Residents across the southwestern United States may witness a spectacular light show this Sunday evening, September 28, 2025, as SpaceX is scheduled to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The launch is planned for the evening, creating optimal conditions for a visually striking display as the rocket ascends into the upper atmosphere.
The mission is expected to deploy another batch of Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. Due to the timing of the launch after sunset, the rocket's exhaust plume could be illuminated by the sun at high altitudes, producing a phenomenon often described as a "jellyfish" in the sky. This event will likely be visible from parts of California, Arizona, and Nevada, weather permitting.
Key Takeaways
- What: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch.
- When: Sunday evening, September 28, 2025.
- Where: Launching from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
- Visibility: Expected to be visible across Southern California, Arizona, and parts of Nevada.
- Potential Sight: A twilight phenomenon may create a large, glowing plume in the sky.
Launch Mission and Trajectory
The primary objective of this mission is to continue the expansion of SpaceX's Starlink satellite constellation. This network is designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet service to underserved and remote areas around the globe. Each launch typically adds several dozen satellites to the growing orbital network.
The Falcon 9 rocket will lift off from one of the launch pads at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Following liftoff, the rocket will travel on a southerly trajectory over the Pacific Ocean. This path is standard for launches from Vandenberg aiming for a polar orbit, which allows the satellites to cover the entire surface of the Earth as it rotates beneath them.
A key component of SpaceX's launch system is the reusability of its first-stage booster. Approximately eight minutes after launch, the booster is expected to perform a landing on one of SpaceX's autonomous droneships stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This practice significantly reduces the cost of space access and allows for a high launch frequency.
The Starlink Constellation
SpaceX has been aggressively building out its Starlink network for several years. According to company filings and astronomical observations, the constellation already consists of several thousand active satellites. The company aims to operate a megaconstellation of tens of thousands of satellites to ensure global coverage and service capacity.
These launches have become a regular occurrence, with SpaceX often launching multiple Starlink missions each month from its facilities in both Florida and California. The mission on Sunday continues this steady pace of deployment.
What is the Twilight Phenomenon?
The spectacular visual display sometimes seen during evening launches is known as the twilight phenomenon. It occurs when a rocket is launched shortly after sunset or before sunrise. While it is dark on the ground, the sun is still shining at the high altitudes the rocket reaches. The unburned fuel particles and water vapor in the rocket's exhaust plume are illuminated by this sunlight, causing them to expand and glow brightly against the darkening sky.
How and Where to Watch the Launch
For observers in the southwestern United States, the launch should be a notable event in the evening sky. The best viewing opportunities will depend on your location, local weather conditions, and having a clear view of the horizon.
The rocket will appear as a bright, fast-moving light ascending from the northwestern horizon for viewers in areas like Southern California and Arizona. The exact time of the launch window has not been finalized, but residents should start looking toward the sky around sunset on Sunday.
Viewing Tips for the Best Experience
- Find a Dark Location: Move away from city lights to reduce light pollution. This will make the rocket's plume appear brighter and more detailed.
- Look Northwest: For most of the viewing area, including Arizona and Southern California, the launch will originate from the northwestern sky.
- Have a Clear Horizon: An unobstructed view of the horizon is crucial, as the rocket will be low in the sky during the initial minutes of flight. Mountains or tall buildings could block the view.
- Be Patient: Launch schedules can be subject to delays due to weather or technical issues. It is always a good idea to check SpaceX's official social media channels for real-time updates on launch timing.
Even if you are not in the direct viewing area, SpaceX provides a high-quality live webcast of all its launches. The broadcast typically begins about 15 minutes before the scheduled liftoff and includes live commentary and multiple camera views of the rocket's ascent.
Vandenberg Space Force Base: A Hub for Polar Orbits
Located on the central coast of California, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a key asset for the United States' space capabilities. Its geographic location makes it ideal for launching satellites into polar orbits without flying over populated areas. This type of orbit is essential for Earth observation, weather monitoring, and communications satellites like Starlink that require global coverage.
SpaceX's Continued Dominance in Commercial Launch
This upcoming launch is another step in what has been a record-breaking period for SpaceX. The company has maintained an unprecedented launch cadence, far surpassing any other commercial or government entity. In 2024, the company successfully completed over 100 missions, and it is on track to exceed that number in 2025.
The reliability and reusability of the Falcon 9 rocket have been central to this success. By recovering and reusing the most expensive part of the rocket, the first-stage booster, SpaceX has dramatically lowered the cost of sending payloads to space. This has not only enabled the rapid deployment of its own Starlink network but has also made space more accessible for a wide range of commercial and government customers.
"Reusability is the key to making life multi-planetary," SpaceX founder Elon Musk has stated on multiple occasions, emphasizing the long-term vision behind the company's engineering philosophy.
As SpaceX continues to refine its operations, events like the launch on Sunday are becoming more common. However, for many on the ground, the sight of a rocket climbing into the night sky remains a captivating and inspiring experience. The potential for a visible twilight phenomenon makes this particular launch one that sky-watchers will not want to miss.
