SpaceX plans Falcon 9 launch before Starship. Will Arizonans see it?
SpaceX plans a Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on May 19, deploying Starlink satellites, with a southern trajectory that may limit visibility from Arizona. The launch will be livestreamed on SpaceX’s website and X app, with a backup window on May 20 if delayed by weather or technical issues.
SpaceX is set to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on May 19, targeting a four-hour window starting at 7:11 p.m. PT. The mission will deploy a batch of Starlink broadband internet satellites into Earth orbit, marking the first of two planned Falcon 9 launches from the site this week. The launch trajectory will fly southward from Space Launch Complex 4-East (SLC-4E), which may reduce visibility for observers in Arizona due to the rocket’s path. While Arizonans could attempt to spot the rocket overhead, the southern angle could make it harder to see without clear skies and optimal viewing conditions. For those unable to view the launch directly, SpaceX will livestream the event on its official website and X TV mobile app, beginning about five minutes before liftoff. Updates and real-time commentary may also be shared on SpaceX’s X social media account, providing an alternative way to follow the mission. Delays are common in spaceflight due to weather or technical issues, so viewers should check for updates closer to the launch date. The Federal Aviation Administration has designated a backup opportunity on May 20 if the initial attempt is postponed. This Falcon 9 launch precedes SpaceX’s upcoming Starship rocket tests in South Texas, scheduled for 2026. The Falcon 9, standing at 230 feet, remains a proven workhorse for SpaceX, while the Starship—measuring 407 feet—is still in development and has not yet completed successful test flights.
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