Southern Californians had their eyes on the sky this Valentine’s Day. While many were enjoying a romantic evening, a SpaceX rocket lit up the night with a stunning launch.
SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, successfully sending 24 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. Since 2019, SpaceX has deployed around 11,000 Starlink satellites to improve internet access through its broadband service.
At 7:03 p.m., SpaceX shared on X (formerly Twitter) that all satellites were deployed as planned. Residents in areas like Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties were warned they might hear sonic booms during the launch. These loud sounds have raised concerns among locals about their impact on wildlife, particularly endangered species.
This launch marked the fourth Falcon 9 mission from Vandenberg this month, with three more scheduled. Falcon 9 is known for its reusable design, making space travel more efficient. After the launch, the first stage safely landed on the “Of Course I Still Love You” drone ship in the Pacific Ocean.
Social media was abuzz with reactions. One user humorously noted, “Love is in the air, and so is Falcon 9.”
According to recent data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as of 2022, around 12 million Americans lack reliable internet access. Initiatives like Starlink could play a crucial role in bridging this gap, especially in rural areas.
SpaceX continues to reshape space travel and internet access. Their efforts not only transform how we connect but also highlight the intersection of technology and everyday life.
For more on SpaceX’s launches and technology, check out their official site.
