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Did you see it? Rocket launch produced streak of light, contrail that was seen in parts of AZ, CA

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Updated  September 15, 2023 9:56am MST
Air and Space
FOX 10 Phoenix

PHOENIX - We have been getting a lot of calls at the FOX 10 Studios over a streak of light and contrail over the Phoenix area.

Our camera on South Mountain captured the sight during the 7:00 p.m. hour, and we have been getting calls from people in Phoenix as well as the Grand Canyon. Something similar was also spotted in the Los Angeles area.

According to the website of Firefly Aerospace, there was a rocket launch on the evening of Sept. 14 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

California rocket launch seen over Arizona

We received many phone calls from viewers on Sept. 14 regarding a strange trail of light and contrail over Arizona on the night of Sept. 14. As it turns out, it was caused by something that happened along the West Coast.

According to the Firefly Aerospace's website, the launch is related to a so-called ‘responsive space mission’ called VICTUS NOX.

"The goal of the program is to demonstrate the United States’ capability to rapidly respond to on-orbit needs during a conflict or in response to a national security threat," read a portion of the website.

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Streak of light, contrail over AZ caused by rocket

Our cameras on South Mountain in Phoenix captured this video, showing what looks like a column of smoke contrails and light over Phoenix. This was likely caused by a rocket launch at a Space Force base in California.