Rocket launches from California are set to ramp up in June, with at least three missions targeted so far from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County. This comes on the heels of a busy May, which saw six successful SpaceX launches, all dedicated to deploying batches of Starlink satellites.
The upcoming June schedule includes notable Falcon 9 missions by SpaceX, which are aimed at delivering more internet-supporting satellites into low-Earth orbit. The first two launches will focus on the Starlink V2 mini satellites. The first mission is slated for Tuesday, June 3, with a launch window from 4:50 to 8:50 p.m. PT, and backup opportunities available on June 4. The second launch for Starlink V2 mini satellites is planned for Sunday, June 8, with a launch window from 6:34 to 10:34 a.m. PT.
In addition, June will see SpaceX conduct a dedicated rideshare flight named Transporter 14, expected to launch on June 21. This mission will deliver dozens of small satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit, which is designed to maintain a constant position relative to the sun, thus benefiting various commercial customers.
While Vandenberg and SpaceX often confirm launch details closer to the date, the industry is highly dynamic, and potential delays can arise due to weather conditions or technical hurdles.
With the growing frequency of launches, the summer months look promising for space enthusiasts in California. Keep an eye on local news sources for the latest updates and chances to witness these exciting developments in commercial spaceflight.