SpaceX Launches 23 Starlink Satellites in Spectacular Morning Display
SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit on Friday, January 24, 2025, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 6:07 a.m. local time, marking the 11th Falcon 9 mission of the year and the seventh dedicated to Starlink. The launch was visible across Central and Northern California, with residents reporting bright streaks and unusual lights in the sky, sparking some UFO speculation on social media.
The first-stage booster of the Falcon 9 successfully landed on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You” in the Pacific Ocean approximately eight minutes after liftoff. This marked the 401st successful recovery of an orbital-class booster by SpaceX and the 23rd flight for this particular booster, which has supported 14 Starlink missions to date. The upper stage of the rocket deployed the 23 Starlink satellites into orbit about 64 minutes after launch.
The mission is part of SpaceX’s ongoing effort to expand its satellite internet network, which currently consists of over 6,900 operational spacecraft. This launch was the fourth from Vandenberg in 2025 and contributed to the growing Starlink constellation, designed to provide global broadband internet coverage.
Residents in coastal areas, including Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, were warned they might hear sonic booms as the rocket re-entered the atmosphere, depending on weather conditions. The predawn launch created a striking visual display, with onlookers capturing photos of the rocket’s contrails illuminated by the early morning light.
This mission underscores SpaceX’s continued dominance in reusable rocket technology and its commitment to expanding global internet access through the Starlink network.
SpaceX launches 23 Starlink satellites on 11th Falcon 9 rocket of 2025 (video)
Liftoff took place at 9:07 a.m. ET today (Jan. 24).
www.space.com
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SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg, California Space Force Base
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SpaceX launch lights up Bay Area skies — and sparks UFO speculation
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched 23 Starlink satellites Friday morning, causing Bay Area residents to speculate about UFOs due to strange lights in t
www.sfchronicle.com
SpaceX had to abandon a rocket launch 11 seconds before liftoff over fears a plane flew into the launch area
The incident highlights the growing issue of tensions between rocket launches and commercial aviation.
www.yahoo.com