On Tuesday evening, SpaceX successfully launched 22 Starlink internet satellites into space from Vandenberg Space Force Base, creating a dazzling display visible across the U.S. West Coast. The launch featured a stunning “jellyfish” effect, where the sunlit rocket’s engine plume illuminated the dusk sky.
The clear skies at the launch site in Vandenberg were a rare treat, allowing for optimal viewing conditions for spectators. SpaceX even shared photos of the launch on X (formerly Twitter) for those unable to witness it in person.
Observers across neighboring states, such as Arizona, were also able to catch a glimpse of the Falcon 9’s mesmerizing trail in the sky. People at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles were treated to a front-row seat of the spectacle.
Following the launch, Falcon 9’s first stage successfully landed on SpaceX’s droneship, while the second stage deployed the 22-satellite payload into low Earth orbit. With this latest launch, SpaceX’s Starlink megaconstellation now consists of over 5,500 satellites and shows no signs of slowing down, with more launches planned in the near future.
Overall, the successful launch of the Starlink internet satellites not only adds to SpaceX’s growing constellation in space but also provided a breathtaking spectacle for viewers across the West Coast to enjoy. Stay tuned for more updates on SpaceX’s latest ventures in space exploration.
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