SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Rocket Lights up West Coast Skies with Starlink Satellite Launch
In a spectacular display visible for hundreds of miles, SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 22 Starlink internet satellites into space from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on March 18, 2024. The launch, which took place in the evening hours, provided ideal conditions for the “jellyfish” effect, with the setting sun illuminating the rocket’s engine plume against the darkening sky.
Vandenberg Space Force Base, known for its foggy conditions, enjoyed clear skies on Monday, allowing onlookers to witness the dazzling display as the rocket streaked across the horizon. SpaceX shared images of the launch on social media, prompting users from neighboring states to share their own sightings of the Falcon 9 rocket’s trail.
Even the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles observed the launch, noting that the Falcon 9’s trail stretched low on the horizon. This launch marked the 10th mission for the Falcon 9 first stage, which successfully landed on SpaceX’s droneship in the Pacific Ocean. The rocket’s second stage deployed the 22-satellite payload into low Earth orbit.
With this launch, SpaceX’s Starlink megaconstellation now consists of over 5,500 satellites, with plans to add thousands more through upcoming launches. The successful deployment of these satellites will help expand global internet coverage and bridge the digital divide for communities around the world. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from SpaceX and their ambitious Starlink project.
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