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The wait for the next launch and the first landing attempt of the Falcon 9 rocket at Vandenberg Air Base is almost complete.
The launch of the Space Exploration Technologies rocket is scheduled for 19:21. Sunday from Space Launch Complex-4 East on the southern base, Vandenberg officials said earlier this week.
The mission was originally scheduled for Saturday night.
If Sunday's countdown is postponed, the next launch attempt will take place on October 11, officials said.
About 10 minutes after takeoff, the first leg of the Falcon rocket will attempt to return to land at Space Launch Complex-4 West at what the representatives described as a quick return mission.
Falcon is expected to equip the Argentine space agency SAOCOM 1A, an Earth observation satellite.
Previous launches of Falcon rockets from Vandenberg have been followed by attempts to land on a drone in the ocean.
However, this week's mission involves the inaugural attempt at landing – a site now called Landing Zone 4 and formerly known as Space Launch Complex-4 West – not far from its launch pad.
In addition to the normal rumble of the rocket's departure, the return of the first leg of Falcon could create one or more sound audiences in the counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura, officials said Vandenberg.
Founder of SpaceX Elon Musk tweeted Saturday afternoon: "Sonic boom warning. It will not be subtle. "
A sonic boom refers to the sound coming from the shock waves of an airplane or other vehicle moving faster than the speed of sound.
The launch, the landing and the sonic boom depend on weather conditions and other factors.
The public can see this launch and land from Hawk's Nest on Azalea Lane, off Highway 1, half a mile south of Vandenberg's main gate.
The doors of Hawk's Nest will open at 5 pm Sunday and closed at 19:10
Alcohol, smoking, open fires and barbecues will not be allowed. Pets and guns are also prohibited, as are recreational vehicles and campers.
The use of small unmanned aerial systems, or drones, is prohibited within five miles (4.8 km) of any active runway, such as Vandenberg, officials said.
Weather permitting, other sites around the Lompoc Valley can also offer views of the launch and landing. These include the Harris Grade Road Peak and several locations in the village of Vandenberg.
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