Rocket Launch — SpaceX is once again dominating the spaceflight scene this weekend with two major Falcon 9 rocket launches — one from the West Coast of California and another from Florida’s Space Coast.
Both missions successfully lifted off as part of the company’s ongoing expansion of satellite-based internet services and commercial satellite delivery operations.
Starlink Soars Over California
Early Sunday morning, Southern California skywatchers had the chance to witness a spectacular launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base as a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried 26 new Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.
The launch window opened at 6:34 a.m. PT from Launch Complex 4E, and despite the possibility of weather delays, the mission proceeded as scheduled.
The reusable Falcon 9 booster landed smoothly on SpaceX’s Pacific drone ship, Of Course I Still Love You, stationed in the ocean for recovery.
Residents in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties reported hearing sonic booms, a signature reminder of SpaceX’s high-speed reentry technology. This mission further builds on SpaceX’s efforts to expand Starlink, which now boasts over 6,700 active satellites, providing low-latency, high-speed internet access across the globe.
Public viewing of the launch wasn’t available at the military base, but dozens of ideal viewing spots near Lompoc, Surf Beach, and other coastal areas offered clear vistas of the rocket trail for early risers. SpaceX also live-streamed the launch for viewers across the nation.
SiriusXM SXM-10 Mission Launches From Florida
Meanwhile, across the country at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, SpaceX successfully launched another Falcon 9 mission, this time carrying the SiriusXM SXM-10 satellite, built by Maxar Space Systems.
After several weather-related delays, the rocket finally lifted off at 12:54 a.m. ET from Launch Complex 40.
Shortly after launch, SpaceX confirmed the successful deployment of the satellite into orbit. The first-stage booster completed its eighth mission, landing precisely on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean.
This mission marks another win for SpaceX’s reputation for reliability and rapid turnaround in commercial satellite deployment. It also strengthens SiriusXM’s network as the company continues to evolve its digital radio and streaming services across North America.
A Banner Weekend for U.S. Space Launches
The dual missions — from opposite coasts and within hours of each other — highlight SpaceX’s unmatched pace and precision in the commercial space industry.
Backed by partnerships with NASA, the Department of Defense, and private clients like SiriusXM, Elon Musk’s aerospace company is setting new standards for accessibility, speed, and reusability in orbital transport.
Both launches also underscore America’s coast-to-coast leadership in aerospace innovation, with California’s Vandenberg and Florida’s Cape Canaveral serving as vital gateways to space.
For live updates and future launch schedules, viewers can follow SpaceX on X (formerly Twitter)