Lowcountry skies illuminate after SpaceX launch

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Was it aliens? Was it a comet? Just a few questions asked by locals after catching a glimpse of the sky this morning.

After consulting Storm Team 2, they said it is likely an after-effect from the SpaceX rocket launch in Florida.

SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 with 20 Starlink satellites on Wednesday, July 3 at 4:55 a.m. to low-Earth orbit from the Space Launch Complex in Florida.

According to SpaceX, 13 of the 20 Starlink satellites have Direct to Cell capabilities, which would enable widespread access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever cell phone users may be: land, lakes, or coastal waters.

SpaceX’s website shows T-Mobile as a global partner.

“SpaceX and T-Mobile share a vision where these uncovered areas are a relic of the past, and today, the companies are taking a first step to make that vision a reality,” said T-Mobile’s website.

The phone company added it wants to eliminate dead zones anywhere in the world for cell phone users.