California rocket launch schedule: Here's what's due to launch in July from Vandenberg
That includes not only SpaceX's regular slate of Starlink deliveries getting off the ground from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County , but also a NASA mission.
Vandenberg and SpaceX typically don't officially confirm California launches until about a day ahead of time, and the Federal Aviation Administration's operations plan advisory is constantly updating. Still, multiple online websites that track launches suggest that NASA is planning a scientific mission while SpaceX is planning at least two more Starlink internet-beaming satellite deployments.
For those who enjoy seeing SpaceX's famous Falcon 9 rocket soaring across the sky, you're in luck: the upcoming rocket launches from Vandenberg should be widely visible across Southern California – and perhaps even Arizona.
But it's important to keep in mind that rocket launches can be – and often are – delayed due to any number of factors, including poor weather conditions or unexpected issues with spacecraft. Make sure to visit VC Star for the latest mission updates.
Here's a look at the upcoming July 2025 launch schedule (so far) at the Vandenberg Space Force Base.
What is the Vandenberg Space Force Base? 4 things to know about California rocket launches
Tuesday, July 22: NASA TRACERS
Agency: NASA
Mission: SpaceX will serve as the launch service provider for a NASA mission to launch twin satellites to study solar activity's effects on Earth for the Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites (TRACERS) mission.
Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage rocket
Launch window: 11:13 a.m. PT Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California
Booster landing: Return to launch site for landing at LZ-4.
Friday, July 25: Starlink 17-2
Agency: SpaceX
Mission: Deploy Starlink V2 mini Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit
Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage rocket
Launch window: 7:09 p.m. PT Saturday, July 26, 2025
Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base
Booster landing: SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed "Of Course I Still Love You," in the Pacific Ocean
Tuesday, July 29: Starlink 13-4
Agency: SpaceX
Mission: Deploy Starlink V2 mini Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit
Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage rocket
Launch window: 8:39 a.m. PT Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base
Booster landing: SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed "Of Course I Still Love You," in the Pacific Ocean
Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Is there a rocket launch today? Schedule from Vandenberg in California
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