Falcon Heavy Launch
Jan 17, 2023 11:29:37 #
Went to the Cape on Sunday to watch a sunset launch of the Falcon Heavy on a Space Force mission, a marvelous sight, and the technology is awesome. First, it was after sunset and getting dark. I was on the causeway 15 miles from the launch pad. Secondly, wasn't sure what settings so I selected shutter with high ISO to try and capture the moving rocket.
Anyway, you get one chance, and I kept the settings I had. As you can see, the launch was extremely bright and washed out as shown in the photos. My first opportunity for a late twilight launch and its a difficult time to photograph these rockets. Maybe I should have used "P" mode and let the camera make the settings. Anyway, this is what I got, not good but gives you an idea of the rocket, the technology and its beauty....SpaceX Rocks.
First photo, the launch...
Second, in flight...
Third, shortly after booster separation, you can see the boosters starting to right themselves for the trip back to the cape...
Last photo, boosters landing on their landing pads at the Space Force station at the Cape about 8 minutes after launch. Booster on the left is just at touchdown, the one on the right firing its engine for landing. The two sonic booms of these boosters returning woke everyone up.
Cheers
Anyway, you get one chance, and I kept the settings I had. As you can see, the launch was extremely bright and washed out as shown in the photos. My first opportunity for a late twilight launch and its a difficult time to photograph these rockets. Maybe I should have used "P" mode and let the camera make the settings. Anyway, this is what I got, not good but gives you an idea of the rocket, the technology and its beauty....SpaceX Rocks.
First photo, the launch...
Second, in flight...
Third, shortly after booster separation, you can see the boosters starting to right themselves for the trip back to the cape...
Last photo, boosters landing on their landing pads at the Space Force station at the Cape about 8 minutes after launch. Booster on the left is just at touchdown, the one on the right firing its engine for landing. The two sonic booms of these boosters returning woke everyone up.
Cheers
Jan 17, 2023 11:42:29 #
Jan 17, 2023 11:49:09 #
Awesome! It’s on my bucket list.
I watched from Bonita Springs (at least 100 miles away, I think) and was amazed at how easily I could see it go.
I watched from Bonita Springs (at least 100 miles away, I think) and was amazed at how easily I could see it go.
Jan 17, 2023 12:03:13 #
tcthome
Loc: NJ
Not too bad. Eric Kuna from Kelby One does this type photography & probably has a course on it. Also Jared Polin, you tuber just released a vid on shooting it. I didn't watch the vid but it might help.
Jan 17, 2023 12:07:36 #
Up Up and away... I saw a Space shuttle launch back in the 90s. It's awesome
Jan 17, 2023 12:20:34 #
BassmanBruce wrote:
Awesome! It’s on my bucket list.
I watched from Bonita Springs (at least 100 miles away, I think) and was amazed at how easily I could see it go.
I watched from Bonita Springs (at least 100 miles away, I think) and was amazed at how easily I could see it go.
Big Mutha..
However Bruce, I think its a little farther than 100 miles, my home is about 55 direct and I'm in Vero Beach. Wanting to watch one, come to the next Artemis launch, the first one was beautiful.Jan 17, 2023 12:21:22 #
tcthome wrote:
Not too bad. Eric Kuna from Kelby One does this type photography & probably has a course on it. Also Jared Polin, you tuber just released a vid on shooting it. I didn't watch the vid but it might help.
Thanks TC, will do...
Jan 17, 2023 12:21:26 #
Jan 17, 2023 12:21:55 #
ORpilot wrote:
Up Up and away... I saw a Space shuttle launch back in the 90s. It's awesome
They are a beautiful sight...
Jan 17, 2023 12:22:13 #
Jan 17, 2023 12:48:18 #
BassmanBruce wrote:
Awesome! It’s on my bucket list.
I watched from Bonita Springs (at least 100 miles away, I think) and was amazed at how easily I could see it go.
I watched from Bonita Springs (at least 100 miles away, I think) and was amazed at how easily I could see it go.
We used to watch all the shuttle launches from our back yard just north of Orlando, about 50 miles as the crow flies.
Jan 17, 2023 12:53:31 #
Longshadow wrote:
We used to watch all the shuttle launches from our back yard just north of Orlando, about 50 miles as the crow flies.
Yep, our kitchen window at our home in Kissimmee faced east and we watch a lot of successes and failures of the 50's and early 60's...quite a sight.
Jan 17, 2023 22:16:42 #
bikinkawboy
Loc: north central Missouri
Great shots! Reminds me of when I watched one of the shuttles launch in the early’80s. Leaves one with a great feeling doesn’t it?
Jan 18, 2023 06:04:17 #
bikinkawboy wrote:
Great shots! Reminds me of when I watched one of the shuttles launch in the early’80s. Leaves one with a great feeling doesn’t it?
Thank you, and yes, watching these launches is always a great sight, in fact a Falcon 9 will be launching in one hr at 0700, will be watching it from my drive this time.
Jan 18, 2023 09:18:19 #
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