VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Vandenberg SFB Guardians and Airmen are scheduled to support the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the CAS500-2 mission from Space Launch Complex 4 East between Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 12:36 a.m.
Residents near Vandenberg SFB will hear one or more sonic booms approximately 8-10 minutes after liftoff as the Falcon 9’s first stage returns to and lands at Landing Zone 4 at the Vandenberg Spaceport.
The CAS500-2 mission will carry the Compact Advanced Satellite 500-2 (CAS500-2), an earth imaging satellite, into a sun-synchronous orbit for the Korean Aerospace Research Institute.
Launch timing is based off orbital requirements essential to inserting the CAS500-2 payload in a sun-synchronous orbit.
This mission reflects the strength of the U.S.–Republic of Korea alliance and Vandenberg’s enduring role in assuring access to space for our nation, allies and partners. By enabling trusted international partners to place capabilities on orbit, the Vandenberg Spaceport supports peaceful space cooperation, regional stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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