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

Tuesday, July 15: Starlink 15-2, Friday, July 18: Starlink 17-3, Sunday, July 20: Starlink 17-2, Tuesday, July 22: TRACERS

The Vandenberg Space Force Base 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 three Starlink deployment missions are on the schedule in the week ahead alone from California. Additionally, NASA could launch two science satellites sometime in July.

And as usual, the upcoming rocket launches from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County should be widely visible across California – and perhaps even Arizona.

Still, it's 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.

Tuesday, July 15: Starlink 15-2, Friday, July 18: Starlink 17-3, Sunday, July 20: Starlink 17-2, Tuesday, July 22: TRACERS
  • Agency: SpaceX
  • Mission: Deploy Starlink V2 mini satellites into low-Earth orbit
  • Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage rocket
  • Launch window: 7:05 p.m. PT Tuesday, July 15
  • 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
  • Agency: SpaceX
  • Mission: Deploy Starlink V2 mini satellites into low-Earth orbit
  • Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage rocket
  • Launch window: 7:08 p.m. PT Friday, July 18, 2025
  • 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
  • Agency: SpaceX
  • Mission: Deploy Starlink V2 mini satellites into low-Earth orbit
  • Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage rocket
  • Launch window: 7:09 p.m. PT Sunday, July 20, 2025
  • 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

Tuesday, July 22: TRACERS

Tuesday, July 15: Starlink 15-2, Friday, July 18: Starlink 17-3, Sunday, July 20: Starlink 17-2, Tuesday, July 22: TRACERS

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 20 Starlink V2 Mini satellites launches June 23, 2024 from Space Launch Complex at Vandenberg Space Force Base over the Pacific Ocean.

  • Agency: SpaceX
  • Mission: NASA's Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites (TRACERS) mission, consisting of two identical satellites that will orbit Earth in tandem, will study solar activity's effects on Earth.
  • Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage rocket
  • Launch window: 11:05 a.m. PT, Tuesday, July 22
  • Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base
  • Booster landing: Unknown

This article has been updated to add new information.

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

Post Related