SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg: When is liftoff?

SpaceX has established itself as a leader in the aerospace industry, notably with its Falcon 9 rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The most recent launch occurred on May 16, 2025, at 6:43 a.m., marking the 18th mission of the year for the company from this location . These launches are critical not only for deploying satellites but also for advancing space exploration and technology development.

SpaceX scrubbed the planned launch of its 60th Falcon 9 rocket of the year just minutes before its midnight mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station took flight. The company concluded its broadcast before issuing a reason for the launch abort.

When it launches, the Starlink 12-15 mission will carry 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit. Among those, 13 feature Direct to Cell capabilities.

Liftoff Space Launch Complex 40 was targeting 11:58 p.m. EDT on May 19 (0358 UTC on May 20). SpaceX does have a backup launch opportunity on Tuesday, May 20, starting at 11:18 p.m. EDT (0318 UTC), if it is ready to move forward with the launch at that point.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket could get off the ground as early as Wednesday, May 21 with backup opportunities on Thursday, May 22, according to a Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory

Multiple rocket launch schedules online list the liftoff window as opening at 2:20 p.m. PT (5:20 p.m. ET.) SpaceX and the Vandenberg Space Force Base have not yet officially confirmed the launch. 

Another Chinese launch is expected on Wednesday, May 21, at 04:00 UTC. During a launch window extending from 03:54 until 04:15 UTC, a Kinetica 1 will liftoff from Site 130 at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China.

Published hazard notices indicate a southwesterly trajectory for the flight. This mission will serve as the first Kinetica 1 mission of 2025, and the seventh overall.

Kinetica 1 is a 31 m tall, 2.65 m diameter, four-stage rocket that first flew in July 2022. All four stages utilize solid fuel and solid rocket motors.

The significance of Vandenberg as a launch site lies in its strategic location along the California coast, permitting launches into polar or sun-synchronous orbits. This capability is particularly beneficial for missions involving Earth observation satellites and communication arrays such as Starlink . The Falcon 9's reliability and efficiency have made it a preferred choice for both commercial and governmental payloads.

For specific liftoff times of future Falcon 9 missions from Vandenberg, interested parties should refer to official sources like SpaceX's website. This ensures access to real-time updates regarding launch schedules and any potential changes due to weather or technical considerations .

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Sarah H

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