SpaceX is planning to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base Saturday night, according to the company.

SpaceX originally targeted Thursday evening and then Friday evening for liftoff but ultimately delayed the plan again. As of Friday afternoon, the company was aiming to launch between 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Saturday.

The launch means much of the region could be treated to a light show if weather conditions cooperate. Previous nighttime rocket launches from the Vandenberg base near Lompoc have been visible for hundreds of miles across Southern California.


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If the launch is delayed again, “additional opportunities are also available on Sunday, March 31 starting at 7:30 p.m.,” according to SpaceX.

The rocket is carrying 22 of the company’s Starlink internet satellites to be deployed into orbit.

You can follow SpaceX on Twitter to get live updates on the status of the launch. A webcast will start about five minutes prior to liftoff.

A rocket trail lights up the sky over Southern California on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.