Residents across Arizona witnessed a bright, moving light in the sky on Sunday evening, September 28, 2025. The spectacle was not an unidentified object but a scheduled SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying a new batch of Starlink satellites into orbit.
The launch created a striking visual display as the rocket ascended, with its exhaust plume catching sunlight at high altitude, making it visible for hundreds of miles. Many Arizonans captured photos and videos of the event from cities including Phoenix, Mesa, Dewey, and Buckeye.
Key Takeaways
- A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched 28 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
- The launch was highly visible across Arizona due to clear skies and the twilight phenomenon, which illuminates the rocket's exhaust plume.
- The mission marked the 28th flight for the specific Falcon 9 first-stage booster, highlighting SpaceX's progress in rocket reusability.
- The booster successfully landed on the 'Of Course I Still Love You' droneship in the Pacific Ocean for future reuse.
Details of the Starlink Mission
The mission, designated for Sunday evening, involved the deployment of 28 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. According to SpaceX, the launch took place from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, a primary site for polar orbit launches.
These satellites are part of an expanding constellation designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet service to underserved and remote areas around the globe. With each launch, SpaceX adds to the thousands of satellites already in orbit, steadily increasing the network's capacity and coverage.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX. It aims to deliver global broadband internet coverage. The system relies on a large number of mass-produced small satellites in low-Earth orbit that communicate with designated ground transceivers.
The Science Behind the Spectacle
The visibility of the launch from Arizona is attributed to a phenomenon often called the "twilight effect." Launches that occur shortly after sunset or before sunrise from Vandenberg are particularly impressive for viewers in neighboring states.
While it is dark on the ground, the rocket quickly climbs to an altitude where the sun is still visible. The sunlight illuminates the exhaust gases expanding from the rocket's engines. These ice crystals and particles in the plume scatter the sunlight, creating a luminous, cloud-like trail against the darkening sky.
"The timing of the launch, combined with clear atmospheric conditions, created a perfect viewing opportunity for people across the Southwest," explained a local astronomy enthusiast.
The visual effect is often described as a glowing, jellyfish-like shape that expands and drifts. The separation of the first and second stages of the rocket can also create distinct puffs or spirals of light within the plume, adding to the unique display.
A Reusable Rocket Makes History
A significant aspect of this mission was the performance of the Falcon 9's first-stage booster. SpaceX confirmed that this was the 28th flight for this particular booster, a new milestone in its rocket reusability program. This capability is central to SpaceX's strategy to reduce the cost of access to space.
After performing its primary function of pushing the second stage and the Starlink payload toward orbit, the first stage separated and began its descent back to Earth. It executed a controlled landing on the autonomous droneship named 'Of Course I Still Love You', which was positioned in the Pacific Ocean.
Falcon 9 Reusability
SpaceX's Falcon 9 is the world's first orbital-class reusable rocket. Reusing the first stage, the most expensive part of the rocket, drastically cuts launch costs and allows for a higher launch frequency. The company has successfully landed boosters more than 300 times across its fleet.
The booster's return journey was also visible to some observers. Ken Wilson, a resident of Phoenix, noted that he could see the booster falling back to Earth behind the main plume, appearing as a smaller, separate point of light.
Community Reaction and Sightings
Social media platforms were quickly filled with images and questions from Arizona residents who saw the unexpected light show. Photos shared from various locations showed the bright, expanding plume against the evening sky.
- Buckeye: Marcia shared a photo of the rocket's bright trail.
- Dewey: Amy Edwards captured the launch as a brilliant streak of light.
- Mesa: Jumpp Naha documented the event as it unfolded over the city.
These sightings, while becoming more common due to SpaceX's increased launch cadence, continue to capture public attention. For many, it serves as a reminder of the growing commercial space activity taking place just a state away. Each launch from California's coast offers a potential front-row seat to the latest developments in space exploration for millions across the American Southwest.