SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches 28 Starlink Satellites Over California, Arizona

On September 28, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 28 Starlink v2 Mini satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, visible across Southern California and Arizona. The launch, which occurred at 7:04 p.m. PDT, was widely observed and captured through photos and videos from locations including Pasadena, Fountain Hills, and mid-flight over Phoenix. This mission marked the booster’s 28th flight and the 16th launch for SpaceX that month, contributing to their constellation of over 8,500 active Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit. The first stage booster landed on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You” in the Pacific Ocean, demonstrating SpaceX’s ongoing reusability efforts. The launch was noted for its spectacular visual display during clear atmospheric conditions, especially near Pasadena, where local aerospace enthusiasm is high. Additionally, the launch supports Department of War communications via advanced low Earth orbit technology, highlighting its strategic importance.