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Final SpaceX rocket launch of 2017 lights up Southern California sky

KABC

LOS ANGELES -- Did you see something bright in the sky? You may have seen the launch of the 18th, and final mission of the year for SpaceX Friday night.

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Many Southern Californians saw the final SpaceX launch of 2017 Friday night, and they're all tweeting about it.

The launch happened around 5:30 p.m. right here in Southern California at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

T-60 seconds until launch → https://t.co/gtC39uBC7z
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 23, 2017

The sky wasn't the only thing to light up after the launch, however. Twitter and Facebook were ablaze with users posting about the strange-looking light overhead.

Did anyone see this? #SimiValley @ABC7 pic.twitter.com/QEUQ3ybzsa
— Leilani (@randomeizter) December 23, 2017

#Vandenburg #Rocket launch as seen from #VanNuys Airport. @ABC7 #Air7HD pic.twitter.com/hPITKvtJO9
— J.T. Alpaugh (@ABC7JT) December 23, 2017

People from downtown Los Angeles to Orange County to the Inland Empire reported seeing the rocket and its trail in the darkened sky.

My still shot of the @SpaceX launch from #Vandenberg. Wild to see . @ABC7 #abc7eyewitness pic.twitter.com/fsmIFNA2E7
— Greg Lee (@abc7greg) December 23, 2017

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department even tweeted to let residents know there was no reason to be alarmed.

SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg was the flash you saw in the sky! No cause for concern.
— Ventura Co. Sheriff (@VENTURASHERIFF) December 23, 2017

This mission sends 10 satellites into orbit, using another used Falcon 9 rocket for the flight.

SpaceX says this is the fourth flight for long-time customer Iridium.

Both companies are under contract to launch a total of 75 satellites to provide communications services for regions all over the world.

Report a correction or typo

Related topics:
technology los angeles los angeles county spacex

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