The images show beaming light from the SpaceX rocket in full view.
The rocket created a spectacular luminous blue trail across the skies of California.
Picture have emerged from Los Angeles, San Diego and other part of the US state.
However, the stunning launch sparked panic from Californian residents – who appear ed unaware of the planned launch by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Some believed it could be a visit from an alien UFO or spacecraft.
Twitter user Melanie Dramos said: “Saw a God damn UFO in Hollywood guys, what?”
Another Twitter user CRO said: “We are not alone.”
Kevin Chen tweeted the SpaceX boss: “@elonmusk you should probably clarify that the ‘UFO’ in California is your rocket.”
The Los Angeles Fire Department said the “mysterious lights in the sky” was from the Vandenberg launch.
SpaceX is Mr Musk’s agency and it has re-used its Falcon 9 on five separate missions, all of which were launched this year.
The mission sends 10 satellites into orbit and Space X said this is the fourth flight for long-time customer Iridium.
The rocket was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base at 5:27 p.m local time.
All of the satellites successfully deployed with the last one deployed about one an hour and 12 minutes after launch.
The rocket’s first stage was first used during a mission in June.
It was SpaceX’s 18th launch of the year.