SpaceX Falcon 9 Deploys Starlink Satellites; Creates Stunning Twilight Contrail

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched 26 Starlink satellites into orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Monday evening. The launch, occurring during twilight, resulted in a visually striking contrail visible across a wide area of the West Coast.

The reusable first-stage booster successfully landed on a droneship in the Pacific Ocean, marking its third flight. Deployment of the Starlink satellites was confirmed approximately one hour post-launch.

The colorful, expansive contrail – a known phenomenon resulting from exhaust particles condensing and freezing in the upper atmosphere – was particularly visible due to favorable atmospheric conditions and the low-light environment. Observers reported sightings from as far away as Arizona and Nevada.

This marked the 25th Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg in 2025, with a potential 26th launch anticipated as early as Friday.

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