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SpaceX, ULA rocket launches from Vandenberg, California, may be visible in Arizona, too

Gretchen Wenner Jay Calderon Michael Chow Jennifer Sangalang Eric Lagatta
April 15, 2025Updated Jan. 30, 2026, 6:41 a.m. ET
Dec. 22, 2017: A bright light in the sky grabbed everyone's attention Friday evening as it raced across the sky. The light was from SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, which launched at about 5:30 p.m. from Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. The rocket was carrying satellites into orbit. (James Quigg, Victorville Daily Press)
Dec. 22, 2017: A bright light in the sky grabbed everyone's attention Friday evening as it raced across the sky. The light was from SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, which launched at about 5:30 p.m. from Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. The rocket was carrying satellites into orbit. (James Quigg, Victorville Daily Press)
James Quigg, Victorville Daily Press
The NASA InSight spacecraft launches onboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas-V rocket on May 5, 2018, from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
The NASA InSight spacecraft launches onboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas-V rocket on May 5, 2018, from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty Images
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the Mars InSight probe launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base, as seen from the San Gabriel Mountains more than 100 miles away, on May 5, 2018, near Los Angeles, California. The InSight probe is the first NASA lander designed entirely to study the deep interior structure of Mars.
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the Mars InSight probe launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base, as seen from the San Gabriel Mountains more than 100 miles away, on May 5, 2018, near Los Angeles, California. The InSight probe is the first NASA lander designed entirely to study the deep interior structure of Mars.
DAVID MCNEW/GETTY IMAGES
A rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base is seen from Indio High School during their football game in Indio, Calif., Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023.
A rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base is seen from Indio High School during their football game in Indio, Calif., Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023.
Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun
The SpaceX rocket launch (from Califiornia) seen over Phoenix around 7:15 p.m. on Feb. 10, 2025, near South Mountain Park.
The SpaceX rocket launch (from Califiornia) seen over Phoenix around 7:15 p.m. on Feb. 10, 2025, near South Mountain Park.
Russel Wiles/The Republic
A SpaceX launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base lit up the sky over Southern California Friday morning and caught the attention of early morning commuters and walkers. The rocket could be seen in Thousand Oaks near Ventu Park and Lynn roads early Friday.
A SpaceX launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base lit up the sky over Southern California Friday morning and caught the attention of early morning commuters and walkers. The rocket could be seen in Thousand Oaks near Ventu Park and Lynn roads early Friday.
PROVIDED BY LIN YOUNG
A bird soars as the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base photographed from Whitewater, California, April 1, 2024.
A bird soars as the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base photographed from Whitewater, California, April 1, 2024.
Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun
The contrail from a rocket launched from Vandenberg Air Base in California can be seen from the outskirts of Yuma, Arizona, September 22, 2005. The rocket was carrying a satellite into space with DARPA's Streak Technology.
The contrail from a rocket launched from Vandenberg Air Base in California can be seen from the outskirts of Yuma, Arizona, September 22, 2005. The rocket was carrying a satellite into space with DARPA's Streak Technology.
Pat Shannahan/The Arizona Republic
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is seen from Phoenix, Ariz., after launching from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on June 18, 2024. The rocket was carrying 20 Starlink satellites.
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is seen from Phoenix, Ariz., after launching from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on June 18, 2024. The rocket was carrying 20 Starlink satellites.
Michael Chow, The Republic
An evening launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 20 Starlink V2 Mini satellites, from Space Launch Complex at Vandenberg Space Force Base is seen over the Pacific Ocean from Encinitas, California, U.S., June 23, 2024.
An evening launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 20 Starlink V2 Mini satellites, from Space Launch Complex at Vandenberg Space Force Base is seen over the Pacific Ocean from Encinitas, California, U.S., June 23, 2024.
Mike Blake, REUTERS
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches into low-Earth orbit over Southern California, April 1, 2024.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches into low-Earth orbit over Southern California, April 1, 2024.
Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches into low-Earth orbit over Southern California, April 1, 2024.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches into low-Earth orbit over Southern California, April 1, 2024.
Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun
Thanks to Alfred Thomas for sharing this photo of the Dec. 22, 2017, SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, as seen from Ventura County.
Thanks to Alfred Thomas for sharing this photo of the Dec. 22, 2017, SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, as seen from Ventura County.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/ALFRED THOMAS
The SpaceX Falcon 9 NROL-186 rocket, flies through the atmosphere after launch from Vandenberg, California, on June 28, 2024. Photographed from Cabazon, California, with a 400mm lens.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 NROL-186 rocket, flies through the atmosphere after launch from Vandenberg, California, on June 28, 2024. Photographed from Cabazon, California, with a 400mm lens.
Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch of the NROL-186 mission can be seen from Phoenix after taking off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on June 28, 2024.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch of the NROL-186 mission can be seen from Phoenix after taking off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on June 28, 2024.
