SpaceX targets Father's Day for next Vandenberg rocket launch

SpaceX has set Father's Day as the target date for its Falcon 9 mission from Vandenberg, turning a holiday into a potential West Coast sky show. The 230-foot rocket will lift off from Space Launch Complex 4-East at Vandenberg Space Force Base, deploying 24 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The four-hour window opens at 7 a.m. Pacific Time on Sunday, June 21, with a backup option the next day if needed. Because the trajectory runs south, Arizona observers may have limited viewing options, though a livestream will be available. SpaceX will stream the liftoff on its website and the X TV app, starting about five minutes before ignition. The mission aims to deploy 24 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, part of SpaceX's broader effort to expand global broadband. The launch site, SLC-4E, is leased at Vandenberg Space Force Base, with a backup date if June 21 is scrubbed. Visibility from Arizona may be limited, but West Coast observers can watch a live feed and receive updates via SpaceX on X. The FAA has an operations plan and notes a backup date if weather delays occur. Spaceflight fans are advised to monitor azcentral.com for updates as the Starlink mission proceeds.