Falcon 9 scheduled to launch

Team Vandenberg is scheduled to launch the FORMOSAT-5 satellite on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex-4 here Thursday, Aug. 24, between 11:50 a.m. and 12:34 p.m. PDT.

Col. Gregory E. Wood , 30th Space Wing vice commander, will be the launch safety authority.

"We are proud to provide a safe and secure launch location for our mission partners," said Wood. "This mission is the practical demonstration of the professional spirit and teamwork found in the everyday operations of Team Vandenberg and SpaceX."

For questions about the booster please contact John Taylor, SpaceX communications director, at 202-649-2632.

The local community can view this launch from the Hawk's Nest on Hwy 1 south of Vandenberg Air Force Base's main gate. Gate opens at 10:30 a.m. and closes at 11:40 a.m. As a reminder the public is asked not to bring or consume alcohol, smoke, nor have any open fires or barbeques. Weapons are not allowed, additionally, the use of small unmanned aerial systems within five miles of any active runway is prohibited.