See how SpaceX Falcon 9 launch lit up California sky

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base drew attention across California, creating a visible twilight effect described as a “space jellyfish” in photos and posts. The 230-foot, two-stage rocket lifted off at 8:30 p.m. PT on Wednesday, June 24, from Space Launch Complex-4 East. SpaceX sent a batch of Starlink internet satellites to low-Earth orbit on a southern trajectory, according to the report. After stage separation, the upper stage continued into space while the booster returned to land on SpaceX’s drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You” in the Pacific Ocean for reuse. The mission marked the 43rd launch of 2026 from Vandenberg, with the Space Force noting a record 71 launches in 2025.