SARah 2 & 3
Falcon 9 Block 5
SpaceX
Rocket Launch Videos
Trajectory
View comprehensive details including the rocket's trajectory, velocity, altitude, thrust, and more at FlightClub.io.
Mission
SARah 2 & 3
- Type: Government/Top Secret
- Orbit: Polar Orbit
- Launch Cost: $52,000,000
SARah 2 & 3 are two passive reflector antenna radar satellites built by OHB-System, based on the reflector-antenna technology of SAR-Lupe. They are part of the three satellite constellation being built for the German government as a follow-up to the SAR-Lupe radar sat constellation.
Location
Space Launch Complex 4E
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Find the best place to watch the launch from Vandenberg
Space Launch Complex 4E has witnessed the launch of 180 rockets, including 180 orbital launch attempts. While Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA, has been the site for 792 rocket launches.
Vandenberg Space Force Base is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX.
Rocket
SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5
Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of satellites and the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. The Block 5 variant is the fifth major interval aimed at improving upon the ability for rapid reusability.
Landing
Core B1075
The Falcon 9 first stage B1075 has landed back at LZ-4 after its 8th flight. Booster B1075 last launched 02/01/2025 and has seen 17 successful launches and landings. Falcon 9 Block 5 booster first used for the Starlink Group 2-4 mission.
A sonic boom is likely to occur a few minutes after launch as the booster returns to the launch site. Be prepared for a loud but thrilling experience! Learn more about rocket launch sonic booms
Landing Zone 4 - LZ-4
LZ at Vandenberg
Return to Launch Site - RTLS
A return to launch site usually means that after stage separation the booster flips and does a burn back towards the launch site, landing near where it initially launched from.
Agency
SpaceX
Space Exploration Technologies Corp., known as SpaceX, is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. It was founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX operates from many pads, on the East Coast of the US they operate from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and historic LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center. They also operate from SLC-4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, usually for polar launches. Another launch site is being developed at Boca Chica, Texas.
SARah 2&3 were built by OHB System
I can confirm that
Any odds this actually launches on Thursday 12/21/23 with the rain and thunderstorms?
Weather is one of the many factors that can cause a launch to be delayed. Keep checking back for updates.
Any odds this actually launches on Thursday 12/21/23 with the rain and thunderstorms? Is Hawk’s Nest Viewing Site at Cabrillo Hwy & Azalea LN the best place to see the launch and land?
I have only watched one launch (and landing back at LZ-4) and it was from Hawk’s Nest, was awesome! I can’t compare against the other spots, but I would recommend Hawk’s Nest. I recommend going a little early and take flashlight if launch while it’s dark, so you can walk… Read more »
Hawk’s Nest (CLOSED)
As of late 2022, one STG reader (thanks, gaplant!) said that this area is now closed with a security gate and guard. I’ve confirmed this with Google Street View.
Bummer
Thank you!
Does this mean that Hawks Nest is open again?
According to Fac9Land, Hawk’s Nest is closed
I thought there was a launch in Chincoteague this sat at 7pm
Launches change often. The wallops schedule is available here
https://www.spacelaunchschedule.com/category/virginia/
Thanks I understand