Is there a rocket launch today? Upcoming liftoff schedule from Vandenberg in California

The first half of June saw three SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets soaring over Southern California to deliver Starlink satellites into orbit – and more are likely on the way.

In fact, the next Starlink deployment could get off the ground as early as Monday, June 16 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County. If you miss it, don't stress: Californians should likely still have multiple chances to catch a rocket launch in June.

SpaceX, founded by billionaire Elon Musk, could launch a rideshare mission later in June to deliver dozens of small satellites for paying customers, as well as a government satellite-deploying mission.

Vandenberg and SpaceX don't typically officially confirm California launches until about a day ahead of time, and the Federal Aviation Administration's operations plan advisory is constantly updating. Still, multiple online websites that track launches suggest that at least another three are so far being targeted for the rest of June from California – likely with more to be added to the schedule throughout the month.

An evening launch on June 23, 2024 of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 20 Starlink V2 Mini satellites, from Space Launch Complex at Vandenberg Space Force Base is seen over the Pacific Ocean from Encinitas, California.

It's also important to keep in mind that rocket launches can be – and often are – delayed due to any number of factors, including poor weather conditions or unexpected issues with spacecraft. Make sure to visit VC Star for the latest mission updates.

Monday, June 16: Starlink 15-9

  • Agency: SpaceX
  • Mission: Deploy Starlink V2 mini satellites into low-Earth orbit
  • Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage rocket
  • Launch window: 8:36 p.m. PT Monday, June 16
  • Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base
  • Booster landing: SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed "Of Course I Still Love You," in the Pacific Ocean

 Friday, June 20: SpaceX Transporter 14

  • Agency: SpaceX
  • Mission: Dedicated rideshare flight to deliver dozens of small satellites to a sun-synchronous orbit, meaning they will match Earth's rotation around the sun, for paying customers
  • Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage rocket
  • Launch window: 2:19 p.m. PT Friday, June 20
  • Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base
  • Booster landing: return to launch site

June, TBA: NAOS

  • Agency: SpaceX
  • Mission: Deploy a Luxembourg military reconnaissance satellite known as NAOS (National Advanced Optical System)
  • Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage rocket
  • Launch window: TBA
  • Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base

Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected]

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