The launch of a Falcon 9 rocket by SpaceX from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, which launched another batch of Starlink satellites into Earth orbit, was quite spectacular for the audience. The sun’s light, which had recently gone behind the horizon, was reflected from the rocket’s inversion plume, creating the effect of a “space jellyfish.”
Eyewitnesses actively shared the impressive images on social media. Under the nickname FirePhotoGirl, one of them posted a photo of a bright rocket trail over a lighted pool, calling the phenomenon “absolutely stunning.”
Starlink’s mission and the return of the first stage
On February 10, the rocket launched 23 Starlink satellites into orbit, and its first stage successfully landed on the unmanned ship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean. This was the 18th Falcon 9 launch in 2025, emphasizing SpaceX missions’ high pace.
Stunning timelapse of a SpaceX launch over downtown Los Angeles pic.twitter.com/aOsBBDO8EF
— Dima Zeniuk (@DimaZeniuk) February 8, 2025
Astrophotographer Dima Zeniuk published a timelapse of the rocket’s flight over Los Angeles, capturing the dramatic moments of the first stage separation.
A random shot of the future space station
During the launch, the Falcon 9 accidentally illuminated another object – the Haven-1 module of the private space station, which was being tested in the Mojave Desert at the time. Vast, the company working on the project, published a photo with a caption: “Falcon 9 lights up the evening sky – Haven-1’s upcoming trip.”
Absolutely stunning! 😍 #SpaceX pic.twitter.com/oChEG8Lhhj
— FirePhotoGirl (@FirePhotoGirl) February 11, 2025
The Haven-1 module is a prototype of a commercial space station that Vast plans to launch into orbit with the help of SpaceX by May 2026.
Two launches in two days
SpaceX continues to maintain an impressive pace of launches. The next day, on February 11, another Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida, launching 21 Starlink satellites into orbit.
According to astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell, about 6,990 active Starlink satellites are in orbit. This constellation continues to grow, providing global Internet coverage.
Impressive images from SpaceX
The company shared a series of photos of the launch, including the “jellyfish” effect, the rocket in flight, and a long-exposure shot that turned the rocket launch into a bright arc of light in the sky.
SpaceX is confidently approaching its ambitious goals, continuing to make regular launches and expanding the Starlink network, which is changing the future of global communications.
Earlier, we reported on how the wreckage of the Falcon 9 second stage fell in Poland.
Provided by Space
