What was that in the sky?

A jaw dropping sight occurred over Fallbrook Friday night. Was it a missile or aliens from outer space? Turns out it was a SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base near Lompoc.

From Fallbrook it looked like the spectacular air show started just over Camp Pendleton but it could be seen up and down the Pacific coast. The Falcon 9 rocket was carrying 10 satellites for Iridium Communications, a company that provides a global voice and data network. The U.S Department of Defense holds a contract with Iridium to improve network effectiveness, enhance performance and enable continued preparation efforts for its next-generation, global satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT, according to a press release issued by the company.

The new satellites are being phased in to replace first-generation relay stations for Iridium Communications. The companies new network will enable users anywhere in the world to make and receive satellite phone calls.

This is SpaceX's 18th launch this year.