Vandenberg Air Force Base launched a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket around 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
Edhat readers were quick to write in with questions of “what was that boom?” and “is that a bird? or a plane?” Booms and rattling could be felt as far as Carpinteria with anyone outside privy to seeing a bright streak in the sky.
Team Vandenberg’s fourth Iridium mission consisting of 10 satellites on the rocket successfully launched from Space Launch Complex-4 in Lompoc.
Col. Michael S. Hough, 30th Space Wing commander, was the space launch commander.
“Team Vandenberg is excited to begin and end 2017 with Falcon 9 launches,” said Hough. “We take our mission of providing assured access to space seriously and we’ve diligently worked with our SpaceX mission partners to ensure a safe and successful launch.”
Local photographer Fritz Olenberger captured the above photo from Hope Ranch stating the rocket was traveling from right to left in the photo, possibly right after state separation. Also, check out the crescent moon in the lower left of the photo.
Below are more photos from edhat readers: