SpaceX Falcon 9 launch lights up Southern California skies with Starlink mission

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket illuminated the skies over Southern California Monday night as it soared into low-Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.

The launch, which carried 23 Starlink satellites into orbit, was originally scheduled for Sunday but was delayed by a day.

Residents across Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and parts of Los Angeles counties were treated to a spectacular display as the rocket’s fiery trail blazed across the sky.

Footage captured by Sky5 showed the rocket’s fiery plume changing color from bright orange to white hot as it ascended, with its trajectory visible above Los Angeles. In less than nine minutes, the Falcon 9 successfully deployed its payload into orbit before returning to Earth.

Photo: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base/SpaceX

Photo: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base seen over SoCal skies/KTLA

Photo: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base seen over SoCal skies/KTLA

The first-stage booster, which completed its 23rd flight, safely landed on SpaceX's drone ship, Of Course I Still Love You, stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

The 23 Starlink satellites launched are part of SpaceX's ongoing mission to provide high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas globally.

The launch marked the 445th mission for SpaceX, with 406 successful landings and 377 re-flights.

Live coverage of the launch was available through cameras at Vandenberg Space Force Base and on the Falcon 9 rocket itself, streamed on SpaceX’s website.