SWOT Nearing Liftoff

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite atop, stands poised for liftoff at Space Launch Complex-4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Dec. 16, 2022.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite atop, stands poised for liftoff at Space Launch Complex-4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Dec. 16, 2022. Photo credit: NASA

We are just over 15 minutes away from liftoff of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that will carry the Earth water-monitoring satellite to orbit. Weather continues to look good at 100% “go” for launch, and the rocket’s engines are chilling in preparation for launch.

As a reminder, the launch broadcast is airing now on NASA TV and the agency’s website. If teams are not able to launch at 3:46 a.m. PST, there’s an extra opportunity just 10 minutes later at 3:56 a.m. PST. Keep following along here on the blog for updates as we approach liftoff.