SpaceX Falcon 9 launches 21 Starlink satellites, soars past full moon. Watch video

After a series of delays earlier in the week, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket finally lifted off from Kennedy Space Center’s Pad 39A at 8:53 pm on Saturday. The rocket was carrying 21 starlink satellites into orbit, with 13 of them equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities, which is designed to enhance mobile connectivity.

While there was no official explanation for the delay, the liftoff was a thrilling sight for many viewers. Depending on their location, spectators watched as the rocket flew either over, under, or right in front of the full moon, which was visible in the eastern sky. It was a spectacular display for those in the Space Coast area, Florida.

Falcon 9 launch 21 Saturday, April 12, 2025 viewed from Sanford, Florida pic.twitter.com/DvTiRIiEno

— Keriann Esley (@EsleyKeriann) April 13, 2025

This particular launch marked the 10th flight for the Falcon 9's first-stage booster, which had already seen action in several previous missions, including four starlink missions, Nasa Crew-8, and others, reported Florida Today.

Pink Full Moon Meets SpaceX Starlink Launch!

Tonight, the Pink Full Moon—April’s tiny, spring-inspired micromoon—lit up the sky in a soft glow over Cocoa, FL. Right on cue, at 8:53 p.m. ET, a SpaceX Falcon 9 blasted off from Kennedy Space Center, lofting 21 Starlink satellites… pic.twitter.com/QhztpkpkyJ

— Richard P Gallagher (@rpg571) April 13, 2025

Despite some expecting sonic booms in central Florida, the booster successfully landed on the drone ship "A Shortfall of Gravitas" about eight-and-a-half minutes after liftoff, as it made its way back to the Atlantic Ocean.

Looking ahead, SpaceX is preparing for another launch from Cape Canaveral on Sunday, April 13, for another batch of Starlink satellites.

(Watch video)