A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to launch on Friday, May 16, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California. The mission will deploy 26 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, providing internet connectivity to users worldwide.
The launch is targeted for 6:43 a.m. PT and can be viewed by the public from various locations within a radius of about 100 miles from the base. Residents may also hear sonic booms due to the rocket’s high speed.
SpaceX will provide live streaming of the launch on its website, along with updates on social media site X. However, viewing is not possible at the launch complex itself due to security reasons.
To catch a glimpse of the launch, spectators can head to designated viewing areas such as 13th Street and Arguello Boulevard or Allan Hancock College, which offer clear views of the rocket. The city of Lompoc also provides multiple viewing locations, including Ocean Park and Riverbend Park.
Vandenberg Space Force Base is a major site for space launches, with agencies like NASA and SpaceX regularly conducting missions from the base. Established in 1941, the base has been used for military, civil, and commercial purposes, hosting recent launches by companies such as Firefly Aerospace.
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, providing internet services to users worldwide. With over 6,700 satellites orbiting Earth at an altitude of 341 miles, Starlink offers lower latency and data times compared to traditional geostationary satellites.
Source: https://eu.vcstar.com/story/news/2025/05/16/california-rocket-launch-today-vandenberg-spacex/83624679007