SpaceX launches rocket Friday afternoon at Vandenberg Space Force Base
SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket Friday afternoon from Vandenberg Space Force Base outside Lompoc.
The 3:07 p.m. launch, which was livestreamed on the company's website, put 53 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.
Liftoff took place as scheduled, with the rocket's plume and and a hint of its fiery blast visible along the Central Coast in the mostly clear afternoon sky.
The reusable first-stage booster has made several previous launches, the company said. After the stage separation for Friday's launch, Falcon 9's first stage returned to set down on a droneship in the ocean.
It was the company's fourth launch from Vandenberg this year, officials said during the livestream.
The event was webcast at spacex.com/launches/sl4-13/
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: SpaceX launch slated Friday afternoon at Vandenberg