SpaceX Falcon 9 - Vandenberg - Launch Viewing

[Joffan]

My first night launch.

Trying to work out what we are looking at there - modern cameras have amazing dynamic range...

[SeriousCallersOnly]

I took that long exposure shot while I was waiting around for the launch.   It's just to show the location.  Sorry for any confusion.

[catdlr]

            LAUNCH ALERT

                              Brian Webb
                  [email protected]
                        www.spacearchive.info


                             2017 December 21 (Thursday) 09:58 PST

  FRIDAY LAUNCH VISIBILITY

Friday evening's launch of a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg AFB
appears to be on schedule. The vehicle is slated to lift off from
south base at 17:27:23 PST and carry several Iridium NEXT commercial
communications satellites into orbit.

Following liftoff, the vehicle will climb vertically for several
before it begins a gradual turn and heads south.

The rocket's bright flame should be visible over a wide area. However,
since this launch occurs 30 minutes after Vandenberg AFB sunset, it
could be impressive beginning at T+ 2 minutes 12 seconds when
simulations show the exhaust plume will be illuminated at high
altitude by the sun.

[david1971]

If the Paz launches on time, it will go up at 6:14AM local.  What is the weather/visibility situation typically like at Vandeberg in the mornings?  Is it likely I'll get a good view, or is it more likely that I'll hear it more than I see it?

[Michael Baylor]

If the Paz launches on time, it will go up at 6:14AM local.  What is the weather/visibility situation typically like at Vandeberg in the mornings?  Is it likely I'll get a good view, or is it more likely that I'll hear it more than I see it?

During the summer, morning launches are usually a hear not see. This time of year you might be ok.

[Jdeshetler]

Looks like like the PAZ launch time is at the edge of first ray of light, the dawn.

[Michael Baylor]

If the Paz launches on time, it will go up at 6:14AM local.  What is the weather/visibility situation typically like at Vandeberg in the mornings?  Is it likely I'll get a good view, or is it more likely that I'll hear it more than I see it?

During the summer, morning launches are usually a hear not see. This time of year you might be ok.

Fog is in the forecast. Ignore what I said.

[ajsherm]

Newbie here! Want to drive up from LA to watch the 5 May 2018 launch. Fingers crossed its not scrubbed! At that time of morning, 04:05, Im sure the coastal fog will be heavy. From what Ive found, it seems the most recommended viewing site for SLC-3E would then be Harris Road. Is that accurate? Or do any of the seasoned vets here have any other recommendations? Thanks guys!

[Don S]

I thought it would be fun to go Fishing in the Chanel Islands to watch downrange from there for Thursday (3/29/18) Morning.  But now it has been postponed to Friday.   

Are there any thoughts if that would be a good viewing area?

[Michael Baylor]

Newbie here! Want to drive up from LA to watch the 5 May 2018 launch. Fingers crossed its not scrubbed! At that time of morning, 04:05, Im sure the coastal fog will be heavy. From what Ive found, it seems the most recommended viewing site for SLC-3E would then be Harris Road. Is that accurate? Or do any of the seasoned vets here have any other recommendations? Thanks guys!

I've never watched from Harris Road myself. It might have a partial view of the pad, but I am not entirely sure.

The easiest and closest view location is Ocean Avenue. However, a hill will obstruct the view of the launch site so you will miss the first few seconds of flight. After that, the view is excellent assuming there is no fog. Morning launches are always risky so check the weather ahead of time.

I thought it would be fun to go Fishing in the Chanel Islands to watch downrange from there for Thursday (3/29/18) Morning.  But now it has been postponed to Friday.   

Are there any thoughts if that would be a good viewing area?

It could be very interesting. Especially if they execute the reentry and landing burns. It would be a risk, but bring a camera in case it pays off so we can see what it's like. 

[Roy_H]

I've decided to view the Grace/Iridium launch from 699 Mercury, Vandenberg Village on Tuesday. This is the local community center Park and Pool. Hope to see some of you there.