Two SpaceX rockets are due to launch in the week ahead from California, but on two very different missions.
First, billionaire Elon Musk’s commercial spaceflight company will launch its Falcon 9 rocket on a routine mission to deploy Starlink broadband internet satellites to Earth orbit from the Vandenberg Space Force Base. Then later in the week, the Falcon 9 rocket will get off the ground again on a ride-share mission for a variety of SpaceX customers.
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.
In the meantime, here’s your weekly look at the upcoming launch schedule at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.
Wednesday, April 29: Starlink 17-36
Saturday, May 2-Sunday, May 3: CAS500-2
Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Vandenberg rocket launch schedule. SpaceX plans 2 missions in next week
Reporting by Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY NETWORK / Ventura County Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
