Rocket launch visible throughout the Coachella Valley
A rocket launch Thursday night out of Vandenberg Space Force Base was visible throughout Southern California, including the Coachella Valley.
The rocket was visible at around 7:30 p.m.
Did you see the rocket launch? Here's video and pics sent to us a few minutes ago. This is not a SpaceX launch, but it appears to have been out of Vandenberg. We're working on getting more details.
— KESQ News Channel 3 (@KESQ) September 15, 2023
Updates: https://t.co/tMQCGI4hVY pic.twitter.com/nd6I8M7Hhr
This time, it appears it was not a SpaceX launch. The company did not have it scheduled one scheduled in Vandenberg today.
The unofficial launch tracking websitespacelaunchschedule.com reported a launch out of Vandenburgh Space Force Base between 7 and 8:15 p.m. We have not confirmed that information.
According to multiple sources, this was Firefly Aerospace, which was selected by the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) to provide Alpha launch services for the VICTUS NOX responsive space mission, according to the company.
"The goal of the program is to demonstrate the United States’ capability to rapidly respond to on-orbit needs during a conflict or in response to a national security threat," reads the company's website.
The launch was also reportedly seen in Phoenix and Las Vegas.
View of Vandenberg #rocketlaunch this evening from our backyard in Las Vegas. Can you see the rocket and its contrail? pic.twitter.com/ryFiNtgzaP
— NWS Las Vegas (@NWSVegas) September 15, 2023
