SpaceX launched the first mission of 2026 tonight (Jan. 2). A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California tonight at 9:09 p.m. EST carrying an Italian Earth-observing satellite to orbit. The rocket’s first stage landed back at Vandenberg as planned about 8.5 minutes after liftoff. It was the 21st flight for this particular booster, according to SpaceX. The launch could be seen locally from White Rock. Photo by Jasmine Stephens

The Falcon 9 rocket launched at Vandenburg Space Force Base Friday evening as seen from Santa Fe. Photo by Kim Lardon