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SpaceX Launches Falcon 9, Bright Plume Seen Across SoCal

4/9/2026

45 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On April 6, 2026, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, sending Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.
The launch occurred around 7:50 p.m. and produced a bright plume visible across Southern California.
Residents in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties may have experienced sonic booms during the event.
The launch was initially scheduled for April 5, 2026, but was delayed due to weather.

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Story summary

On April 6, 2026, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, sending Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.
The launch occurred around 7:50 p.m. and produced a bright plume visible across Southern California.
Residents in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties may have experienced sonic booms during the event.
The launch was initially scheduled for April 5, 2026, but was delayed due to weather.