Safety

January 24, 2026, 7:40 AM EST. SpaceX is aiming for a Sunday, Jan. 25 liftoff of a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, delivering 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The four-hour window opens at 7:17 a.m. PT, with a backup opportunity the following day per an FAA advisory. The mission marks the fifth January West Coast launch. Public viewing is not allowed on base, but several coastal spots in Santa Barbara County and beyond offer vantage points, weather permitting. Viewers should watch for weather or technical delays and check with local outlets for updates, including the VC Star. The booster will fly a southern trajectory from Space Launch Complex 4E.