SpaceX targets another Vandenberg Starlink launch as coastal residents warned about sonic booms

Another Starlink mission scheduled from California

SpaceX is scheduled to launch another batch of Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, using a Falcon 9 rocket and targeting a morning launch window on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The mission is part of the company’s ongoing effort to expand capacity in its growing satellite internet network.

News Channel 3-12 (KEYT) reported that the rocket will lift off from Space Launch Complex 4 East and that, after stage separation, the first stage is expected to land on SpaceX’s droneship “Of Course I Still Love You” positioned in the Pacific Ocean.

Sonic boom advisory for the Central Coast

The base warned that residents in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear one or more sonic booms associated with the mission profile and atmospheric conditions. Such booms can vary widely depending on weather, altitude, and the rocket’s return trajectory.

Officials advised people who are sensitive to loud noises to plan accordingly, especially during the landing phase, and noted that timing can shift due to weather, technical checks, or range availability.

Why it matters

Starlink’s expansion is closely watched because it affects broadband availability in rural areas, competitive dynamics in satellite and terrestrial internet markets, and the broader debate about congestion and regulation in low-Earth orbit. Each launch adds satellites that can increase coverage and resilience, but also raises questions about space traffic management.

For communities near Vandenberg, the launches also highlight the region’s growing role as a key U.S. spaceport for commercial missions, with frequent launch cadence increasingly becoming a part of local life.