SpaceX Launch May Cause Sonic Boom in Southern California

A potential SpaceX launch at Vandenberg AFB Space Launch Complex 4 in Santa Barbara County is expected to generate a loud sonic boom later this week. The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled for liftoff on Tuesday at 3:20 p.m. as part of the ESA EarthCARE mission, aiming to place four scientific instruments in orbit to study the impact of clouds and aerosols on Earth's climate.

During the mission, the Falcon 9's first stage will make an effort to land at SpaceX's landing zone at Vandenberg AFB Space Launch Complex 4. The landing procedure involves boosters that exceed the speed of sound, potentially creating sonic booms audible across Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties, subject to weather conditions.

Residents in the area should be prepared for the possibility of hearing these sonic booms during the landing process. In case of unfavorable weather conditions, the launch may be postponed to Wednesday, with the backup launch scheduled for the same time as the original launch on Tuesday. The Falcon 9 launch will be available for online streaming 15 minutes before liftoff.