SpaceX concludes 2024 with Falcon launch into the nebula at Vandenberg SFB | Local News

Thick fog prevented some spectators from seeing the Falcon 9 rocket’s final launch of 2024 from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Saturday, but the liftoff could still be heard.

The two-stage rocket, built by SpaceX, lifted off from Space Launch Complex-4 at 5:58 p.m. to deliver 22 Starlink satellites into orbit.

The dense fog – which prompted the National Weather Service to issue a warning that drivers’ visibility may be limited to a quarter mile or less – meant that even the cameras at the launch pad had difficulty detecting the Falcon rocket.

SpaceX later confirmed that the 22 satellites were deployed as planned.

Eight minutes after launch, the rocket’s first launcher successfully landed on the Of Course I Still Love You drone ship, completing its 16th mission.

The launch also marked the end of a busy month and year for the SpaceX launch team on the West Coast.

The team experienced five Falcon launches for various customers in December.

Since Jan. 1, the company has conducted 46 Falcon launches from Vandenberg.

While the mission marked the end for Vandenberg in 2024, the East Coast team is not finished for this year. SpaceX expects to end 2024 with 134 launches, two fewer than the previous goal.

“Ultimately there is only one number that really counts. ZERO failures. Our priority is and remains safety and reliability above all,” said Kiko Dontchev, vice president of launches at SpaceX.

“Finally, a big shout out to the men and women of @SpaceX. Without your tireless efforts and ingenuity, 2024 would simply be a dream. Here’s to a great final few days of 2024 and an even better 2025!”

A total of 51 rockets carrying satellites and intercontinental ballistic missiles with dummy warheads were fired at Vandenberg during the year.

There could be even more missions from the base next year as SpaceX looks to add a second launch pad, a proposal that has excited supporters and angered critics who are upset about the noise.

In conjunction with the increased activity and addition of missions from Space Launch Complex-6, a contractor will prepare an environmental impact statement to collect comments made in person at multiple meetings or submitted in writing in January.