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SpaceX is preparing to kick off a busy December launch schedule with a Falcon 9 mission carrying 27 Starlink satellites into orbit.
The rocket is scheduled to launch Monday evening from Vandenberg Space Force Base, located in Santa Barbara County, northwest of Los Angeles.
The liftoff window opens at 6:10 p.m. and runs until 10:10 p.m., and depending on weather, the launch could be visible across Southern California and parts of northwestern Mexico.
Visibility Depends On Weather And Light Conditions
Although Falcon 9 launches from Vandenberg often create a dramatic exhaust plume visible for hundreds of miles, visibility on Monday may vary.
Launches just after sunset or before sunrise typically offer the best views because the rocket can reflect sunlight against a dark sky.
However, with sunset in Los Angeles occurring at 4:44 p.m., the sky may be too dark for sunlight to illuminate the rocket or plume during this mission.
Booster Landing And Sonic Booms
After stage separation, the Falcon 9 first-stage booster successfully touched down on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship positioned in the Pacific Ocean.
Residents in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties could hear one or more sonic booms as the booster returned.
Starlink Satellites Join Expanding Constellation
This launch adds another 27 satellites to SpaceX’s growing Starlink constellation, which orbits roughly 340 miles above Earth.
The network is built to provide high-speed global internet coverage, especially in underserved regions.
Under the right lighting, the newly deployed satellites can appear as a bright “train” crossing the night sky shortly after sunset or before sunrise, when they are still able to reflect sunlight even though the ground below is dark.
For those hoping to catch a glimpse, tools like the FindStarlink tracker can help identify optimal viewing times.
More Falcon 9 Launches Coming This Month
This mission is only the first of several scheduled from Vandenberg in December. Additional Falcon 9 launches are planned for Thursday, Sunday, and December 10, making it one of the base’s most active months of 2025.
SpaceX is starting December with a high-energy launch cadence, sending another set of Starlink satellites into orbit to expand its global internet network.
With multiple Falcon 9 missions lined up in the coming days, Vandenberg Space Force Base is set for a remarkably active month.
Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or a casual skywatcher, this series of launches offers several opportunities to witness spectacular rocket views—weather and light permitting.
FAQs
How many satellites were launched in this mission?
SpaceX launched 27 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit during this mission.
Can people in California see the rocket launch?
Yes, visibility is possible across Southern California and even parts of northwestern Mexico, depending on weather and lighting.
Why do the Starlink satellites look like a “train”?
After deployment, the satellites travel in a closely spaced line and reflect sunlight, creating a bright train-like formation in the sky.