SpaceX Delays Starlink Launch from California, Future Visibility in Arizona Uncertain

SpaceX has postponed the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket carrying Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California for a third time, disrupting the schedule for subsequent missions planned at the facility. The initial target date was August 9th, with revised attempts slated for August 11th and 12th before being scrubbed. As of Wednesday, August 13th, the launch is currently targeted for later that evening, within a four-hour window beginning at 8:44 p.m. Pacific Time.

The Falcon 9 rocket, which stands over 230 feet tall, is designed to deploy 24 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. This altitude allows the satellites to complete orbits relatively quickly. The mission, designated Starlink 17-4, will be streamed online via SpaceX’s website shortly before liftoff, with updates also expected on social media platform X.

Reasons for the launch delays have not been publicly disclosed. Representatives from Vandenberg Space Force Base referred inquiries about the postponements to SpaceX. Another Starlink deployment mission, Starlink 17-5, was previously scheduled within the same week and remains unrescheduled, though tracking sites anticipate a potential launch on Friday, August 15th at approximately 8:44 a.m. PT; however, this has not been officially confirmed by Vandenberg.

Further Starlink missions are currently planned for August 19th (Starlink 17-6), August 21st (Starlink 17-7) and August 24th (Bandwagon 4). Due to its proximity, Arizona residents have a reasonable chance of observing the rocket launch as it traverses the sky. The Arizona Republic has compiled a list of potential viewing locations including Dobbins Lookout, South Mountain, Papago Park, Fountain Hills, Superstition Mountains, Cave Creek, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Black Canyon City, various mountain parks, and regional parks across the state.