Falcon 9 Rocket Launches Over Santa Barbara During Monday’s Sunset

SpaceX launched 25 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit Monday at 7:50 p.m. from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

The mission marked the first flight of the Falcon 9 first-stage booster assigned to this launch. After stage separation, the booster successfully landed on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

Officials noted there was a possibility that residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties could hear one or more sonic booms associated with the launch, with audibility dependent on weather and other conditions.

Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite internet constellation designed to provide high-speed broadband service around the world, including to remote and underserved areas.

Edhat readers in Santa Barbara captured photos and videos of the launch that took place during Monday’s sunset.