SpaceX

The latest launch of SpaceX ended up being delayed a bit but it did give some time to figure out where to watch it since I now work at a new location just out of town and where I know where to head for a clear shot when needed. The new schedule was set for not long after I got off work so I knew to head straight to a spot on the way home along Baldwin Park.

Tonight, the launch went off on time as I walked to the edge of the lake and got a few shots just as we headed toward sunset.



The SpaceX engines were at full thrust as it climbed higher in the evening sky.



The fun part about a morning or evening launch is the multi-colored smoke trail left over once the vehicle has cleared the area.



More launches to come this year. Hopefully I can be out there when they happen!

A Falcon to Start December

It is usually all about birds here but sometimes I need to include other flying objects. Especially if they are named after a bird. One of the cool things about living in Orlando was the chance to watch the Space Shuttle launches from the Cape some 50 miles away. With the Shuttle program scraped we have to wait for other programs to send up rockets.

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.