SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch From Vandenberg Promises Sonic Boom Across Central California

SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex-4 at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County between 8:18 p.m. and 8:53 p.m. on Friday, with a backup window at 8:04 p.m. Saturday if needed. The first-stage booster, making its second flight, will return to Landing Zone 4 about seven minutes after liftoff. The mission, designated NRL-105 for the National Reconnaissance Office, could produce a sonic boom audible across Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties and may be visible from parts of California; a live webcast is available at spacex.com, and local viewing spots around the Lompoc Valley are recommended.