A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket produced a striking 'jellyfish' effect in the predawn sky above Florida's Space Coast on Thursday, May 21. The rocket lifted off at 6:04 a.m. from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, 24 minutes before sunrise. Illuminated plumes of exhaust gases formed a luminous, trailing shape resembling a jellyfish, visible to observers in the area. The Starlink 10-31 mission deployed 29 broadband satellites into low-Earth orbit after reaching space.
The launch occurred during a period of heightened activity at the Space Force Station. SpaceX has another Starlink mission scheduled for Memorial Day, with a four-hour launch window from 7:41 a.m. to 11:41 a.m. Monday, May 25. The company typically conducts multiple launches each month from the East Coast, though weather and technical factors can delay schedules.
Local residents and visitors captured photos of the jellyfish-like plumes, which are caused by the interaction of exhaust gases with atmospheric conditions at high altitudes. The phenomenon is not uncommon during rocket launches but often draws attention for its visual impact. No issues were reported with the Falcon 9's performance, and the mission is expected to contribute to SpaceX's global broadband network.
For updates on upcoming launches, Florida Today's space team provides live coverage starting 90 minutes before scheduled liftoffs. The website also maintains a regularly updated launch schedule for Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center. A weekly 321 Launch newsletter offers additional insights into spaceflight activity in Brevard County.