U.S. NewsCaliforniaelon muskspacex

SpaceX Rocket Launch (Not Aliens) Lights Up The Night Sky Above California

For the first time, Elon Musk's SpaceX has successfully launched and landed a rocket on the west coast.
Open Image Modal
By 

Editor, HuffPost Australia

The sky above California lit up on Sunday when Elon Musk’s SpaceX successfully launched and landed a rocket on the west coast for the first time.

However, some Twitter users were so startled by the sight that they thought aliens were getting ready to touch down on Earth.

The return of the Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage to Earth was part of the company’s continued effort to decrease the cost of its launches by reusing rockets rather than losing them in the ocean, The Associated Press reported. 

Successful landings have already occurred on land in Florida and at sea on droneships.

Support HuffPost

At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.

Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your will go a long way.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

The SpaceX Dragon Capsule
The Dragon Capsule Up-Close(01 of07)
Open Image Modal
The Dragon capsule is only about 20 feet long, has a max diameter of 12.1 feet and weighs 9,260 lbs. It can carry 13,228 lbs up to space and 6,612 lbs down from space. The capsule was designed so that, eventually, it will be able to bring as many as seven passengers up to orbit. (credit:AP)
SpaceX Dragon Capsule Model(02 of07)
Open Image Modal
A computer rendering of the SpaceX Dragon capsule shows its deployed solar panels, which help power the vehicle. (credit:AP)
SpaceX Dragon Capsule Launch Specs(03 of07)
Open Image Modal
(credit:AP)
SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches(04 of07)
Open Image Modal
SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket, which carried the Dragon capsule up to space, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on May 22. The original May 19 launch was delayed because of an engine problem. (credit:Getty)
Dragon Capsule Before The Dock(05 of07)
Open Image Modal
SpaceX's Dragon capsule flew over West Africa early on May 25, not long before it finally docked at the International Space Station. (credit:AP)
SpaceX Dragon Capsule Approaches ISS(06 of07)
Open Image Modal
Early on May 25, the Dragon capsule made its slow approach to the International Space Station. (credit:AP)
Dragon Capsule Docks(07 of07)
Open Image Modal
SpaceX Dragon capsule finally docked at the International Space Station over Australia at 9:56 a.m. ET. The capsule was captured by a 58-foot long robotic arm attached to the station, which will reel in the capsule and its cargo of about 1,200 lbs of food, water, clothing and supplies. (credit:AP)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip