The U.S. Space Force demonstrated its ability to rapidly adapt in the case of an emergency by successfully launching a new satellite into space on Thursday night. The launch left many people throughout Southern California wondering about the mysterious sight in the sky.

The rocket, which took off from Santa Barbara County, created a “strange light” as it burst through the atmosphere, leaving behind a large smoke cloud. People along the coast in Los Angeles and San Diego reported seeing the rocket’s trail, with some even spotting it from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton over 200 miles away.

Contrary to speculation, the peculiar sight was not caused by aliens in an unidentified flying object. It was simply the U.S. Space Force conducting its mission.

The launch was part of the Victus Nox mission, which aimed to test the Space Force’s “Tactically Responsive Space” capabilities. The mission was a success, breaking a new record with the rocket taking off just 27 hours after receiving the order.

Lt. Gen. Michael Guetlein, commander of Space Systems Command, stated that the success of Victus Nox demonstrated a culture shift in the nation’s ability to deter aggression and respond swiftly when necessary. The U.S. Space Force showcased its capability to rapidly integrate and respond to aggression on tactically relevant timelines.

The mission utilized an Alpha rocket from Firefly Aerospace, carrying a satellite made by Millennium Space Systems. The launch took place at Vandenberg Space Force Base and was overseen by Space Force’s Space Systems Command.

Earlier this year, SpaceX rockets were also used to deploy several Space Force satellites into orbit as part of the service’s efforts to establish a network of communication and tracking satellites in space.

The successful launch of the satellite by the U.S. Space Force demonstrates the organization’s ability to adapt quickly and respond effectively in times of need.