CRBC News
Politics
Conflict
Security
Economy
Science
Technology
Environment
Health
Culture
Society
Lifestyle
Science

SpaceX Falcon 9 Paints Predawn Sky with Colorful Contrails — Starlink 6‑86 Deploys 29 Satellites

10:41 PM, 12/01/2025
SpaceX Falcon 9 Paints Predawn Sky with Colorful Contrails — Starlink 6‑86 Deploys 29 Satellites

SpaceX's Falcon 9 launched at 2:44 a.m. on Dec. 1 for the Starlink 6‑86 mission, the 102nd orbital liftoff from Florida's Space Coast this year. The rocket deployed 29 Starlink satellites after lifting off from Launch Pad 39A, producing vivid predawn contrails as sunlight illuminated the exhaust at high altitude. A similar Starlink launch is targeted Tuesday from LC‑40 with a 3:16–7:16 p.m. window and no expected sonic booms. Live coverage begins roughly 90 minutes before liftoff on the mission webcast.

Falcon 9 lights up the Space Coast

By Rick Neale

SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket at 2:44 a.m. on Dec. 1 for the Starlink 6‑86 mission, marking the 102nd orbital liftoff from Florida's Space Coast so far this year. The vehicle lifted off from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and climbed on a southeasterly trajectory.

The mission deployed 29 Starlink internet satellites into low-Earth orbit. Because the launch occurred before dawn, sunlight striking the high-altitude exhaust created vivid, colorful contrails that stretched across the darkened sky. Photographers and early-morning observers captured striking images as the plume was illuminated against the pre-dawn backdrop.

What to expect next

SpaceX is targeting a similar Starlink flight for Tuesday afternoon from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch window runs from 3:16 p.m. to 7:16 p.m., the flight will follow a southeasterly trajectory, and no sonic booms are expected for residents on the ground.

Live coverage typically begins about 90 minutes before liftoff on the mission's official webcast. Photographers and skywatchers often get the best views when launches occur near sunrise or sunset, as sunlight at altitude can produce spectacular visual effects.

Quick facts: Starlink 6‑86 | 29 satellites deployed | Launch Pad 39A | Next attempt: LC‑40, 3:16–7:16 p.m.

Similar Articles

Trending