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Two more rockets are due to fly over California in the week ahead after launching from SpaceX’s pad at the Vandenberg Space Force Base.
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The commercial spaceflight company’s famous Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to get off the ground twice through Saturday, Sept. 19.
But each launch will be a very different mission.
First, SpaceX will conduct another classified mission for the U.S. Space Force. Then, it’s back to delivering the company’s Starlink internet satellites into Earth orbit.
Californians – and potentially Arizonans – making their plans to watch any launches should keep in mind that lots can change between now and when each rocket is expected to lift off, as delays in spaceflight are common. Be sure to visit VC Star for the latest mission updates.
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In the meantime, here’s your weekly look at the upcoming launch schedule at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.
Tuesday, Sept. 15: USSF-259
- Agency: SpaceX
- Mission: classified satellite deployment mission for the U.S. Space Force, according to SpaceX
- Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage reusable rocket capable of carrying more than 50,000 pounds of cargo to low-Earth orbit
- Launch window: 6 to 10 p.m. PT Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
- Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California
- Booster landing: SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed “Of Course I Still Love You,” in the Pacific Ocean
Saturday, Sept. 19: Starlink 15-27
- Agency: SpaceX
- Mission: Deploy 27 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, according to SpaceX
- Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage reusable rocket capable of carrying more than 50,000 pounds of cargo to low-Earth orbit
- Launch window: 6:47 to 10:47 p.m. PT Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
- Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California
- Booster landing: SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed “Of Course I Still Love You,” in the Pacific Ocean
Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: SpaceX eyes 2 California rocket launches this week. Here’s what they are
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Reporting by Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY NETWORK / Ventura County Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published September 14, 2026 at 6:01 AM.