Lancement et atterrissage
Image Credit &
Copyright:
John Kraus
A composite of three consecutive exposures,
this night skyscape follows
the January 7 launch and first stage landing of a Falcon 9 rocket from
a beach on
planet
Earth's space coast.
With the launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the bright streak
beginning farthest left traces the initial phase of the rocket's flight.
A visible upward hook marks the first stage beginning its return
trajectory with a "boostback burn" near the top of the arc,
while the second stage separates and continues toward orbit.
Above the top of the launch arc due to perspective,
a bright streak shows the returning first stage slowing and descending
toward the Cape.
Centered below, the streak at the horizon is a 17 second burn
finally
slowing the first stage to a successful vertical landing about 8
minutes after launch at
Landing Zone 1.
During the scene's effective long exposure time, the background
stars leave short trails in the night sky of the
rotating planet.