Updated--A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket was launched in the fog at Vandenberg Space Force Base Thursday evening.

     It lifted off right on time at 7:35 PM with a payload of 20 more Starlink satellites headed for low earth orbit.

     The first stage then handed off to the second stage and returned to earth to the drone ship.

     But then there was a problem with the second stage (see photo below).

     An apparent ice build up can be seen on the second stage and then the second stage failed to properly lift the payload to its proper altitude for deployment.

   Whether there was a connection was unknown.

    Here is a statement on X from SpaceX regarding the problem with the second stage and deployment of the satellites...

     "During tonight’s Falcon 9 launch of Starlink, the second stage engine did not complete its second burn. As a result, the Starlink satellites were deployed into a lower than intended orbit.

SpaceX has made contact with 5 of the satellites so far and is attempting to have them raise orbit using their ion thrusters."