Firefly Alpha rocket launch could be visible in Arizona tonight

Arizona residents should keep their eyes skyward on Wednesday evening, as a glowing rocket plume may be visible across the entire state.

It won’t be the latest mission from SpaceX, though. Instead, Texas-based aerospace company Firefly Aerospace plans to launch its Alpha rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on March 11 after two previous attempts were scrubbed. If conditions are clear, the launch should be visible from Arizona shortly after liftoff.

The 96.7-foot-tall Alpha rocket is a two-stage light-lift launch vehicle built to send smaller commerical and military satellites into low-Earth orbit. Firefly has dubbed the test mission “Stairway to Seven,” marking the seventh launch of the company’s Alpha rocket under its commercial launch program.

Here’s when the Firefly Alpha launch could be visible over Arizona on Wednesday night.

When is the next rocket launch from California?

Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha rocket launch is scheduled for a two-hour window between 5:50 and 7:50 p.m. Arizona time. The exact liftoff time could change because of weather or technical issues.

For an updated launch time, check Firefly Aerospace’s social media or the website NASASpaceflight.com.

The mission has already faced several delays, including a February postponement due to weather and scrubbed launch attempts on March 9 and Tuesday because of sensor and fueling issues.

Where will the Alpha rocket launch from?

The Firefly Aerospace Alpha rocket will launch from Space Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California.

How can I see the rocket flight in Arizona?

After lifting off from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha rocket is expected to head in a south/southwestern trajectory over the Pacific Ocean.

The rocket should be visible in Arizona about two to three minutes after launch as it climbs into the upper atmosphere.

Look toward the western to western/southwestern sky for a bright moving point or glowing exhaust plume. You’ll want to have an unobstructed view of the western horizon for the best chance of spotting the rocket.

What is the Firefly Alpha rocket?

The Alpha rocket is a small orbital launch vehicle developed by Firefly Aerospace to launch satellites and other commercial, military and scientific payloads into space. The two-stage rocket first launched in 2021 and is designed for dedicated small-satellite missions.