SpaceX lit up the night sky over Southern California on Monday with the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket. The rocket lifted off at 8:36 p.m. from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, carrying 26 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit.
Residents across the region, including those hundreds of miles away, were treated to a stunning light show as the rocket ascended. The launch created a bright streak in the sky, drawing attention from onlookers who shared their excitement on social media.
This mission marked the third flight of the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster, which successfully returned to the ocean after separating from the rocket. It landed on the drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You," stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
SpaceX has become well-known in Southern California for its dramatic launches and the accompanying vapor trails. Just last month, a loud boom from a SpaceX cargo vessel startled many in the area, showcasing the company’s growing presence in the region.
As the rocket reached orbit approximately 8½ minutes after launch, it highlighted SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to expand its satellite network, which aims to provide global internet coverage. The successful launch adds to the company’s impressive track record and continues to excite fans of space exploration.