing the expansion of the company's satellite internet constellation.
The mission is scheduled to lift off from Space Launch Complex 4 East, with a launch window opening at 6:28 p.m. Pacific Time. This flight will utilize a veteran first-stage booster making its 28th trip to space, highlighting SpaceX's focus on rocket reusability.
Key Takeaways
- Mission: A Falcon 9 rocket will deploy 28 Starlink internet satellites.
- Launch Site: The launch will take place at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
- Date and Time: The targeted launch is Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 6:28 p.m. PT.
- Booster Reusability: The first stage booster assigned to this mission is scheduled for its 28th flight.
- Public Viewing: The launch may be visible to residents throughout Southern California, and a live webcast will be available.
Launch Schedule and Mission Details
SpaceX has confirmed its plan to launch another set of Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The mission's primary launch opportunity is set for Sunday evening, with a window that extends from 6:28 p.m. PT to 8:32 p.m. PT. This timeframe provides flexibility to accommodate weather conditions or last-minute technical checks.
The launch will originate from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base. This facility is a key site for SpaceX's West Coast operations, particularly for missions that require a polar orbit trajectory, which is common for Starlink deployments.
Rocket launches are often subject to delays. Factors such as upper-level winds, cloud cover, or technical sensor readings can cause postponements of minutes, hours, or even days to ensure a safe and successful mission.
Following the liftoff and stage separation, SpaceX will attempt to land the Falcon 9's first stage on a droneship. The autonomous vessel, named "Of Course I Still Love You," will be positioned in the Pacific Ocean to recover the booster for future use.
The Falcon 9 and Starlink Constellation
The mission relies on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, a two-stage vehicle designed for transporting satellites and crew into orbit. According to SpaceX, the Falcon 9 is the world's first orbital-class reusable rocket, a technology that has significantly reduced the cost of accessing space.
A Veteran Booster
A key detail of this mission is the reuse of its first stage booster. SpaceX has stated that this will be the 28th flight for this particular booster, a significant milestone that demonstrates the durability and reliability of the hardware. Reusing rocket components is central to the company's business model, allowing for a higher launch frequency and lower operational costs.
The Starlink satellite constellation operates in low-Earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 550 kilometers (about 340 miles). This lower altitude helps reduce latency, providing a more responsive internet experience for users on the ground.
Expanding a Global Network
The 28 satellites on this mission will join the thousands already in orbit as part of the Starlink project. Starlink is designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to locations where access has been unreliable or completely unavailable.
"Starlink is the world's first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more," states the company's official website.
Each launch adds more capacity and coverage to the network, which serves residential, commercial, and mobile customers around the globe. The satellites connect to user terminals, small antennas that customers install at their locations.
How to Watch the Launch
For those in Southern California, the launch may provide a spectacular visual display. Evening launches from Vandenberg are often visible across a wide area, appearing as a bright, fast-moving light ascending into the sky. Depending on atmospheric conditions and the timing relative to sunset, the rocket's exhaust plume can be illuminated by the sun, creating a phenomenon often described as a "jellyfish" in the sky.
Official Live Stream
For viewers worldwide, SpaceX will host a live webcast of the mission. The broadcast typically begins about five minutes before the scheduled liftoff and provides multiple camera angles of the launch, along with commentary explaining the mission's progress. The stream will be available on the company's website, SpaceX.com, as well as on its official social media channels.
Viewing Tips for Residents
If you plan to watch the launch in person from a distance, keep these points in mind:
- Find a location with an unobstructed view of the northwestern horizon.
- The rocket will appear to rise from the coast north of Santa Barbara.
- Be aware that the launch time is a target and can change.
- Patience is key, as holds and delays are a normal part of launch operations.
Previous launches from the base have generated widespread interest, with many residents from San Diego to Los Angeles capturing and sharing photos of the rocket's journey into orbit. This upcoming launch offers another opportunity for the public to witness a key part of modern spaceflight operations.