HAWTHORNE (CNS) - Hawthorne-based SpaceX could give Southern California an aerial light show Saturday when it looks to launch a reconnaissance satellite into orbit from Vandenberg Air Force Base on the state's central coast.
The launch was previously scheduled today at 6:41 a.m., but was changed to provide additional time to allow teams to complete pre-launch checkouts and data reviews, SpaceX posted on Twitter.
After the launch, SpaceX will again attempt to recover the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket being used in the mission by landing it back at Vandenberg.
Recovering the rocket will allow it to be used in future missions as a cost-saving measure.
The mission will mark the first time a previously used rocket booster has been employed for an NRO launch. The rocket -- new at the time -- was used in a reconnaissance satellite launch in February, also from Vandenberg.
Depending on weather conditions and trajectory, rockets launching from Vandenberg can often be spotted across Southern California as they hurtle toward space.