August 19, 2026 1:36 AM

Space X Rocket Launch could be Visible Tonight

Update planned launch of a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg SFB has been delayed. Liftoff is now scheduled for Sunday (December 28) at 6:08pm.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> Space X will launch another rocket. We will have a chance to watch it fly in the sky tonight.

SpaceX is scheduled to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California to deliver COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellites into low-Earth orbit Saturday night, and there’s a good chance we’ll be able to see it.

Scheduled to lift off at 6:09pm

Start looking towards the west-northwest direction (it may take a minute to see in the sky). The vehicle will probably head towards the south-southwest direction after liftoff.

If weather permitting, the event could be visible to the unaided eye across much of the Southern California, Las Vegas area, parts of Arizona, and northwestern Mexico.

It is uncertain if the rocket’s exhaust plume will be illuminated by the sun at high altitude because the launch window opens long after Vandenberg SFB sunset. That said, observers in dark locations may still be able to see the exhaust plume, but it will be much fainter.

If needed, a backup launch opportunity is available Sunday, Dec. 28, at the same time.

For countdown status and video feeds of the launch, go to: Space X

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Cajon Pass
1:36 am, Aug 19, 2026
temperature icon 73°F
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Humidity: 22 %
Pressure: 1014 mb
Wind: 9 mph
Wind Gust: 9 mph
Clouds: 81%
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:13 am
Sunset: 7:32 pm
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