x
Breaking News
More () »

If you see a strange light in the sky Tuesday night in Arizona, this is probably what it is

SpaceX launched Starlink satellites into orbit on Tuesday night.
Credit: AP
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon spacecraft lifts off Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023.

PHOENIX — SpaceX launched 21 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Jan. 2.

The Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched around 8:45 p.m. Arizona time on Tuesday night. 

"This launch will include the first six Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities that will enable mobile network operators around the world to provide seamless global access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters," the SpaceX website said.

The first stage successfully landed on the "Of Course I Still Love You" drone ship, which was stationed in the Pacific Ocean, SpaceX said. 

If you saw a strange light in the sky Tuesday night, this was probably it. 

Starlink is a high-speed satellite internet provider, popular in rural areas, but versions of it are also used for national security purposes.

Up to Speed

Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.

Watch 12News+ for free

You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app! 

The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. 

12News+  showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. 

Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. 

RokuAdd the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX." 

Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out