Another NASA Rocket Visible In PA: How To See It Saturday

Update: The launch was postponed to an as-yet unspecified date.

PENNSYLVANIA — Another NASA rocket launch may be visible for residents of Pennsylvania on Saturday who want to see it streak through the sky on its way to space.

Rocket Lab USA launched its first Electron rocket from Wallops Flight Facility earlier this year. This next launch of a 59-foot-tall rocket will take place from Launch Complex 2 at Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island.

The next launch is scheduled for Saturday, March 11 with a launch window of 6-8 p.m.

NASA said the mission is a dedicated launch for Capella Space, a satellite manufacturer and Earth observation company.

Just like for its first launch in January, much of the East Coast should be able to see the Electron as a bright point of light moving through the sky if Mother Nature doesn't interfere.

Residents close to Philly and the southeastern portion of Pennsylvania should be able to see the Electron in the first 60-90 seconds after launch.

Those in the central part of the state are most likely to see the rocket between 90 and 120 seconds after it takes off, according to the map.

And, western Pennsylvania communities including Pittsburgh may see it between 120 and 150 seconds after launch.

The two-hour launch window begins at 6 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 11 (weather permitting; Wallops Flight Facility will provide any updates on Facebook).

This project is named “Stronger Together,” said NASA.

Officials have not said what the rocket will look like from PA; the last Electron was said to "appear like a bright, fast-moving star climbing upward through the night sky."

The launch can also be viewed online through Rocket Lab’s livestream of the event, which will begin about 40 minutes before the opening of the launch window. The grounds are not open for launch viewing at Wallops.

Overall, Rocket Lab says it has launched 33 of its Electron rockets to date and successfully deployed 155 satellites.

The rocket is touted as the "only reusable small launch vehicle" by maker Rocket Lab USA.

"Electron’s unique Kick Stage is designed to deliver small satellites to precise and unique orbits, whether flying as dedicated or rideshare," said the manufacturer.