Tag: SpaceX rocket

SpaceX launch lights up the sky in So Cal

SpaceX launched a satellite from Vandenberg AFB in California this evening and the launch provided a great light display in the sky over the Pacific.  SpaceX successfully landed the booster rocket at Vandenberg AFB after it carried the satellite up into the sky where the second stage took it further out in to orbit. Below is a sequence of images showing the launch as seen from Venice.

Sunset just about an hour before the launch, weather was clear with just a few light clouds - perfect.
Sunset just about an hour before the launch, weather was clear with just a few light clouds – perfect.
The bright light between the palm trees to the left is the rocket.
The bright light between the palm trees to the left is the rocket.
The rocket can now be seen clearly with the con trail.
The rocket can now be seen clearly with the con trail.
Start of separation of the first stage.
Start of separation of the first stage.
Separation of the first stage.
Separation of the first stage.
Separation of the first stage, the first stage booster rocket will now land back at Vandenberg AFB to be re-used in another launch.
Separation of the first stage, the first stage booster rocket will now land back at Vandenberg AFB to be re-used in another launch.
Separation is complete and we can see the second stage propelling the satellite further out into orbit.
Separation is complete and we can see the second stage propelling the satellite further out into orbit.
Satellite is now ell on the way out into orbit while the booster rocket is on the way to land.
Satellite is now ell on the way out into orbit while the booster rocket is on the way to land.
The bright light in the lower part of this image is the booster rocket on the way to land back at Vandenberg AFB.
The bright light in the lower part of this image is the booster rocket on the way to land back at Vandenberg AFB.
This is the satellite well on the way out into orbit.
This is the satellite well on the way out into orbit.