Michael Chow/The Republic
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch of the NROL-186 mission can be seen from Phoenix after taking off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on June 28, 2024.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch of the NROL-186 mission can be seen from Phoenix after taking off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on June 28, 2024.
Michael Chow/The Republic
The SpaceX rocket Falcon 9 is photographed just moments after launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California as seen from Whitewater, Calif., near Palm Springs, May 9, 2024.
The SpaceX rocket Falcon 9 is photographed just moments after launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California as seen from Whitewater, Calif., near Palm Springs, May 9, 2024.
Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch of the NROL-186 mission can be seen from Phoenix after taking off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on June 28, 2024.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch of the NROL-186 mission can be seen from Phoenix after taking off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on June 28, 2024.
Michael Chow/The Republic
The contrails from the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch were visible in the sky over Southern California as seen from Whitewater, Calif., April 1, 2024.
The contrails from the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch were visible in the sky over Southern California as seen from Whitewater, Calif., April 1, 2024.
Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun
Sept. 14, 2021: Launched from Vandenberg Space Force Station in California on Monday night, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket appears over the Victor Valley.
Sept. 14, 2021: Launched from Vandenberg Space Force Station in California on Monday night, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket appears over the Victor Valley.
Rene Ray De La Cruz, The Victorville Daily Press
Paul Dompier, Phoenix resident, captured the rocket launch that originated from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, California, on the night of Sept. 14, 2023.
Paul Dompier, Phoenix resident, captured the rocket launch that originated from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, California, on the night of Sept. 14, 2023.
Courtesy Of Paul Dompier
Paul Dompier, Phoenix resident, captured the rocket launch that originated in California on the night of Sept. 14, 2023.
Paul Dompier, Phoenix resident, captured the rocket launch that originated in California on the night of Sept. 14, 2023.
Courtesy Of Paul Dompier
The SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, California, spotted over Arizona on Oct. 27, 2022.
The SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, California, spotted over Arizona on Oct. 27, 2022.
Provided By NWS Phoenix
High Desert residents watched as SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket from nearly 200 miles away at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
High Desert residents watched as SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket from nearly 200 miles away at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Rene Ray De La Cruz, The Daily Press
The plume from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that launched Friday, May 13, 2022, (Friday the 13th) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California could be seen in relatively clear skies along the Central Coast.
The plume from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that launched Friday, May 13, 2022, (Friday the 13th) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California could be seen in relatively clear skies along the Central Coast.
GRETCHEN WENNER/THE VENTURA COUNTY STAR
SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, Califiornia, seen over Arizona on Oct. 27, 2022.
SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, Califiornia, seen over Arizona on Oct. 27, 2022.
Photo Provided By Steve Mahaffy
SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, California, seen over Arizona on Oct. 27, 2022.
SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, California, seen over Arizona on Oct. 27, 2022.
Photo Provided By Steve Mahaffy
SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, California, seen over Arizona on Oct. 27, 2022.
SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, California, seen over Arizona on Oct. 27, 2022.
Photo Provided By Steve Mahaffy
SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, California, spotted over Arizona on Oct. 27, 2022.
SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, California, spotted over Arizona on Oct. 27, 2022.
Provided By NWS Flagstaff
A rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base as seen from the Coachella Valley on Thursday night, Sept. 14, 2023.
A rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base as seen from the Coachella Valley on Thursday night, Sept. 14, 2023.
Taya Gray/The Desert Sun
This Nest still shows the time-elapse view of a SpaceX rocket launch (from California) from a city of Phoenix roof cam — in just two brief minutes — on Dec. 22, 2017.
This Nest still shows the time-elapse view of a SpaceX rocket launch (from California) from a city of Phoenix roof cam — in just two brief minutes — on Dec. 22, 2017.
City Of Phoenix
Sept. 14, 2021: Launched from Vandenberg Space Force Station in California on Monday night, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket appears over the Victor Valley.
Sept. 14, 2021: Launched from Vandenberg Space Force Station in California on Monday night, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket appears over the Victor Valley.
Rene Ray De La Cruz, The Victorville Daily Press
A West Coast rocket launch (from California) seen from central Phoenix on the evening of Dec. 22, 2017.
A West Coast rocket launch (from California) seen from central Phoenix on the evening of Dec. 22, 2017.
Wyatt Buchanan/The Arizona Republic
1/19/19: The Delta IV Heavy rocket's contrail was visible above Ventura on Saturday morning after a successful launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
1/19/19: The Delta IV Heavy rocket's contrail was visible above Ventura on Saturday morning after a successful launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
GRETCHEN WENNER/THE VENTURA COUNTY STAR
A vapor trail was visible above Camarillo Monday afternoon after the launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, outside Lompoc, around 1:47 p.m. April 26, 2021.
A vapor trail was visible above Camarillo Monday afternoon after the launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, outside Lompoc, around 1:47 p.m. April 26, 2021.
