Vandenberg rocket launch schedule. What's due for liftoff this week?

• Both missions are scheduled to carry Starlink broadband internet satellites into low-Earth orbit.
• The first launch is set for Tuesday, April 14, and the second for Saturday, April 18.
• Both launches will take place from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is due to launch twice in the week ahead from California.

And unsurprisingly, both missions – the first Tuesday, April 14, and the second Saturday, April 18 – will transport batches of the company's Starlink broadband internet satellites to low-Earth Orbit.

Ready for liftoff?

Californians – and potentially Arizonans – making their plans to watch any launches should keep in mind that lots can change between now and when each rocket is expected to lift off, as delays in spaceflight are common. Be sure to visit VC Star for the latest mission updates.

In the meantime, here's your weekly look at the upcoming launch schedule at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.

Tuesday, April 14: Starlink 17-27

• Agency: SpaceX
• Mission: Deploy 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, according to SpaceX
• Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage reusable rocket capable of carrying more than 50,000 pounds of cargo to low-Earth orbit
• Launch window: 7 to 11 p.m. PT Tuesday, April 14, 2026
• Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California
• Booster landing: SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed "Of Course I Still Love You," in the Pacific Ocean

Saturday, April 18: Starlink 17-22

• Agency: SpaceX
• Mission: Deploy 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, according to SpaceX
• Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage reusable rocket capable of carrying more than 50,000 pounds of cargo to low-Earth orbit
• Launch window: 7 to 11 a.m. PT Saturday, April 18, 2026
• Rocket launch location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California
• Booster landing: SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed "Of Course I Still Love You," in the Pacific Ocean

Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected]