Mary Lynch McInnis
Audio By Carbonatix
It’s another day, another SpaceX launch that will light up the Valley skies. This evening, a Falcon 9 rocket will leave from California, gracing Arizona with a glimpse of the blimp-shaped trail it leaves behind.
Want to see the unique sight on Wednesday, Jan. 21? Here’s what you need to know.
When will the next SpaceX launch happen?
The next SpaceX launch that we may be able to see in Arizona is currently scheduled for sometime about 7:45 p.m. Arizona time on Wednesday. Launch times are subject to change depending on weather and other factors. Check the SpaceX website to see updated estimates.
There’s not another nighttime California launch on the schedule right now.
Where will the SpaceX launch from?
The Falcon 9 rocket will launch from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California.
How can I see the flight in Arizona and what will I see?
Look to the south. The flight will take off from southern California, southwest of the Valley and then be visible to our southeast for most of the flight.
If you don’t want to leave your house, you can also watch the launch live on X @SpaceX.
When you look to the sky, you will see a bright balloon-shaped streak following behind the rocket. This is a contrail, short for condensation trail, created when hot aircraft rips through cold water vapor high in the sky.
What is the Falcon 9 Rocket?
The Falcon 9 rocket is a $69.75 million rocket primarily used to deliver satellites to space. The rocket is reusable, unlike most other rockets. Since its first flight in 2018, it has had a 99.4% success rate of its over 500 missions.
What is the purpose of the Falcon 9 rocket?
SpaceX plans for the rocket to deliver 27 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit. The 27 will be added to the more than 7,800 satellites in orbit.
Starlink provides satellite internet which allows those without access to cable internet to access the internet. Starlink is used on many airlines, including United Airlines in the U.S. and most major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian. It has also provided connectivity during times of national disasters like the Maui fires, Hurricane Helen and in the aftermath of flooding in Texas this summer.