GRETCHEN WENNER/THE VENTURA COUNTY STAR
The twisty tail of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California was visible in clear skies above Camarillo on Saturday morning, Nov. 21, 2020.
The twisty tail of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California was visible in clear skies above Camarillo on Saturday morning, Nov. 21, 2020.
GRETCHEN WENNER/THE VENTURA COUNTY STAR
People watch as a reusable portion of a SpaceX rocket touches down on Vandenberg Space Force Base on March 4, 2024, after launching multiple satellites.
People watch as a reusable portion of a SpaceX rocket touches down on Vandenberg Space Force Base on March 4, 2024, after launching multiple satellites.
Trevor Hughes/USA TODAY
Oct. 7, 2018: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket's streak quickly bloomed into a glowing cloud after the SpaceX rocket launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Sunday night.
Oct. 7, 2018: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket's streak quickly bloomed into a glowing cloud after the SpaceX rocket launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Sunday night.
GRETCHEN WENNER/THE VENTURA COUNTY STAR
Oct. 7, 2018: The glowing cloud from the launch of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket over Camarillo on Sunday night grew into two points of light as stages separated, with the Falcon 9 returning to Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to land.
Oct. 7, 2018: The glowing cloud from the launch of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket over Camarillo on Sunday night grew into two points of light as stages separated, with the Falcon 9 returning to Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to land.
GRETCHEN WENNER/THE VENTURA COUNTY STAR
Oct. 7, 2018: The glowing cloud from SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket seen dissipating above Camarillo on Sunday night. The mission from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California included the first West Coast landing of the rocket back at the launch site.
Oct. 7, 2018: The glowing cloud from SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket seen dissipating above Camarillo on Sunday night. The mission from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California included the first West Coast landing of the rocket back at the launch site.
GRETCHEN WENNER/THE VENTURA COUNTY STAR
Constantino Dondiego shared this photo of the Dec. 22, 2017, SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
Constantino Dondiego shared this photo of the Dec. 22, 2017, SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
CONSTANTINO DONDIEGO
Thanks to "Tracey0503" for sharing this photo of the SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, as seen across Ventura County.
Thanks to "Tracey0503" for sharing this photo of the SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, as seen across Ventura County.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, California, spotted over Arizona on Oct. 27, 2022.
SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, California, spotted over Arizona on Oct. 27, 2022.
Ryan Randazzo/The Arizona Republic
SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, California, spotted over Arizona on Oct. 27, 2022.
SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, California, spotted over Arizona on Oct. 27, 2022.
Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic
A view of the SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, California, captured around 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 22, 2017 from Tucson, Arizona.
A view of the SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Vandenberg, California, captured around 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 22, 2017 from Tucson, Arizona.
Line Lauritsen
A SpaceX rocket launch in California created a white spiral that resemble a spiral galaxy in the northern lights in Fairbanks, Alaska.
A SpaceX rocket launch in California created a white spiral that resemble a spiral galaxy in the northern lights in Fairbanks, Alaska.
USA Today
An evening launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base is seen over the Pacific Ocean from Encinitas, California, U.S., April 1, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Blake
An evening launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base is seen over the Pacific Ocean from Encinitas, California, U.S., April 1, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Blake
Mike Blake, REUTERS
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch of 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base is viewed Dec. 28, 2024 from Encinitas, California. The image was taken following stage separation as the first stage returns to land on a droneship, in the Pacific Ocean.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch of 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base is viewed Dec. 28, 2024 from Encinitas, California. The image was taken following stage separation as the first stage returns to land on a droneship, in the Pacific Ocean.
Mike Blake/Reuters
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches Jan. 2 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base carrying the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite to low-Earth orbit on behalf of the Italian Space Agency.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches Jan. 2 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base carrying the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite to low-Earth orbit on behalf of the Italian Space Agency.
Provided By The Vandenberg Space Force Base
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches at 5:44 a.m. PT Jan. 11 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on a rideshare mission to deploy small satellites for paying customers, including the Pandora satellite for NASA.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches at 5:44 a.m. PT Jan. 11 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on a rideshare mission to deploy small satellites for paying customers, including the Pandora satellite for NASA.
Provided By The Vandenberg Space Force Base
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is pictured shortly after liftoff Jan. 16 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base on the NROL-105 mission in California.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is pictured shortly after liftoff Jan. 16 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base on the NROL-105 mission in California.
The Vandenberg Space Force Base
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches Jan. 21 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California carrying a batch of Starlink satellites to deploy into low-Earth orbit.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches Jan. 21 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California carrying a batch of Starlink satellites to deploy into low-Earth orbit.
Provided By The Vandenberg Space Force Base
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches Sunday, Jan. 25 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California on a Starlink mission.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches Sunday, Jan. 25 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California on a Starlink mission.
Provided By The Vandenberg Space Force Base
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches Jan. 29 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California on a mission to deploy Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches Jan. 29 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California on a mission to deploy Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.
Provided By The Vandenberg Space Force Base
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