Southern California was treated to a breathtaking display on Sunday evening, September 28, when a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket soared into the twilight sky. The launch took place at exactly 10:04 p.m. EDT (7:04 p.m. PDT local time, or 0204 GMT on September 29) from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
A Dazzling Night Launch from Vandenberg
The spectacle was hard to miss. As the rocket ignited, a bright streak cut across the evening sky, visible to onlookers across the region. The Falcon 9 carried a new batch of 28 Starlink satellites, further expanding SpaceX’s ever-growing satellite network. For several minutes, the plume of light was clearly visible before fading as the rocket disappeared into the upper atmosphere.
The mission was designated Starlink Group 11-20. Its goal was straightforward: to place dozens of satellites into low Earth orbit, where they will work as part of a massive global internet network. Within minutes of liftoff, the Falcon 9’s upper stage was on course to deliver the payload. The separation of satellites was expected to occur roughly one hour later, allowing the new units to join thousands already circling the planet.
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This launch was not just about adding satellites. It was also a reminder of how routine spaceflight has become for SpaceX, even as each mission delivers moments of wonder for those watching from the ground.
The Booster’s Impressive Return
A highlight of every Falcon 9 mission is the return of its reusable first stage booster, and this launch was no exception. After its job of pushing the rocket toward orbit was complete, the booster detached and began a carefully controlled descent back to Earth.
Equipped with grid fins and using its engines to guide its path, the booster angled itself toward a landing platform stationed in the Pacific Ocean. The droneship, known as Of Course I Still Love You, was ready and waiting to catch the returning rocket.
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Moments later, the booster touched down gently on its four landing legs, marking yet another successful recovery. This was not an ordinary landing, though—it was the 28th flight for this specific booster, identified as B1063. That number alone highlights just how far reusability has come in modern rocketry. Instead of being discarded after a single flight, this booster has flown again and again, proving its durability and efficiency.
Such repeat performance has become a defining feature of the Falcon 9 program. By landing and reusing boosters, SpaceX has dramatically reduced the cost of launches while increasing their frequency. Each successful landing also demonstrates the reliability of the technology, making it possible to schedule missions with remarkable regularity.
Expanding the Starlink Constellation
The core purpose of Sunday’s mission was to grow the Starlink constellation. With the addition of 28 new satellites, the total number of active Starlink units in orbit has now surpassed 8,500. These satellites fly in coordinated orbits close to Earth, forming a mesh-like network that beams internet coverage across vast regions.
This launch underscores the scale of the project. In just a few years, Starlink has become the largest satellite constellation ever deployed. Its growth has been powered by frequent launches, often multiple times per month, each adding another set of satellites to the network.
The September 28 mission also carried special significance in terms of milestones. It was SpaceX’s 124th Falcon 9 launch of the year, an astonishing figure that shows the company’s unmatched pace in the space industry. Since its debut in 2010, Falcon 9 has now flown 542 times, making it one of the most reliable rockets in operation.
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The sheer numbers tell a powerful story. No other organization has placed so many satellites into orbit at such a rapid rate. Each launch not only expands the network but also highlights the remarkable consistency of Falcon 9 missions.
For those on the ground in California, however, the statistics were only part of the story. What they witnessed was a brilliant display of light and power—a rocket launch that transformed the evening sky into a glowing canvas. The combination of a successful liftoff, a smooth booster landing, and the deployment of 28 new satellites added yet another impressive chapter to the Falcon 9’s legacy.
