Enter the SpaceX Falcon 9, a two-staged rocket now prepared to deliver crews to the ISS and deliver satellites into orbit. This launch was suppose to happen more than a week ago and was delayed and had two launches scrubbed on Thanksgiving Day. Tonight was the next opportunity.
I had to get the oldest son to band practice around the first opportunity so I had him be ready to go a little early so we could watch for the liftoff. It was nearly sunset and we positioned ourselves in the clearest area and waited for a couple of minutes. Rising over the tree line a short time after scheduled launch, the Falcon was in flight.
As it rose higher in the sky, a smoke trail began to be formed which lead me to recall older Shuttle launches near sunset that lead to interesting glows from the remaining rays of the day. Keep in mind that all of these shots were hand-held shots in low light conditions so I was happy with what I actually captured.
A shaft of sunlight did make it through to illuminate the plume as Falcon 9 pierced the evening sky.
For a little perspective of my location, the Orlando Airport is not far to the South and planes glide in a few miles to the East and I got a shot of one plane coming in for a landing past the launch.
Falcon 9 climbed higher and reached a new moisture layer as it arced toward its planned target in space.
As the main section began to separate the air began to form an interesting expanding cloud behind the rocket.
A closer view shows the cloud in more detail.
Here, you can see the stage dropping away from Falcon 9. It was an amazing sight.
Finally, all stages were deployed and Falcon 9 advanced into its orbit to release the satellite as planned.
I was glad to photograph this launch and it was even more enjoyable having my boy with me to witness one of our most interesting views from Central Florida. Can't wait for the next planned launches.
No comments:
Post a Comment