Space X Falcon 9 Rocket Launch from Vandenberg AFB 10 7 18

As SpaceX declared victory on its live webcast, cheers erupted on a southern California hilltop, where a group of watchers had gathered to witness the companys latest rocket launch (and landing). SpaceX had just achieved another first: touching down a rocket on California soil. Until now, the companys West Coast landings had all taken place on the deck of the companys drone ship, Just Read the Instructions. But following its carefully choreographed orbital gymnastics, the Falcon 9s first stage booster stuck its landing in the center of LZ4, SpaceXs new landing pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Minutes earlier, the Falcon 9 rocket had leapt off the pad, tasked with delivering Argentinas newest Earthobserving satelliteSAOCOMM1A into space. Without a single cloud in the night sky, the Falcons pyrotechnics were on full display. Exhaust from the rocket undulated through the atmosphere like ripples across a pond. Residents across the state caught sight of the unusual light show, as portions of the rock