Southern California sky is lit up by Valentine's Day SpaceX launch - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Jaclyn Cosgrove

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Southern California residents witnessed a spectacular sight on Valentine's Day as a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket illuminated the evening sky during its launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The rocket, part of SpaceX's Starlink satellite network, successfully deployed 24 satellites into low-Earth orbit at 7:03 p.m. This launch marked the fourth mission in January and was visible to many onlookers across Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, known for its reusable design, featured a two-stage system where the first stage landed on the "Of Course I Still Love You" drone ship stationed in the Pacific Ocean after separation. This launch was one of three scheduled that month, with another expected mid-week. The deployment of Starlink satellites, which provide satellite internet service, has been ongoing since 2019, with over 11,000 already in orbit. However, the launch also raised concerns among local residents due to potential sonic booms caused by the rocket's ascent. These booms have previously sparked worries about their impact on endangered species in the region. Despite this, public reaction was generally positive, with some humorously noting the simultaneous presence of love and rocketry in the air. This Valentine's Day launch highlights SpaceX's rapid expansion of its satellite network and reinforces Southern California's role as a key hub for space exploration. The event not only showcased technological advancement but also sparked conversations about the environmental and community impacts of frequent rocket launches, underscoring the broader implications of space travel on everyday life and ecosystems. For readers interested in aerospace innovation, this launch represents a significant milestone in global internet connectivity efforts. It also serves as a reminder of the growing interplay between technology, nature, and human activity, offering insights into both the potential and challenges of space exploration.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/15/2026