SpaceX plans Falcon 9 rocket launch. Where, how to watch in Arizona
azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic • • science
Key Points:
- SpaceX is scheduled to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on May 11, with a four-hour window starting at 2:48 p.m. PT, carrying reconnaissance satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office.
- The rocket's southeastern trajectory may make it visible to residents in Arizona, although the afternoon launch time could make viewing difficult due to the sun's brightness.
- SpaceX will provide a live webcast of the launch on its website and X TV mobile app, starting about five minutes before liftoff, with updates also available on social media.
- Potential viewing locations in Arizona include several parks, mountain areas, and communities such as South Mountain, Papago Park, Fountain Hills, and the Superstition Mountains, among others.
- SpaceX, founded and led by Elon Musk, is a major government contractor launching classified military and civil payloads, and also supports NASA missions with its Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon crew capsule.