SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Today: 28 Starlink Satellites Light Up Night Sky

SpaceX successfully launched another batch of 28 Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket on Sunday, September 28, 2025, creating a spectacular display that was visible across multiple states. The launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California not only advanced the company's ambitious internet constellation project but also provided breathtaking views for millions of observers across the southwestern United States.

Launch Details and Mission Overview

The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base at exactly 7:04 p.m. PDT (10:04 p.m. EDT / 0204 UTC). This launch window, originally scheduled to open at 6:28 p.m. PT with availability until 8:32 p.m., provided optimal conditions for both the mission and spectacular visibility across the region.

The mission, designated Starlink 11-20, marked a significant milestone as the 28th flight for the first stage booster B1063. This particular booster has an impressive flight history, having previously supported critical missions including NASA's DART planetary defense mission, Transporter-7, and the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich ocean monitoring satellite.

Record-Breaking Booster Performance

The successful landing of booster B1063 on the autonomous drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You" in the Pacific Ocean represents SpaceX's continued excellence in rocket reusability. This landing marked the 154th touchdown for this particular vessel and contributed to SpaceX's remarkable total of 513 successful booster landings to date.

The reusability of the Falcon 9 first stage has revolutionized space economics, dramatically reducing launch costs and enabling the rapid deployment of satellite constellations. Each successful recovery and reflight demonstrates the maturity of SpaceX's reusable rocket technology.

Spectacular Visual Phenomenon

Viewers across Arizona, Nevada, Southern California, and parts of New Mexico were treated to what's known as the "twilight effect." This stunning phenomenon occurs when the sun has recently set at ground level, but the rocket, as it climbs higher into the atmosphere, remains illuminated by sunlight. The rocket's exhaust plume creates a brilliant, comet-like trail that can be visible for hundreds of miles.

Starlink Constellation Expansion

These 28 satellites join SpaceX's rapidly growing Starlink constellation, which aims to provide high-speed broadband internet access to underserved and remote areas worldwide. The constellation consists of thousands of satellites orbiting Earth at approximately 550 kilometers (342 miles) altitude, significantly lower than traditional geostationary satellites.

This low Earth orbit positioning enables reduced latency and improved performance for applications requiring real-time connectivity, including video calls, online gaming, and streaming services. The satellites connect to user terminals - small antennas that customers install at their locations - to provide internet access comparable to terrestrial broadband services.

SpaceX's Remarkable Launch Cadence

The Starlink 11-20 mission represents SpaceX's 16th launch in September 2025, tying the company's monthly record previously set in May. This aggressive launch schedule demonstrates SpaceX's operational maturity and manufacturing efficiency. The company has completed 124 Falcon 9 launches so far in 2025, with monthly totals including:

• January: 13 launches
• February: 12 launches
• March: 11 launches
• April: 14 launches
• May: 16 launches
• June: 15 launches
• July: 13 launches
• August: 14 launches
• September: 16 launches

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

The Falcon 9 rocket stands approximately 70 meters (230 feet) tall and utilizes nine Merlin engines in its first stage, generating over 1.7 million pounds of thrust at liftoff. The rocket's two-stage design allows for efficient payload delivery to various orbits while maintaining the first stage's ability to return for landing and reuse.

Vandenberg Space Force Base provides ideal launch conditions for polar and sun-synchronous orbits, making it the preferred location for Starlink missions serving higher latitudes. The base's coastal location allows for safe over-ocean trajectories and recovery operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time was the SpaceX launch today?

The Falcon 9 rocket launched at 7:04 p.m. PDT (10:04 p.m. EDT) on September 28, 2025, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

How many Starlink satellites were launched?

This mission deployed 28 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit, bringing SpaceX closer to its goal of global broadband coverage.

Why was the rocket visible across multiple states?

The twilight effect made the launch visible across the southwestern United States. When rockets launch during twilight hours, the exhaust plume remains illuminated by sunlight at high altitudes, creating a spectacular visual display.

How many times has this rocket booster flown?

Booster B1063 completed its 28th flight, demonstrating SpaceX's remarkable reusability achievements and cost-effective launch operations.

Future Launch Schedule

SpaceX continues its aggressive launch schedule with multiple missions planned for October 2025. The company's ability to maintain such a high launch cadence while ensuring safety and reliability has revolutionized the space industry. Future Starlink missions will continue expanding global coverage and improving service quality for existing customers.

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