A SpaceX Rocket Launches 22 Starlink Satellites, Wows Southern California Residents
In a spectacular display, a SpaceX rocket launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California’s Santa Barbara County on Monday evening, leaving residents of Southern California in awe as it streaked across the sky. The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit, took off around 7:30 pm, just after the sun had set.
The launch was visible across the region, including neighboring Arizona, as a long-trailing cloud illuminated by the setting sun. Originally scheduled for Saturday, the launch was delayed due to a weekend storm but ultimately delivered stunning visuals for onlookers.
After the satellites were successfully deployed, the booster rocket made a flawless landing on the ‘Of Course I Still Love You’ droneship in the Pacific Ocean. Starlink, the world’s largest satellite constellation utilizing low Earth orbit to provide broadband internet, aims to enhance activities such as streaming, online gaming, and video calls.
These Starlink satellites, forming part of a ‘megaconstellation,’ orbit Earth at an altitude of approximately 340 miles and connect to antennas at users’ homes to deliver internet access. Often visible in the night sky shortly after sundown and before sunrise, the satellites reflect direct sunlight, creating a breathtaking sight for those lucky enough to catch a glimpse.
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