SpaceX Launches Starlink Satellites on Valentine's Day

Falcon 9 rocket lights up Southern California sky during holiday launch

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Valentine's Day, carrying 24 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The launch was visible across Southern California, with residents in several counties potentially experiencing sonic booms during the event.

Why it matters

SpaceX's Starlink satellite network is a key part of the company's efforts to provide global high-speed internet access, and this launch continues to expand the network. The visibility of the launch also highlights the growing presence of commercial space activity in the region, which has raised some concerns from local residents about the impacts.

The details

The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 7:03 PM on Saturday, February 14th, 2026. SpaceX said residents in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties might experience one or more sonic booms during the launch. After stage separation, the rocket's first stage landed on SpaceX's drone ship 'Of Course I Still Love You' in the Pacific Ocean.

  • The Falcon 9 rocket launched at 7:03 PM on Saturday, February 14th, 2026.
  • SpaceX has three more launches scheduled from Vandenberg this month, with the next expected on Wednesday.

The players

SpaceX

A private aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded by Elon Musk.

Starlink

SpaceX's satellite internet provider, which has launched around 11,000 broadband satellites into space since 2019.

Vandenberg Space Force Base

A United States Space Force facility located on the Pacific coast of California, which serves as a launch site for SpaceX and other aerospace companies.

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What’s next

SpaceX has three more launches scheduled from Vandenberg this month, with the next expected to take place on Wednesday, February 19th, 2026.

The takeaway

SpaceX's continued expansion of its Starlink satellite network highlights the growing commercial space industry and its impact on communities, raising questions about the effects of increased rocket launches and sonic booms on local residents and the environment.